[SusanMKoehler@comcast.net]

My Maytag electric dryer heat seems to be staying on even when the door is open. I notice it the first time when I came into the laundry room first thing in the morning and someone had taken a load out the night before and left the door open and it was hot inside. I turned the dial to the off position and the heat went off. It also does not seem to be cooling down in the automatic cycle. It use to be I would set it to less dry and then it would cool down and then finally stop after a few buzzes. Now it will buzz, but when I go to take the clothes out they are really hot. Any ideas what the problem is? I am afraid we are going to burn the house down.

[denman]

Here are your parts
Replacement parts for MAYTAG LDE8500ACW | AppliancePartsPros.com

Sounds like you have a grounded element, the heating coil has sagged or broken and is touching the case.

Usually you can see this when examining the heater assembly.

You can also check it with a meter.
Unplug the unite
Remove both wires from the heater
Measure the heater, usually around 10 ohms
Then measure from each connector to the case/frame both should be infinite ohms.

[jobyx2]

Yea,
I have the same problem. Definitely a heating element sagging and grounding to the surround. I took mine apart and diagnosed it myself. The part #307178 is the assy and there is a broad range in cost across the internet. It comes without the heat deflector and a couple of electrical parts that you can use off of the old one. Most importantly, UNPLUG THIS DRYER NOW! It is a definite safety hazard at the moment.