Whirpool gas dryer - starts but wont stay running

 
I've got a Whirlpool gas dryer (Model GGW9878LWW) that wont' stay
running.

When I press the start button, the tumbler starts spinning, and I can
hear the flames ignite (the clothes do get dry too). When I release
the start button, everything stops. I need to put duct tape over the
button for the clothes to dry.

I can hear a relay engage when I press the button as well.
The dryer door switch is working fine. I can make the dryer start/stop
by pressing/releasing this.

Is this a common problem with Whirlpool dryers? It's only 5-6 years
old.

I would like to see if I can fix this myself, I'm fairly handly with
home repairs.

thanks for any help.

 
Just a WAG, but I would suspect a bad relay.  It (probably) has 2 sets
of contacts.  one to start the dryer, and the other to hold the relay
closed.

Actually, just thought of another thing that would cause the problem.
Even more likely than a bad relay.
There is a switch that opens when you open the door.  Its likely broken.
If you can locate it, jump the contacts (CAUTION: 117 vac here) and see
if that keeps it on, and if so, replace it.

--
Rich Greenberg  N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com  + 1 239 543 1353
Eastern time.  N6LRT  I speak for myself & my dogs only.    VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians  Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach                                     Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

 
The door switch works- that is, when i open the door it stops, when I
close it the dryer runs, as long as I keep the start button pressed.

 
In that case, I will reiterate the bad relay suggestion.

The stuck starting switch I think unlikely.  The start winding is
intended for little use, and steady on would likely burn it up.

It could also be a start button problem if the button has more than 1
pole.

--
Rich Greenberg  N Ft Myers, FL, USA richgr atsign panix.com  + 1 239 543 1353
Eastern time.  N6LRT  I speak for myself & my dogs only.    VM'er since CP-67
Canines:Val, Red, Shasta & Casey (RIP), Red & Zero, Siberians  Owner:Chinook-L
Retired at the beach                                     Asst Owner:Sibernet-L

 cappy2112 wrote:

The problem is most likely with the centrifugal switch on the motor.
Under normal conditions, the centrifugal switch operates when the motor
reaches full speed, which is the electrical equivalent of holding the
start button down.

Vacuum the dust and lint away from the motor and look for anything that
may be obstructing the switch.  It's near the point where the wires
connect to the motor.