Help with Whirlpool Dryer LER7646EQ1

[NMUWildcat027]

Hello,

I am new to the forum, but have already received good advice from the threads here.  I am hoping someone could provide me with some assistance in fixing my mother's dryer.  I followed the advice posted in the thread below about a whirlpool dryer.  This dryer is running, but not providing any heat.

1.  I checked the outlet and it tested out to 240.
2.  I checked for current on the parts in the dryer.

There was current to parts 1 and 6.  I know this isn't my dryer, but it seems to be laid out similar to mine.  I can take additional pictures if needed. 

3.  I replaced the thermal fuse upon advice in another site that it was the most common problem.

4.  I have found that there is no current to the thermostat...part number 3399693
I would order this part and try to replace it, but I am having difficulty even removing this part.

My question is...Should I be getting current to this part?  Could someone give me a tip for removing this part to replace it?  Are there any other things I should look for?

Thanks for the help.

Model LER7646EQ1

[JWWebster]

You should be getting power through that limit. It is a 250 degree safety limit. If it is open then that is your problem.

[JWWebster]

The part comes off rather easily. Remove the heating element and sit it on the work bench. Take a wide blade screwdriver and twist it under the large terminal and it will come on off. The other side as you know is held in place by the frame of the heating element. Only 2 small screws hold the heater onto the dryer. Get the heater off and it is way easier to deal with.

[jumptrout51]

All the thermostats and thermal relays in question can be checked with a meter set for continuity. Remove the wires from each one and check the continuity. If you get a reading it is good. If not it is bad.
They are all attached with a 1/4 inch hex head screw. They should un-screw without much force.

[NMUWildcat027]

Thanks for the tip on taking the heating unit off.  It was much easier with that removed.  I will be replacing that part tomorrow hopefully and will let you know if it worked.  Thanks for the help so far.

[NMUWildcat027]

Back to needing help.  Here is a photographic journal of what has been done.

The Dryer:



Maybe I need a refresher on testing these parts, but I used a test light to test each piece of the dryer...



This one would light when I touched both sides of it.

The others would only light when I touched one post and a ground screw...








This part tested good from the time I started the project:



These two parts were replaced:






This final part is the only link I don't know about...



The Red wires both light the test light when connected to a ground.  Neither of the purple wires on the side do.

I think it has to be this part or the heating element.  I turned it on and got down on the ground and the heating coils did not appear to be heating...although I don't know how long it takes from them to visibly heat.

Again, Any help would be appreciated.  Thank you.

[whirlpooltech]

So what are you testing for with your light tester, voltage?

You should be testing them parts with the power off and the wires removed. Then test the parts (thermostats, thermo fuse, heater) with a ohm meter.

As for the heating element you can remove the element from the can and simply look at the coils to see if there is a broken spot in it.

[NMUWildcat027]

I guess I misunderstood what I was testing.

[NMUWildcat027]

I have a multimeter here that can do that...Could you walk me through where I should be placing the probes and possibly what setting I should use on the device.

[NMUWildcat027]

I have a GB Instruments GDT-11 Digital Tester

[AJ]

No problem. I took another look at your dryer photo. The heating element is really simple to remove on this model.

Unplug the dryer. Then remove the two wires that go so the heating element. Then remove the two wires that go to the thermofuse that is on the heating element.

Next remove the two screws that hold the heating element in place.

Take a close look at the coiled wire inside the element for a broken spot.

Let us know what you find.

[NMUWildcat027]

I don't really know hot to use this meter correctly but I turned it to one of the settings that was labeled by the omega which I think is the symbol for OHMs.  I took the wires off and tested the four pieces.  Each of them read some type of numbers, except for the top piece.

I think I read that the top piece is part of the thermal cutoff.  If that need to be replaced then both pieces should be replaced?  I wish I would have understood what I was doing from the beginning...I could have saved myself a few dollars, although the lesson was probably worth it in the end.

[whirlpooltech]

Sounds like you found the problem. When you have the meter set to read ohms, (omega symbol) each thermostat and thermo fuse will test as if they were shorted out, just like if you would take the two meter probes and simply touch them to each other.

It is common for the top thermostat to go out making the dryer not heat. Check the blower housing for lint build up and check the vent for lint. Then replace the thermostats, top and bottom as a set.

I looked up your model number and you will need part # 279816

You get both them in one kit. Be sure to replace both of them at the same time.


 

[NMUWildcat027]

Thanks a lot.  I will post when I get that done.

[whirlpooltech]