What causes the L2 code on a Whirlpool dryer?

Tripped half of a double breaker: One leg of the 240V circuit is dead — common when a breaker partially trips. Failed heating element or thermal fuse: An open element or blown thermal fuse cuts heat.

Whirlpool · Dryer Moderate

L2 — No or Low Heat (Line Voltage)

L2 indicates the dryer is not receiving the second leg of 240V power needed for the heating element. The drum turns but there is no heat.

Keep using it?: Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Typical cost: $15-30
Verified against: producthelp.whirlpool.com ↗

The fix

Power cord

Low or no line voltage detected

$15-30 easy difficulty 20 min Tools: screwdriver, nut driver, multimeter

Diagnose first: Check that both legs of 240V are present at the outlet. Often a tripped half-breaker or burned outlet terminal — the cord itself is rarely the issue.

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How to fix it

Fully cycle the dryer breaker off and on (both halves of the double breaker).
If still no heat, unplug and test the thermal fuse and heating element for continuity.
Replace the open component.

Why it happens

Typical signs: Drum spins but no heat · Clothes stay cold and wet · L2 on the display

Tripped half of a double breaker One leg of the 240V circuit is dead — common when a breaker partially trips.
Failed heating element or thermal fuse An open element or blown thermal fuse cuts heat.

Other parts sometimes needed

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element Kit Common replacement
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Related repair guides

Dryer Runs But Doesn't Heat — Causes and Fixes →

More Whirlpool dryer codes

AF AF — Airflow Restriction E1 E1 — Exhaust Thermistor Open/Shorted E2 E2 — Outlet (Exhaust) Thermistor Shorted Err Err — Door Not Fully Closed F01 F01 — Main electronic control board failure F02 F02 — User Interface / Keypad Failure

All Whirlpool codes → All dryer codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com.