The reason it did not shut off, was because the dryer was not heating. So there is nothing wrong with that. Unplug the dryer and take the back off. When you do you will seen a part called a thermal fuse. It is about an inch and a half long, by a half inch wide. It will have 2 wires comeing to it, and 1 screw holding it in place. It will be about a foot off the ground, just about in the middle. Take the 2 wires off of it, and put the terminal ends together, and then put a little tape around them to keep them together, and so they don't hit metal, and then plug it in, and see if it works. If it does, DO NOT RUN the dryer like that. The fuse is the only thing from burning down the house. Let me know how it goes. Tom ApplianceEducator.com - Parts