How to Troubleshoot Whirlpool Cabrio Dryers

Whirlpool unveiled its Cabrio super capacity washer and dryer in 2006, making it easier to do large amounts of laundry. While the Cabrio may be able to dry three baskets of laundry in under 30 minutes, it is not indestructible. Problems will arise that can bring laundry day to a screeching halt. Checking a few things can help you pinpoint the problem and avoid pulling out the old-fashioned clothesline.

Instructions

1. If the dryer is not even turning on, be sure to press and hold the start button. With particularly large loads, you may have to hold the start button on the Cabrio for up to five seconds before the cycle begins.

2. Check to make sure the dryer door is completely shut. If it did not close completely, the interior light should remain on. However, you may either have a blown bulb or so many clothes loaded that they dim the light. Open the door completely and then shut it until you hear the lock click or see the light go out.

3. Check the fuses. Since the Cabrio operates on a 240-volt power supply, it will be wired into either two fuses or two breakers. One fuse or breaker usually supplies the base power, while the other supplies use to the heating element. If the dryer is turning on but not drying, the latter fuse or breaker may have blown. If your fuse box is equipped with standard fuses, they should be swapped for time-delay fuses.

4. Listen for strange sounds. If the dryer is rocking or walking during the cycle, check the legs to make sure the machine is properly leveled and balanced. An unbalanced machine may also lead to short cycles, since the fabrics may not be coming into contact with the load sensor strips.

   Also check the load for knotted clothing which can make the load unbalanced. Pull out any knotted clothing or fabric, separate and restart the cycle.

5. Check for debris in the front. If there is a dull grinding noise or the drum seems to be turning too slowly, it might be due to small items jammed between the front panel and the drum. Something as small as a penny or paper clip can work its way into this crevice and hinder the operation of the dryer drum.

6. Look for error codes on the display. If it reads "PF," then a power failure interrupted the previous load from completing and you will need to restart the cycle.

   An "AF" code means there is a low airflow condition and the clothes may not dry properly. To remedy this, check to make sure the lint screen is cleaned off and that there is no blockage in either the vent duct that runs from the dryer to the wall or the vent hood on the exterior of the house.

   If the Cabrio displays a code with F followed by a number, like F1, F2, or F20, then there is a more serious problem in the internal components. In this case, you should call a Whirlpool technician to service the machine.

Tips & Warnings

• You should only use one sheet of fabric softener per load in the Cabrio. Extra fabric softener sheets may block the grille and hinder drying or ventilation.

• For the dryer to operate optimally, it should be placed in a room where the temperature is more than 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It should also have 5 inches of clearance in the rear and 1 inch in the front and sides to ensure proper ventilation.

• Do not put fabric softener sheets in a partially dried load. Doing so could possibly stain clothing.

References

• Whirlpool
• Whirlpool Cabrio