GE Hotpoint dryer won't heat unless i use the minutes timer on the dial

[big t]

When I select the more -> less drying option on the dial it will not heat up.  But when I use the 70 min countdown on the dial it does heat up.  I have opened it up and checked the thermostats near the blower (2 of them) and the thermostats on top of the heating element housing (I think there were 2 of those as well)  All of them showed continuity on my voltometer (close to 0 ohms).  Any ideas as to why it won't heat when i use the more to less heating option on the dial?

Model DLB3800SBLWW

[Repair-man]

You have two operating thermostats located on the front of the blower cover, behind the front panel. One is for high temps, the other for low. I would first check these for continuity, then if they were good, assume the timer itself is bad.

If the unit works on Timed dry but not on Auto dry, these are the 2 choices you have with this model. To access the thermostats, unplug the dryer, pop the main top (4 screws under top egde) and remove 2 screws inside the front panel at the top, then loosen the 2 underneath in front. The whole front will lift off so you can check the thermostats.

In the diagram below, the thermostats are items 274 and 275

DIAGRAM (click)