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Droff · Sep 23, 2007, 01:09 PM

I have a KitchenAid dryer and it runs, but there is no heat output. The vents are pretty clear of debris so I don't think that is an issue. I pulled the heating coil and there is continuity so it should heat up as long as I'm getting the voltage I need. There is a component mounted on the outside of the heater coil, what is that and what do I need to look for if I check it with a meter? One of the red wires going to the coil has gotten hot and the insulation is bubbled and fragile but the wire is not broken, just discolored. Another issue?

Any advice/input/suggestions?

Thanks.

esquire1 · Sep 23, 2007, 01:15 PM

Repair the wire. It could be broken under the insulation. It is a thermostat and with one wire disconnected from it should have continuinty. Have you opened the unit up and checked the vents and blower motor and housing for lint? This is the most overlooked. Is the drum turning? If it isn't could be the belt or motor. This also will be a cause for not drying. These are just some checks. If this doesn't correct problem, post bac for further help.

Droff · Sep 23, 2007, 02:24 PM

I disconnected all wires from the t-stat and it reads as a short so it should be good. The dryer was pretty clean but I pulled the chute(?) off the back and vacuumed out all the lint around the vents and the housing. The dryer turns - the belt was replaced roughly a year ago and the whole thing cleaned and lubed.

I stripped off the bad looking insulation from the wire (about 2" or so) and the wire is not broken, just discolored. I figured I'd wrap it in electrical tape. As far as repairing it, what do you suggest, just cutting it and splicing in good wire?

Thanks.

esquire1 · Sep 23, 2007, 02:51 PM

If it isn't broken, it's OK. Is the blower motor inside the unit working. This is the motor that blows the hot air through the drum? There isn't much mor it could be. If the element is working and all is clean. Have you removed the vent ducting and the dryer and tried running a load and see it things dry like this?

Droff · Sep 23, 2007, 04:06 PM

The blower motor is working fine, it blows a lot of air out the vent. I ran it with the back off and no ducting, but it never warmed up. The housing with the heating coil never got warm at all.

There looks like another t-stat located in the housing that has the vent in it. It has 4 wires on it. I haven't checked it with a meter but when I shake it, it sounds like there is something loose inside it rattling around. Normal? I'm not sure what leads I need to check and if everything should be shorted to each other.

Thanks.

esquire1 · Sep 23, 2007, 04:18 PM

As the unit is running, Does the element stay on?

Droff · Sep 23, 2007, 04:21 PM

How can I tell if the element stays on if there is no heat?

Droff · Sep 24, 2007, 05:52 PM

Fixed the dryer.
It was the fuse located in the heater vent above the element. Thanks for the help.