How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Cabrio Dryer

Repair Problems and Solutions

By
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender
Lee Wallender

Lee has over two decades of hands-on experience remodeling, fixing, and improving homes, and has been providing home improvement advice for over 13 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 11/05/22
Fact checked by
Sarah Scott
SS
Fact checked by Sarah Scott
Sarah Scott is a fact-checker and researcher who has worked in the custom home building industry in sales, marketing, and design.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
whirlpool cabrio
Courtesy of Whirlpool/Maytag
Project Overview
  • Total Time: 10 - 20 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $5 to $10

Whirlpool manufactured Whirlpool Cabrio dryers for years until replacing them with newer lines of top- or front-loading gas and electric dryers. For many homeowners, though, their Whirlpool Cabrio dryer is still going strong—mostly.

Ordinary use can take a toll on these hardworking appliances. While you might need to call a technician at some point, basic Whirlpool Cabrio dryer troubleshooting can be done by most homeowners easily and with only simple tools.

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Safety Considerations

Before troubleshooting the Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, unplug it from the wall outlet.

Featured Video

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Manual screwdriver
  • Flashlight
  • Tape measure
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Long, narrow brush

Instructions

How to Troubleshoot a Cabrio Dryer That Will Not Turn On or Run

When you try to turn on your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, it will not turn on or it turns on but doesn't run.

  1. Check Circuit Breaker

    Turn off the circuit breaker on the electric service panel. Since the Whirlpool Cabrio dryer is 30A 120/240 V service, a double or tandem circuit breaker controls the dryer's outlet. Flip the breaker back on.

  2. Check Power Supply

    The power cord on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer must be a type SRD or SRDT and it must be at least 4 feet long.

  3. Fully Close Dryer Door

    The door of the Cabrio dryer may appear to be closed though it actually isn't fully closed. Open the door and shut it again firmly.

Cabrio Dryer Displays Error Codes

When you want to run your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, the control panel displays error codes like PF or F-series codes like F1, F2, or others.

  1. PF Code Is Displayed

    On a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, the error code PF means "Power Failure." With this type of error code, it's typical for the dryer cycle to be interrupted during operations. To fix, press and hold the Start button.

  2. F, F1, F2, or Other F Series Codes Are Displayed

    F-series error codes on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer run from F and F1 to F72. F stands for "Function" and usually refers to control board errors. For example:

    • F: Voltage or power drop
    • F1: Control board fault
    • F42: Shorted or open heater/thermistor
    • F53: Motor module high temperature

Cabrio Dryer Doesn't Dry Clothes

When you run your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer but the clothes don't sufficiently dry: clothes are damp or they are mostly dry but a little damp.

  1. Check Sensor Strips

    On the inside of the Whirlpool Cabrio dryer are two metal sensor strips that detect the presence of moisture. Stray clothing or a fabric softener sheet might be blocking the strips.

  2. Clean Lint Screen

    The Whirlpool Cabrio lint screen is located on the top of the dryer. Pull the lint screen toward you to remove it. Clean the screen. With a clean bottle brush, clean the outer few inches of the lint screen's slot.

  3. Check Grille Inside Drum

    Look inside the dryer drum. The metal grille or grate may have a fabric softener sheet stuck on it, blocking air. Remove the sheet.

  4. Measure Exhaust Vent

    The exhaust vent must be 4 inches in diameter. On a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, a metal exhaust vent with no elbows can be no longer than 28 feet with an angled hood or no more than 36 feet with a box- or louvered-style hood. If possible, move the dryer closer to the exterior exhaust point and shorten the exhaust vent tube.

  5. Check Laundry Room Temperature

    The laundry room must be 45°F or greater for the dryer to properly heat up.

  6. Change Air-Only Modifier

    The Air-Only modifier on the controls must be turned off for the clothes to dry.

Cabrio Dryer Makes Unusual Sounds

When you run your Whirlpool Cabrio dryer, it makes unusual sounds like thumping, clicking, or scraping.

  1. Let Dryer Run

    Thumping sounds are normal in a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer if it has not been used for awhile. Let the dryer run for about 10 minutes.

  2. Fix Clothing in Dryer

    Clothing in the dryer drum that is knotted or balled up will make thumping sounds. Pull all of the clothes out, separate them and shake them out, then put them back in the dryer and try again.

  3. Check for Debris

    Look inside the dryer drum with a flashlight. Credit cards, buttons, paperclips, or coins may have become lodged in the narrow spaces at either the front or the rear of the dryer.

  4. Re-Level Dryer

    All four legs on a Whirlpool Cabrio dryer must be installed. The dryer must be steady and level from front to back and from side to side. While it's best if the laundry room floor is level, it can have up to a 1-inch slope along the length or width of the dryer. Use an adjustable wrench to raise or lower the legs.

When to Call a Professional

All F-series error codes should be fixed by a service technician. Do not open up the dryer to work on its components. Call a service technician for internal repairs or if the dryer needs a type SRD or SRDT power cord.

If the dryer does not have 30A 120/240 V service, call a licensed electrician.