[Clloyd]

I began to have trouble with the dryer just not drying the clothes. Had a repairman come out (who frankly wasn't impressive, didn't know how to turn it on). He finally found a plate on the back and inside was the heating element with a red button on it which just had to be pushed to reset. Then the clothes dried better. However, I would have to reset the red button at least once a week and that was only on "normal dry". Anytime I used timed dry, I would have to reset. Now I can't reset the button.
Here is my question: Is this the heating element, the thermostat or something else?
I would be grateful for any help with this. I'm out of work and can't afford to get ripped off anymore by repair people. This dryer is only 2 years old but out of warranty.
Thank you!

[sidfink43]

Hi Ms Lloyd

Sorry you had a bad experience with the tech. You have a less common model of Whirlpool dryer, a compact 24" model. The tech should have replaced the thermostat, but was probably reluctant to do so since it reset itself and replacing it when that was not needed would have cost you a lot (the techs charge retail remember). At a minimum, though, the tech should have thorougly examined the machine to determine why the thermostat blew, as it is serving a safety feature and interrupts current to one of the heating elements when the dryer gets too hot.

Anyway, your machine has two thermostats, I believe the high limit thermostat, the one that is manually reset, has failed. It is an easy repair, since you already know how to get to it and you should be back in business for less than $50.00 including shipping.

Here is the part number.

Part Details - WHIRLPOOL Thermostat, part number: 8182470

I recommend

(1) you call in the order, and since there is no picture of the part make certain the part you are orderng is the manually resettable thermostat, as there are two of these and you don't want to get the wrong one.


and

(2) you take this opportunity to totally clean out the air flow/venting system. The major cause of dryer failure is a partially blocked air and venting system, so make sure you always clean out the lint filter and occasionally vac out the vent system, and you should have years of use of the dryer.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.

[sidfink43]

One final note. Since you had a tech out, I am assuming that the heating elements were checked out and that they were fine. You will probably want to check them again before ordering the part.