Just to clarify……I should have said “wiring terminals” instead of wires. After pulling wire plug off drive motor, I used multimeter to check resistivity/continuity on the exposed terminals at the motor. Thanks.
The two large black wires on the outside are part of the heating circuit and would not be used when testing the motor sensing circuit back to the main control. Those wires are only used to verify if the centrifugal switch is closing, allowing L2 to pass through the motor to the heating element.
The small black wire (5th from the left) is the sensing wire that goes back to the main control. If this wire does not receive voltage from the start winding through the centrifugal switch, it cannot pass that signal to the control. When the control does not see this voltage, it will trigger the E53 error.
To test this circuit:
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Access the main control board.
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Disconnect the 3-wire connector at connection J3.
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Set your multimeter to resistance (Ohms).
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Test between the white wire and black wire on the control side of the harness.
- It should initially read open.
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Manually activate the centrifugal switch on the motor.
- The meter should now show a resistance reading.
Does the reading change from open to showing resistance?
If not:
- Perform the same test directly at the motor terminals.
Assuming there is not an issue with the heating circuit based on what has been checked, here are what the resistance checks should indicate.
If resistance showed up when testing at the control side of the harness, the main control is faulty.
If resistance did not show up at the control side of the harness at all, but did show up directly at the motor, the harness either has a loose connection or a damaged wire.
If resistance did not show up when testing at the control side of the harness and directly at the motor while the centrifugal switch was activated, the motor is faulty.
William----
This was excellent instruction. Appreciate the added detail and precise steps.
TESTING #1
- Ensured that breaker was tripped - no power
- Installed 6-wire plug back into drive motor
- Followed wiring back to “main control board”
- Pulled 3-wire plug free (black, white, red)
- Tested resistance (little black & white wires) and meter showed “OL”
- Pulled in centrifugal switch and reading went from “OL” to “0.1 ohms” (beep)
TESTING #2
- Pulled 6-wire plug free from drive motor
- Tested resistance at “terminals” (little white wire & little black wire - 3rd from left end & 5th from left end) and meter showed “OL”
- Pulled in centrifugal switch and reading went from “OL” to “0.1 ohms” (beep)
TESTING #3
- Put 6-wire plug back onto drive motor
- Retested little white & black wires at 3 wire plug on wiring harness (pulled free off of main control board).
- Replicated same result as 1st test = “OL” to “0.1 ohms” when centrifugal switch is activated. Confirmation.
If I’m following accurately, these diagnostics confirmed that motor is providing signal (start winding to run winding when switch is activated)…and that signal is making its way to end of wiring harness (to the circuit board).
The “main control board” is receiving the signal that the motor is now in run winding (from start winding). So it’s receiving the right information…the motor, switch, & signal are all fine…but the board is shutting down the dryer after 5 seconds run time and issuing an “E-53” error code.
Could the “main control board” be bad (faulty)? Both the drive motor and main control board (wiring harness) are brand new from Appliance Parts Pros. Circuit board possibly damaged from shipping, etc?
Let me know if I completed the diagnostics correctly and if you require anything else. What are your thoughts William?
Thanks again for the support and guidance!
Based on that information, I would feel confident in saying the main control is faulty. From verifying proper voltage and heating circuit operation at the beginning, to verifying the centrifugal switch sensing circuit, all points to a faulty control. While not very common, it can unfortunately happen. It could be something as simple as a improperly soldered connection or a faulty program.
Much appreciated William…
I called “Appliance Parts Pros” service desk and communicated the issue. Stated that I’ve been working with you for the last 16 days…performing various diagnostics in an effort to identify “root cause” for “E-53 error code”. All checks and balances lead to a faulty main control board (the one that was originally purchased a few weeks ago).
In less than 2 min they had ordered a brand new replacement (circuit board, black plastic case, & wiring harness). No questions asked! Didn’t even ask me to send the original back in.
I’m extremely relieved that I purchased the parts from Appliance Parts Pros. The service and technical support is outstanding! You rarely see that these days…especially with some of the “cheaper” options ordered thru Amazon.
A brand new replacement was delivered the next morning! I did mention your name and asked if they would pass on to your supervisor…the excellent support and guidance you have provided me. He said he would do that.
Well…I’m about to lock horns with that D dryer again…install the new board & wiring harness, and put it altogether. The new parts came double bubble wrapped and I’ll be very careful & diligent rewiring it.
Still married…she’s been hanging stuff from the washer on the bird feeder in the back yard and borrowing the neighbors dryer here and there. We’re approaching 3 weeks and she’s getting a little “twitchy”. I thought for sure Lowe’s or Home Depot would be at the house this past week.
Here goes nothing…cross your fingers. I’ll let you know when she’s all back together and turning to the right 
William----
SHE’S RUNNING! FINALLY!
I apologize for the late reply. As you indicated - it ended up being a faulty main control board from the manufacturer.
The main control board and wiring harness that I first ordered to replace the board that burnt, ended up being faulty from the manufacturer or damaged during shipping. That definitely didn’t help things, when you’re trying to diagnose the issue. I kept thinking that it couldn’t be the problem, since it’s brand new and we just installed it.
Learned a ton during this crazy job and now I know thus dryer inside and out. Any future issue will be a breeze, since this was pretty much a “frame off” restoration
I will say, I was extremely glad I ordered everything thru Appliance Parts altos. When I explained what was going on, they immediately ordered a second control board and wiring harness with virtually no questions and had it to me the next morning. Incredible service.
Can’t thank you enough for all the guidance and help along the way! Very much appreciated.
Take care.
JL