Dryer won't start. Breaker not tripped. Was working fine. Older Kenmore. Would not run, checked breaker, open/closed door a few times. Pushed button few times. Even switched breaker on off few times. Then it ran for a while then off in a about ten minutes? Thinking switch? GOing to buy a multimeter will check back any help would be a ppreciated! Thanks

Hi sham and welcome, the meter is a must. Your thinking switch?


Even switched breaker on off few times. Then it ran for a while then off in a bout ten minutes? Thinking switch?

If your saying it ran ten minutes after you reset the breaker, I'd start by checking the power to the dryer, making sure you have 240 at the back of the dryer, before taking it apart to check switches. Let us know what you find.

Most likely it is dirty and lint deposits have built up, as it always does, in all the air ducts which will cause the main safety to blow.You need a multi-meter to find which safety has blown.[B] You will have to take it all apart and clean the drier out thoroughly or it is all for nothing. Every air duct will have to be removed and scraped and washed out to remove baked on lint deposits which bakes on like a concrete lining. This will burn so the manufacturer has installed the safeties to keep from having a house fire. The safeties are [B]oval-shaped with a round center part containing the safety with two plug-on terminals for the wires and when they burn open, from the dryer being dirty, nothing will work. Using an ohm meter you put a lead on each terminal of the safety, with one wire unplugged, and if it is good you will have a reading of about zero; if it is bad it will read infinity. Driers were the number one cause of fires at one time, hence now we have safety fuses. Look at: How to clean your clothes dryer. How to make it hot again. - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP7BW1lLs4) to see how. Also look at these to get an idea about how to clean it: Mr. Appliance Tips: How to Clean Your Dryer - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBiRw-KElC4) ; Cleaning a Dryer Vent and Lint Trap - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTZGgVisCI)
Electric Clothes Dryers (http://www.electrical-forensics.com/Dryer/ElectricClothesDryers.html) Dryer vent cleaning prevents fires - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6wmD502-xE) and: Cleaning out a dryer with top lint cleanout - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBNDbyRm68M&feature=fvsr)
Cleaning out a dryer: By a woman 2 of 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a73HTFkcB90&feature=relmfu)
Whirlpool Dryer Model LE5800XSW3 Wiring Diagram | Dryer Repair | Fixitnow.com Samurai Appliance Repair Man (http://fixitnow.com/wp/2010/10/09/whirlpool-dryer-model-le5800xsw3-wiring-diagram/)
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 all over 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 the motor to remove all dust. 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 vent should have a short run and be straight as possible. 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. Here are some manuals: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/GE%20Manuals/Electric%20Clothes%20Dryers.pdf
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/GEProfileDryerDpgt650egvfinal2%20%281%29.pdf

Dryer won't start. Breaker not tripped. Was working fine. Older Kenmore. Would not run, checked breaker, open/closed door a few times. Pushed button few times. Even switched breaker on off few times. Then it ran for a while then off in a bout ten minutes? Thinking switch? GOing to buy a multimeter will check back any help would be a ppreciated! Thanks

Guys thanks so much for quick response!!

Purchased testers checked switches, door and push button both fine, also checked thermal fuse, (small flat fuse on blower). All seamed fine. In morning going to pull vent and clean thoroughly overall not too dirty changed a belt about 3 months ago. Brother electrician mentioned that the thermal fuse can break when hot then when cools off may make contact again hence the restart I mentioned earlier, anyone seen this before? He is stopping by in morning going to check breaker. I will keep you posted thanks!

There still could be one air duct clogged with dirt. Check it well. I have seen this happen a lot.

Hey guys,

Brother stopped by only one leg hot. Old Breaker was arcing I guess burned up pretty good to the pole. Popped it out with a little force. Getting new one tonight. Cleaned out ducts real good. Should be up in running tonight. Thanks for all the help. Now off to that damn weed wacker, new plug, new gas, into the carbuerator I go lol. Thanks take care!!

Thanks for the update sham, I'm glad you found your problem.