Maytag Model PYE4558AYW - Dryer not getting hot enough, AGAIN

[Shotgun]

Ok, so this is what happened last time: http://appliancejunk.com/forums/index.php?topic=5891.0

Essentially, I ended up replacing every electrical component in the circuit, and isolated the problem to be

• The coil was shorting, causing only the upper half of the coil to heat
• The computer was not performing properly (http://www.appliancepartspros.com/Appliance-Parts/whirlpool-cntrl-elec-item-number-ap4042285.aspx)

This unit is here: http://www.appliancepartspros.com/partsearch/model.aspx?model_id=49277&diagram_id=28506014#d28506014
After replacing these two elements, the unit worked fine for about a year.


Now, I am having a similar problem; the unit coil seems to working properly.  The coil will heat (red hot), and then turn off after a few (2-4) seconds.  In about 15 or 20 seconds, it will come on again, and repeat.


1.  Is it correct to presume the issue is most likely the thermostat or the computer?


2.  Is there a way to test the computer to determine whether it is functioning properly, or not?



Thanks in advance; you guys have always been good to me with information.

[haroldsappliance]

Check that the high limit thermostat is not to close to the heat unit. You could move it out away from the unit to see if it is short cycling. Sounds like one of your stats is short cycling.

[Shotgun]

Check that the high limit thermostat is not to close to the heat unit. You could move it out away from the unit to see if it is short cycling. Sounds like one of your stats is short cycling.

Right -- did this -- no help.

*shrug*

[JWWebster]

Loose blower wheel causes the dryer to over heat and shut down the control thermostat prematurely causing the dryer to be excessively hot on top and take a long time to dry the clothes.

[bigbuck]

make sure exhaust is clear to outside, no restrictions.

[Shotgun]

Right - that was the first thing I checked.

Airflow from the unit is lass than warm when the exhaust pipe is removed from the rear of the dryer.

[Shotgun]

Loose blower wheel causes the dryer to over heat and shut down the control thermostat prematurely causing the dryer to be excessively hot on top and take a long time to dry the clothes.

The wheel is fine, not stripped, fully secured, and turning properly.  airflow from the unit seems normal, only not hot enough.

I am convinced this is some type of sensor or control issue.

The "short cycling" explanation sounds most viable. 

Is it true that this heating circuit has a coil, a controlling thermostat (front of housing), hi temp thermostat (above coil), and a fuse (beside coil), and that's it?

[JWWebster]

If that dryer has a 4 wire control thermostat go ahead and swap it out for a new one. The bi-metal disc inside gets fatigued. The control thermostat mounts on the blower housing where it judges the warm air coming from the drum to outside. THIS is your control thermostat. It has 2 small wires and two large wires. The 2 small wires power up a small heater inside the thermostat making it shut down faster for knits and perma press. The larger wires carry the load that powers up the element. Blower wheel ok no air restrictions, in my opinion you need a new Control thermostat.

[RegUS_PatOff]

wasn't mentioned, but
Dryer cabinet must be fully assembled for correct air-flow (temperature)

[haroldsappliance]

Find out where your breaking circuit. Once it cycles Use a tool to jump your stats, one at a time. I doubt your losing it thru the motor relay. Could be losing it on one side of your receptacle or one side of your breaker. Pull one terminal from your element and back trace it. Good luck.

[Shotgun]

Ok, so I have ordered and received all new components for the entire circuit, including the computer.

I open the unit up now, and it is running a "half" red coil -- what would cause the coil to run at lower levels?  In the past, the unit did not run for long periods at "half" power like it is now -- what has changed?

Which component should I start with, and in which order, should I begin replacing components?

[JWWebster]

bad circuit breaker. Seen it.

[RegUS_PatOff]

...  is running a "half" red coil

the only way "half" of the Heating Element could be powered
is if it was partially shorted to chassis (ground)

[Shotgun]

oh no, I dont mean that -- I mean it is not glowing RED like was prior, it is glowing like HALF RED

What components regulates voltage to the coil?

[Shotgun]

maybe BLACK-PINK is better than RED...