We have a Whirlpool Ultimate care 2 dryer about 10 years old. When you turn it on the tumbler won't spin and the heating element is on before you push the start button even if the door is open. We tried to unplug it and spin the tumbler and it moves. The heating element will turn off but only in the off position. Could it be the start button is stuck or broken?

Hi webster and welcome to AMHD, if I'm reading this right it sounds like you have two problems,

"tumbler won't spin" -- belt broke of off.

"heating element is on before you push the start button" -- grounded heating element or circuit.

Post the model number with any follow up. Good luck

The belt is fine. My husband checked all of that last night. He was spinning it by hand and everything seemed to be moving properly. The model number is LEQ8000JQ1. Thanks for the help!

Hi again webster, when hubby checked the belt did he find a tech sheet? He can use it to check the timers switches. Also check the motor switch. Good luck

You will have to clean the drier out thoroughly. Every air duct will have to be removed and scraped and washed out to remove baked on lint deposits which is like concrete lining. This will burn so the manufacturer has installed the safeties to keep from having a house fire. Driers were the number one cause of fires at one time. Look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP7BW1lLs4 to see how. Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBiRw-KElC4 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTZGgVisCI
When you finish cleaning the drier it is best to also replace the belt, too, because you do not want to have to disassemble it again, and if the belt is over two years old you should replace it.

Note that on most of the videos it does not show them washing out the parts, but this is important because it's the only way to really get the parts clean, just don't get motor wet or the capacitor if it has one. Vacuum out motor. I would move the drier out to your garage to have plenty of space to work. You also want to check your vent and clean it, also. The job is really easier than it sounds. There is no shortcut that will work; it has to be cleaned well. Before you re-assemble it make sure to use white lithium grease (high-temp grease) and grease all bearings. Just vacuuming out the dryer a little does little good. You also want to check the vent and clean it out. When you are done you will have a new dryer and it will dry like new again. You want to clean it like this every two years or every year with many children. DrTom4444

Thanks Everyone for all the help! Nothing is fixing the problem, so we are breaking down and buying a new one. :(

I'm sorry about that, I hope you get many good years from the new one.