279827 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Drive Motor
The 279827 is a Genuine OEM Whirlpool replacement dryer drive motor with pre-attached pulley, compatible with a wide range of Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Estate, and Kenmore dryers. The drive motor is the component that powers everything that moves in your dryer — it turns the drum belt (which rotates the drum to tumble clothes) and simultaneously drives the blower wheel (which pushes heated air through the drum and out the exhaust vent). When the motor fails, the dryer either won't start, won't tumble, stops mid-cycle, or makes loud humming, buzzing, or grinding noises.
This is a dual-shaft motor: the drive shaft (1-3/4" long) connects to the drum belt via the pre-attached pulley, and the blower shaft (1-3/4" long) drives the blower wheel. The pulley is pre-attached and is not available separately — if your old motor's pulley is worn, this replacement includes a new one. As a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications, the 279827 is one of the most widely used dryer motors across the Whirlpool platform, replacing over 70 legacy part numbers spanning decades of production. Key cross-references include W10448892, W10396029, W10194250, 8066206, 3395654, 3398046, 3391888, 3395652, AP3094245, PS334304, and EAP334304. Includes the motor assembly, two 1/8" insulated female terminals, and instructions. Before replacing the motor, check the thermal fuse (electric dryers) and door switch first — a blown fuse or failed switch produces identical no-start symptoms and is a far cheaper fix. Installs in 45–90 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The 279827 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Drive Motor fixes Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Roper, Estate, and Kenmore dryers that won't start, won't tumble, stop mid-cycle, or make loud humming/buzzing/grinding noises. Dual-shaft drive motor with pre-attached pulley. Shaft lengths: blower 1-3/4", drive 1-3/4". Includes motor assembly + 2 insulated female terminals + instructions. Genuine OEM. Key cross-refs: W10448892, W10396029, W10194250, 8066206, 3395654, AP3094245, PS334304. Before replacing the motor: check the thermal fuse and door switch first — they're far cheaper fixes for no-start symptoms.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
Dryer won't start — motor has failed or seized
Dryer won't tumble — motor not powering the drum belt
Dryer stops mid-cycle — motor overheating or intermittently failing
Loud humming or buzzing when the start button is pressed — motor trying to start but can't
Grinding or squealing noise during operation — worn motor bearings
Motor runs but drum doesn't turn — pulley worn or belt slipping on a worn motor shaft
Dryer runs intermittently — motor cutting out from thermal overload
Burning smell from the motor area — overheating windings or seized bearings
Motor locked up or seized — bearings failed completely
Cross Reference Information
Part numbers can change over a product's lifecycle as manufacturers update designs or release new appliance models. For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.
Replaces Part Numbers
This dryer drive motor directly replaces a large number of OEM and cross-reference part numbers spanning decades of Whirlpool-platform dryer production. Key replacements include:
279827, 3388235, 2019, 2584, 26000299992, 26000695925, 337099, 337100, 3388209, 3388234, 339088, 3391886, 3391887, 3392857, 339627, 339635, 339662, 339672, 340907, 343029, 345437, 348804, 349587, 349808, 3980069, 660199, 660617, 661654, 687499, 687988, 690094, 690870, 694051, 695089, 695925, 697075, 786067, 786090, 8066206, 8066207, 8115, 8528319, 8538262, 8539555, S87-531, W10194250, W10366770, W10396029, W10396032, W10448892, AH334304, AM211, EA334304, K35-099, OEM9282744, AP3094245, AWP39205, EAP334304, PD00002349, PS334304.
This is one of the most extensively cross-referenced parts in the Whirlpool catalog. If your old motor shows a part number not listed here, contact our support team with your dryer model number and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This drive motor is compatible with select dryers from the following brands:
Whirlpool dryers — electric and gas models across many generations (WED, WGD, LER, LGR, LEQ, LGQ series and many more)
Maytag dryers — select Whirlpool-built models (MED, MGD, MEDC, MEDX series)
KitchenAid dryers (select models)
Jenn-Air dryers (select models)
Amana dryers — select models (NED, NGD series)
Magic Chef dryers (select models)
Admiral dryers (select models)
Norge dryers (select models)
Roper dryers (select models)
Estate dryers (select models)
Kenmore / Sears dryers — select Whirlpool-built models (110-series)
Important — Before Replacing the Motor: A dryer that won't start can be caused by several components that are far cheaper and easier to replace than the motor. Before ordering, check the thermal fuse (electric dryers — test for continuity with a multimeter), the door switch (test for continuity when pressed), and the start switch. All three produce identical no-start symptoms. Only replace the motor after ruling out these common causes — a motor replacement is a significant repair, and it's far cheaper to replace a $10 thermal fuse than a $150+ motor. Always verify your dryer model number before ordering.
