How to Install Dryer Belt Switch Jumper Wire WPY307173 in a Whirlpool Dryer
Quick answer: Unplug the dryer, open the top and front panel, find the two harness leads for the belt switch near the idler pulley and motor, remove the damaged jumper, push the terminals of WPY307173 onto those leads until they lock, clip the wire away from the belt, then close up and confirm the dryer starts.
Belt switch jumper wire WPY307173 is a short factory wire used in the belt switch circuit of Whirlpool-built Maytag dryers such as MDE7657BYQ, LDE8506ACM and MDE5000AYW. The belt switch sits on the idler arm under the drum and opens the motor circuit if the drive belt breaks, so the motor does not spin uselessly. The harness reaches that switch through a short jumper, and when that jumper chafes on the belt or its terminal corrodes, the dryer refuses to start even though the belt, motor and switch are all fine.
Because the part is a single wire with terminals, the installation is simple. The work is in opening the dryer safely and identifying the correct leads next to the idler and motor, where several wires run close together. Confirm on your model's wiring diagram exactly where the belt switch jumper connects before you unplug anything, and match the terminals on WPY307173 to those on the harness.
See part details and every compatible model: WPY307173
- Unplug the dryer; on a gas dryer also close the gas shutoff before moving the cabinet.
- Wear gloves; the base frame and the idler spring can cut or pinch.
- Let the heater housing cool before working near the motor.
- Never bypass the belt switch permanently with a longer wire; WPY307173 is the factory-length jumper meant for this circuit.
Tools and Parts You Need
- Putty knife for the top panel clips
- Phillips screwdriver
- 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch nut drivers
- Needle-nose pliers
- Multimeter for a continuity check
- Flashlight
- Work gloves
Step-by-Step Installation
- Disconnect and open Unplug the dryer and close the gas valve if applicable. Release the top panel with a putty knife or remove its rear screws, then unscrew and remove the front panel, disconnecting the door switch plug.
- Locate the belt switch circuit Look under the drum near the idler pulley and motor. Find the belt switch on the idler arm and follow its leads to the short jumper that joins the harness.
- Confirm the fault With the dryer unplugged, use a multimeter to check continuity across the old jumper. An open reading or a burnt terminal confirms it needs replacement.
- Remove the old jumper Grip each terminal with needle-nose pliers, press the locking tab if present and pull it straight off. Note which lead each end connected to.
- Fit WPY307173 Push the terminals of the new jumper onto the same two leads until each locks fully. The connection should not pull off by hand.
- Secure the wire Route the jumper through the original clip or tie point so it cannot touch the belt, the idler pulley or the motor pulley.
- Reassemble Reconnect the door switch, refit the front panel and lower the top panel until it latches.
- Test Plug in the dryer, open the gas valve if closed, and start an air-only cycle. The drum should turn and the dryer should run normally.
Fit Checks Before You Call the Job Done
- Both terminals of WPY307173 match the harness lead terminals in size and lock on firmly.
- The jumper reaches its leads without tension and without slack draped near the belt.
- A continuity check across the new jumper reads closed.
- The wire sits in its clip clear of every moving part.
- The dryer starts on the first attempt and keeps running with the door closed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Connecting to the wrong leads Several wires cluster near the motor. Follow the belt switch leads specifically; a jumper on the wrong pair can leave the dryer dead or bypass a safety.
Letting the wire touch the belt A jumper that rubs the moving belt is how the original one failed. Secure it in the clip.
Pulling terminals by the wire Tugging the wire pulls the crimp loose. Always grip the terminal body with pliers.
Skipping the continuity test If the old jumper reads closed, the no-start fault lies elsewhere and the new wire will not fix it.
Forgetting the door switch The front panel carries the door switch; leave it unplugged and the dryer will not start.
Troubleshooting After Installation
Dryer still does not start Check the door switch plug, the thermal fuse on the blower housing and the belt switch itself. The jumper only restores one link in that chain.
Motor hums but drum does not turn The belt is off the idler or motor pulley. Open the cabinet and re-route the belt.
Dryer runs briefly then stops The belt switch may be riding on a stretched idler spring. Inspect the idler assembly.
Terminal feels loose on the lead Squeeze the harness terminal slightly with pliers to tighten its grip, or replace that harness terminal.
Care Tips After the Repair
- Vacuum lint from around the motor and idler yearly; lint holds moisture that corrodes terminals.
- Do not overload the dryer, which stretches the belt and makes it whip against nearby wires.
- Listen for belt squeal and fix it early so the belt does not shred and abrade the wiring.
- Keep the exhaust duct clear to reduce heat inside the cabinet.
Compatible Models (Sample)
This part is listed for 43 Whirlpool models in our fitment data. Always confirm your exact model number on the appliance's rating plate.
Repair Difficulty and Time
Difficulty: Moderate. Typical time: 30 to 60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dryers use WPY307173?
Whirlpool-built Maytag style dryers such as MDE4000AZQ, LDE7304ADL and MDE9706AYW are on the fitment list.
Can I use a piece of ordinary wire instead?
Not recommended. The factory jumper has the correct terminals and insulation for the location, and a homemade wire is easy to route wrong.
Does replacing the jumper disable the belt switch?
No. The jumper completes the switch circuit as designed; the switch still opens if the belt breaks.
Do I need to remove the drum?
No. The belt switch and its jumper are reachable from the front once the front panel is off.
Final Checklist
- Dryer unplugged, gas closed if applicable
- Top and front panels opened, door switch unplugged
- Belt switch leads identified from the wiring diagram
- Old jumper tested and removed
- WPY307173 terminals locked onto both leads
- Wire secured clear of belt and pulleys
- Panels reinstalled and door switch reconnected
- Air-only cycle confirms the dryer starts and runs