Clothes Dryer Heating Element Stays On

[Brian Madden]

Hello All,

I have a Kenmore electric dryer of unknown age.

The symptom was the standard "no heat."

I tested the reg / low thermostats and the hi limit thermostat. Those tested out ok. I was next going to test the heating coil itself, so I plugged the dryer in. To my surprise, the heating element came on, even though the dryer motor was not running.

As far as I can tell, it doesn't matter what position the timer motor is in. The heating element comes on whenever the dryer is plugged in.

Any thoughts? My guess is maybe a defective centrifugal switch?

Thanks, Brian

[Des Perado]

Just unplug the dryer when you are not using it. Des

Those tested

plugged the

motor is in.

[Mike Morgan]

The exact same thing happened to my Amana. It was the centrifical switch.

[jeff]

Hi,

The motor centrifugal switch may be bad or has some lint stuck in it, but a grounded heating element is more common.

is a grounded geating element.

?R=153&N=2438 A few common Kenmore elements.

jeff. Appliance Repair Aid

[jeff]

Yikes.....kinda dangerous, esp if the dryer shuts off and no one is around to unplug it!! :~0

jeff. Appliance Repair Aid