Key Features
Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit and performance
Dryer drive motor — powers the drum (via belt and pulley) and the blower wheel simultaneously
Dual-shaft design: drive shaft 1-3/4" and blower shaft 1-3/4"
Pre-attached pulley (pulley is not available separately — included with the motor)
Resolves "won't start," "won't tumble," "stops mid-cycle," "humming/buzzing," "grinding," and "burning smell" symptoms when caused by motor failure
Includes motor assembly, two 1/8" insulated female terminals, and instructions
One of the most widely used dryer motors across the Whirlpool platform — replaces 60+ legacy part numbers
Key cross-references: W10448892, W10396029, W10194250, 8066206, 3395654, 3398046, 3391888, AP3094245, PS334304, EAP334304
Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Estate, and Kenmore dryers
Designed for heavy daily use with minimal noise
DIY repair — installs in 45–90 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
Part Number
279827
Part Type
Dryer Drive Motor with Pulley
Condition
Genuine OEM
Application
Dryers — Electric & Gas (Whirlpool platform)
Drive Shaft Length
1-3/4"
Blower Shaft Length
1-3/4"
Pulley
Pre-attached (not sold separately)
Function
Powers drum rotation (via belt/pulley) and blower wheel
Kit Includes
Motor assembly, 2x 1/8" insulated female terminals, instructions
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Estate, Kenmore
Installation Notes
⚠️ Disconnect Power Before Starting — 240V Circuit (Electric) or Gas Line (Gas) — Wear Work Gloves Disconnect power at the breaker before beginning — electric dryers operate on a 240V circuit and there is a serious risk of electrical shock. For gas dryers, also shut off the gas supply at the shutoff valve. Wear work gloves and safety glasses. Pull the dryer away from the wall. Remove the lint screen and the screws beneath it. For most Whirlpool-platform dryers, remove the top panel by releasing the spring clips at the front, then detach the front panel by removing the screws at the top corners. Disconnect the door switch wires and set the front panel aside. Support the drum and slide it forward to access the motor at the bottom rear. Remove the drum belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley. Photograph the motor's wiring connections before disconnecting. Disconnect the electrical connections from the motor. Remove the blower wheel from the old motor's blower shaft — this typically requires a clamp or clip removal (the blower wheel threads off counterclockwise on many models). Remove the motor mounting clip/bracket and lift out the old motor. Install the new 279827 motor in the same position. Transfer the blower wheel onto the new motor's blower shaft and secure it. Reinstall the motor mounting clip/bracket. Reconnect the electrical connections using the included insulated female terminals if needed (match your photos). Re-route the drum belt around the drum, through the idler pulley, and onto the motor pulley. Reassemble the front panel, top panel, and lint screen. Restore power (and gas for gas dryers) and run a test cycle — confirm the drum spins smoothly and heated air flows through the drum. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, nut driver, socket/ratchet set, putty knife (for spring clips), needle-nose pliers, work gloves, safety glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dryer won't start — is the motor definitely the problem?
Not necessarily — and this is important because a motor replacement is a significant repair. A dryer that won't start can be caused by several components that are far cheaper and easier to replace. Before ordering the motor, check these first: 1) Thermal fuse (electric dryers) — a blown thermal fuse is the single most common cause of a no-start condition. Test for continuity with a multimeter; if it reads open, replace the fuse (~$10). 2) Door switch — test for continuity when pressed; if it's failed, the dryer won't start as a safety measure. 3) Start switch — if pressing the start button produces no response at all, the start switch itself may have failed. Only replace the motor after ruling these out. Signs that point specifically to the motor: a loud humming or buzzing when you press start (motor trying but can't turn), grinding or squealing from the motor area, or a motor that runs intermittently and cuts out.
Why does the motor hum but the drum doesn't turn?
A humming motor that won't turn is a classic sign of a seized or failing motor — the windings are energized (hence the hum) but the shaft can't rotate because the bearings have failed or the motor is mechanically stuck. This can also be caused by the blower wheel being jammed with lint or debris, preventing the shaft from turning — so before condemning the motor, check the blower wheel for obstructions. If the blower wheel spins freely and the motor still hums without turning, the motor has failed and needs replacement. Note: a humming motor that won't start will eventually trip the thermal fuse as a safety measure, so you may need to replace both the motor and the thermal fuse.
Why are there so many cross-reference part numbers for this motor?
The 279827 is one of the most extensively cross-referenced parts in the Whirlpool catalog because it's been the standard dryer drive motor across the Whirlpool platform for decades — spanning Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, Roper, Estate, Kenmore, and many other brands that Whirlpool manufactures for. Over the years, the motor has been assigned different part numbers by different brands, distributors, and catalog systems (W10448892, W10396029, 8066206, 3395654, 3398046, etc.), but they all point to the same motor. If your old motor shows ANY of those numbers, the 279827 is the correct replacement.
Does this motor come with the pulley?
Yes — the pulley is pre-attached to the motor and is not available separately. The pulley is what the drum belt rides on, transferring the motor's rotation to the drum. If your old motor's pulley was worn or grooved (a common cause of belt slipping and squealing), the new 279827 includes a fresh pulley. You will need to transfer the blower wheel from your old motor to the new one — the blower wheel is not included.
Should I replace the belt and idler pulley while changing the motor?
It's strongly recommended. When you replace the motor, the dryer is already apart and both the drum belt and idler pulley are right there in your hands. All three components wear from the same friction and heat cycles, and installing a new motor with a worn belt or a seized idler pulley puts unnecessary stress on the new motor from day one. Many technicians replace the belt, idler pulley, and drum support rollers as standard maintenance whenever the dryer is opened for a motor replacement — the combined cost of these parts is modest compared to the labor of disassembling the dryer again later.
Is this a Genuine OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications. It is the exact same drive motor with pulley installed in compatible Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, Estate, and Kenmore dryers from the factory — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
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