Kenmore series 90 heating coil stays on when door is open

[RT1976]

Hello,

I really need some help with my dryer... the heating coil will stay on at all times except in the off position and in the air dry cycle. Also when the timer counts down and buzzes, its not totally in the off position and the heating coil gets super hot. (this is how I realized there was a problem). If I open the door and turn the knob to the timed dry or auto dry, the coil will heat up. This is really scary, I hope you can help.

Model 110.8884293

[JWWebster]

Heating element shorted to the frame is what it sounds like to me. What is this one of them compact dryers?

[RT1976]

No, its a full size dryer. I think the problem started when my wife asked me to get a power cord that had fallen behind the dryer. I pulled the dryer out to get in and noticed that the exhaust was quite long. I think when I pushed it back in I squeezed the exhaust so it was pumping the warm moist air back into the dryer. Clothes were taking a lot longer to dry and when I checked on it after the dryer shut off I noticed the top of the dryer was crazy hot. I'm thinking I will take the dryer outside, open and up and give it a good clean as well. Where can I look to see if the heating element is shorted to the frame?
Thanks for the reply!
RT

[JWWebster]

Does the filter pull out the top on your Kenmore dryer or out the door? I cannot make the model number work.

[RT1976]

Do you mean the lint filter? if so it pulls out the top. I am at work right now so I can't take a picture sorry    Filter would be at the top right hand side if you are standing in front of it.

[RT1976]

Here is pic of it that I found on google images. hope it helps.
RT

[JWWebster]

The heater coil is on the backside. It is held by 2 screws (quarter inch hexhead) Remove it and ohm it out. It probably is shorted out. Recently I did a tune up on a Roper dryer very similar to yours Dryer revamp
Click picture to enlarge

[RT1976]

Thanks JW

I hope it is as simple as that. Will update when I get home and take the sucker apart!
Cheers
RT

[JWWebster]

Let us know how it goes.

[RT1976]

Ok, took it apart. Tested the heater coil, and the wires going to the heater. Got a signal (beep) after testing each one. I'm a noob so I hope I understood you properly. Nothing looks broken or fried.
Thanks, RT

[JWWebster]

Do you get a beep between either terminal to the heater housing?

[RT1976]

Decided to run it again after a thorough cleaning of the terminals and looks like its working again! 
Shuts off when I open the door and doesn't come on if it's not totally on the off position. I blew a lot of dust out of that housing on the heater coil. I'm thinking you were right about it shorting to the frame.
Thanks for your help JW

RT

[RT1976]

Ok, problem not solved. if the housing is touching the frame it will still power on when it shouldn't. When I tested it earlier it was off the frame on the ground. aarrrgh!

[RT1976]

And yes I get a beep (not as loud) when I touch either terminal + the housing

[JWWebster]

Get a new heater and party on!
Do an autopsy, take the heater from the dryer and remove the coils from the housing.
They sell the element only a little cheaper you reuse the heavy metal heater housing.
Its a hastle but ya save 5 bucks.