Kenmore Elite HE3 over heating

Dryer Repair
1

Hello

I have an Kenmore Elite HE3 dryer. The dryer was over heating and shutting down until it cooled off. So here is what i have done.

  1. Made sure that the exhaust was clear.
  2. Replaced the thermostat.
  3. Replaced the thermister.
  4. Replaced the heating element.
    None of this helped. The heating element has now blown out. What else could it be? Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

2

Does it heat when set to air dry? If so, the heat relay is stuck closed. If not, check inside of blower housing, internal exhaust duct and air duct behind back panel for lint buildup. Check that the blower wheel is not slipping on motor shaft.

Eric

3

If you are talking about the high temp switch yes it has been replaced and checked to make sure it opens when heat is applied (it opens @250 degrees like its is supposed to). Everything has been cleaned and there are no obstructions. the blower wheel does not slip and turns fine. i will need to get another heating element now because it blew out. I read somewhere that it could be a controller board but cant find the post again.

4

No, I’m not talking about the hi-limit thermostat, I’m talking about the heat relay on the machine control board. You didn’t answer the question as to whether the heat is on when temp is set to air dry. The hi-limit opens at 295°, not 250°

Eric

5

I’m not sure about the heat being on while on air dry… ill replace the heating element and let you know. The place where i got the thermostat gave me the lower unit and said it would be fine. Should i get the higher rated one? Is there a part # on the heat relay so i can look it up? and do i check it like the high temp shut off switch?

Thanks
Curt

6

Sorry, your heat element is blown so you can’t answer my question. Duh. Anyway, to see if the relay is stuck closed, unplug the dryer and check continuity between power plug and red wire on the thermal cutoff. Should be open circuit (no continuity). Check both flat blades of the power plug. If you read continuity on one of the blades of the plug to the red wire, then the relay is stuck closed. The relay is an integral part of the machine control board so the whole board would have to be replaced unless you want to tackle desoldering it to replace it. The control board cycles the relay on/off which turns the heat circuit on/off to maintain proper temperature based on input from the thermistor. When you have the dryer operating again you can check to see if the relay is cycling by monitoring the voltage across it’s terminals. You will have to have the board swung out of the top of the cabinet to do this. When the relay is closed calling for heat, the voltage across it’s terminals (black and red wires) will be zero and when open (no heat) it will be 240vac. As far as the hi-limit thermostat, my advice is to follow manufacturer recommendations.

Eric

7

Ok i replaced the heating element. I ran it on air dry and not heat. put heat on and it overheats. Not sure whats left to replace?

8

Maybe you could do the checks that I suggested. Sounds like maybe a control board problem.

Eric