LER4600PQO Electric Dryer about 7 years old, replaced the heating element last year this time... a couple of weeks ago started running past cycle chosen into the next, figure my timer switch is going out however at the same time was getting really hot, even on low heat cycle and you could see element glow with door open if switch was in the middle of a cycle. I just started unplugging it when not in use and timing it myself so as not to overheat it which has been working just fine. Today I go to dry a load, select cycle and hit start button and it does nothing in any cycle... however, the element will still heat up.

It was suggested that my thermostat is bad... would this stop the dryer from running completely or would just replacing the switch make it run again... I can deal with timing it myself and unplugging it. My husband just lost his job and I can't really afford to purchase both the switch and the thermostat at the same time right now.

You need a new timer and you will have to take it apart and test the thermal fuse near the heating element and the heating element. You will have to 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 is like a concrete lining. This will burn so the manufacturer has installed the safeties to keep from having a house fire. The safeties are 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 wires unplugged and if it's good you will have a reading of about zero; if it's bad it will read infinity. Driers were the number one cause of fires at one time, hence now we have safety fuses. Look at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP7BW1lLs4 to see how. Also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBiRw-KElC4 ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTZGgVisCI
http://www.electrical-forensics.com/Dryer/ElectricClothesDryers.html
http://fixitnow.com/wp/2010/10/09/whirlpool-dryer-model-le5800xsw3-wiring-diagram/
When you finish cleaning the drier and install a new safety 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. 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. DrTom4444