Model Number: WED9400SW0
Brand: Whirlpool
Age: 1-5 years
Although this issue has been dealt with before I am not able to figure out a working solution. Here is the history. While I was traveling my wife called me to tell me that the laundry was getting hot to the touch. She called the following day to say the dryer no longer was working. When I got home I saw that the dryer vent became clogged where it exited the house (the little flap). Other than the clogged vent the dryer seemed to be in perfect operating condition. I could press the "power on" button and I could choose any of the cycles, timed dry, etc.... and it reacted properly. However, when I pressed and held the "Start" button it would click, as if it wanted to start, but it wouldn't start. I went into the diagnostic mode and saw the F30 error code indicating "restricted airflow condition". I have since performed the following:
* I thoroughly cleaned all the venting from lint trap, through the inside of the dryer, all the way outside. Clean as a whistle.
* I found the thermal fuse at the blower to have blown (no continuity). I replaced the fuse (
3392519) and the thermistor (
8577274)next to it.
* I turned on the dryer and it ran like a champ for 1 load. 2nd load the laundry was too hot to touch and I encountered the same situation with the start button making a clicking sound but the dryer not starting.
* I found the fuse (
3392519) had blown again and so I replaced it.
* This time I left the dryer in a state where I could monitor it very closely (panels off).
* With the new fuse, the dryer will turn on and seems to function again, BUT, the heating element seems to always turn on (heating element turns on even in "air only" mode)
* Having read that people had similar issues I checked the heating element carefully to see if it had shorted to the chassis or the frame in any way. It had not. I got desperate and replaced the heating element (
8544771) anyway.
* I then ordered new thermal cutoff (
280148) which includes the Hi Limit thermostat (
8557403)
* The parts arrived and I replaced the thermal cutoff (
280148) but the Hi Limit thermostat got damaged in shipping. I am now waiting for another Hi Limit Thermostat.
* With the new thermal cutoff the dryer is acting the exact same way (heating element comes on in air dry only mode, or any other mode). I do not let it run long enough to trip the thermal fuse.
* I am not sure the replacement Hi Limit Thermostat will help since I have checked continuity on the old one and it seems okay
* I understand that continuity is not a thorough check of the Hi Limit Thermostat's functionality and I am thinking that there may be a way to put the dryer in diagnostic mode and test the ohms. I am hesitant because I do not want to stick my hand in the dryer when it is plugged in and I am afraid the fuse will blow in the short time I am taking measurements
Is this the sort of thing that points to a control board? I am already into this dryer for ~$200 and am feeling stumped. Family of five and a lot of laundry os backing up. I am lucky to have an appliance repair place nearby that has many parts, although they are not nearly as helpful as this forum and the parts and prices I can get from PartsDr.