[Moparrob]

So as many people have experienced my Kenmore dryer will only operate when I hold the PTS button. I have a tried a few different fixes that I've found on this forum and others. I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction as I don't want to just randomly change parts.

Here are the things I've tried and check so far.

Dryer is getting full 220VAC

Door switch appears to work because if the switch is not triggered the dryer will not operate when using the PTS.

I have swapped the dryer and heater relays.

Holding the switch for one minute I cannot feel the dryer creating any heat.

Checked the thermal cutoff for continuity, checked OK.

Checked the high limit thermostat for continuity, checked OK.

Checked the thermal fuse for continuity, checked OK.

Not sure if this is a proper way to test a thermistor but the KOhms were correct with the current temperature in my house right now according the tech sheet I have. (approx 68*F = 12.4KOhms)

I am unable to get my dryer in Factory Test mode. I have unplugged the dryer for a few minutes and then tried switching the wrinkle guard switch 3 times with the door open, timer on timed dry, signal switch to LOUD, and fabric care to air fluff and was still unable to get any audible beeps.

Sorry for such a long winded question.

Thanks,
Rob

[drtom4444]

It's dirty and lint deposits have built up, as it always does, in all the air ducts which causes the main safety to blow. A little vacuuming out does nothing. You will have to take it apart and test the thermal fuse near the heating element; it may be resettable. 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 one wire 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 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. DrTom4444

[drtom4444]

You need to see if power is getting through the timer. The PTS just bypasses the timer temporarily to get the dryer up to speed and a switch in the motor changes the source of power to the timer. Either the switch in motor is bad or the timer contacts are not closing due to them being burned up. There is a safety that's well hidden that requires you to remove the drum to get to it. The PTS bypasses it, but once the motor is up to speed it requires that this safety to be closed. If the dryer was not cleaned every year then that is most likely the problem, in fact, timer problems are very rare for that model.