Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - Whirlpool Dryer Not Working

Hello. My dryer stopped working about a week ago.

I have checked many of the common problems (thermal fuse, door switch, power cord, home power to outlet)...and everything checks good.

I found a resistor (part# 3388706) mounted near the start button. This part has been replaced by part #AP3094277 or manufacturer's part #279872.

When I check the resistance between the resistors two terminals on my volt/ohm meter...I get "infinite/infinity" resistance.

Since this part is a resistor, I understand that there should be some resistance, just not infinite resistance!

So two questions:

1. Any idea what should be the proper resistance reading for this part?
2. If this part is defective/broke...would it keep the dryer from starting?

Thanks,

- Nick

Hello. My dryer stopped working about a week ago.

I have checked many of the common problems (thermal fuse, door switch, power cord, home power to outlet)...and everything checks good.

I found a resistor (part# 3388706) mounted near the start button. This part has been replaced by part #AP3094277 or manufacturer's part #279872.

When I check the resistance between the resistors two terminals on my volt/ohm meter...I get "infinite/infinity" resistance.

Since this part is a resistor, I understand that there should be some resistance, just not infinite resistance!

So two questions:

1. Any idea what should be the proper resistance reading for this part?
2. If this part is defective/broke...would it keep the dryer from starting?

Thanks,

- Nick

The resistor is part of the auto dry cycle. It's in series with the timer motor to advance the timer when the cycling themostat is open and you're using auto dry. If you have the console open, you should have found a tech sheet in there. The resistance is indicated on the sheet. I'm looking at a common WP sheet and it says 5000 ohms. A bad resistor would not keep the dryer from starting.
In your post you say the dryer stopped working. You mean it does nothing when you try to start it or it's just not heating? You say the power supply and the door switch are ok? If it won't start, the next thing to check is the push to start switch. Look at the wiring diagram on the tech sheet, make a sketch of where the wires go on the switch, remove the wires and ohm test the switch. It should have infinite resistance when not pushed in and 0 ohms when pushed in. Also, some models have two thermal fuses, one for the heater and one for the motor. Your diagram will show what your dryer has. Let us know what you find.

In your post you say the dryer stopped working. You mean it does nothing when you try to start it or it's just not heating? You say the power supply and the door switch are ok? If it won't start, the next thing to check is the push to start switch.

Also, some models have two thermal fuses, one for the heater and one for the motor. Your diagram will show what your dryer has. Let us know what you find.

Daddyjohn,

Thanks a million for your reply.

To answer your question:

- dryer does not work (nothing) when the start button is pushed

Here is an updated list of what I have checked, and the outcome:

- power supply (power at wall outlet), good
- power cord, good
- thermal block (part that the three power cord leads attach to), good
- thermal fuse, good
- start switch, good
- door switch, good

I will have to check to see if there is a 2nd thermal fuse as you suggested.

I'm also wondering if something is wrong with the dryer motor. I looked at it...and nothing looks obviously wrong:

- no burned wires
- no loose terminals
- no sqweaky motor bearings
- motor turns freely
- no excess dirt or lint in the motor

Any ideas on how to test the motor would be appreciated...or any ideas on what else to check would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

- Nick

Daddyjohn,

Thanks a million for your reply.

To answer your question:

- dryer does not work (nothing) when the start button is pushed

Here is an updated list of what I have checked, and the outcome:

- power supply (power at wall outlet), good
- power cord, good
- thermal block (part that the three power cord leads attach to), good
- thermal fuse, good
- start switch, good
- door switch, good

I will have to check to see if there is a 2nd thermal fuse as you suggested.

I'm also wondering if something is wrong with the dryer motor. I looked at it...and nothing looks obviously wrong:

- no burned wires
- no loose terminals
- no sqweaky motor bearings
- motor turns freely
- no excess dirt or lint in the motor

Any ideas on how to test the motor would be appreciated...or any ideas on what else to check would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks,

- Nick

Are you getting voltage to the motor when you engage the push to start to switch?