[FIXED] Whirlpool Gas dryer has a short circuit

[LQQK_OUT]

Model Number: LGR8648LW0
Brand: Whirlpool
Age: More than 10 years

Hello!
I have a Whirlpool Gas Dryer (Model Number: LGR8648LW0) in an apartment. Tenant told me that when he pushed the Push-To-Start button, he saw sparks. I told him to unplug the dryer.
I stopped by the apartment to have a look. Circuit breaker was tripped. Reset circuit breaker. Plugged in dryer, I saw sparks and the circuit breaker tripped again. I did NOT need to push the Push-To-Start switch.

What is the best way/method to track down the short circuit?
From what I read, I need to check the electrical motor for continuity since I read these motors can short out.
Any other helpful information is much appreciated. Any other components I should check that may be a probable cause for a short circuit?

Thank you!

brett

[Doc Ryan]

Where did the sparks appear to be coming from?

[LQQK_OUT]

Where did the sparks appear to be coming from?

The rear of the machine. At the time, I had the rear panel removed and the control panel flipped up.
Thinking back, the sparks might have come from the area where the power cord enters the rear of the machine.
I will say, the machine must have been exposed to moisture. A number of connections on the rear of the machine appear to be rusty.
I removed the thermal fuse to check it with my Digital Volt-Ohm Meter (DVOM). I cleaned the contacts with Emory paper before I re-installed it.

[Doc Ryan]

Unfortunately, this isn't going to be something that I can easily diagnose for you. If you can help isolate where the sparks are coming from, that would be helpful to narrow down where the problem might be coming from.

[LQQK_OUT]

Unfortunately, this isn't going to be something that I can easily diagnose for you. If you can help isolate where the sparks are coming from, that would be helpful to narrow down where the problem might be coming from.

I appreciate you trying to help. I'm going to ask an acquaintance who is an electrician to take a look. I'll update this tread with anything that we figure out.

[Doc Ryan]

Sounds good!

[LQQK_OUT]

I appreciate you trying to help. I'm going to ask an acquaintance who is an electrician to take a look. I'll update this tread with anything that we figure out.

Electrician figured it out in less than (5) minutes. The thermostat sensor (Part Number: 3403140) was defective. The inside of the thermostat sensor was shorting out. He's seen this before. Told me I should replace all (3) sensors in the dryer.

[Doc Ryan]

Thank you for posting the solution. I have also never heard of one of these thermostats shorting like this. I have updated the status of this thread to fixed.

Below is a link to the part in case anyone else needs it.

Thermal Cut-Off Fuse Kit - W11050897 (PD00042479)