I am experiencing a problem with the upper dryer unit no longer starting up and running. The initial failure was, the dryer seemed to be overheating although it did not shut down on it’s own during normal use. Opening the dryer door, the inside seemed unusually hot. After allowing it to cool down, I have since been unable to get the dryer to restart.
I can hear what sounds like a switch or relay attempting to engage when the start button is pressed, but the motor and dryer does not start. Pulling out the schematics and other diagnostics I found online, I tested the 120vac dryer motor directly. It does run when connected directly to a hot AC voltage. Belts, door switches, and control panel all tested okay on my multi-meter.
Looking over the schematics-wiring diagram that were housed inside the unit, I suspect the Safety Thermostat could be a possible problem. Disconnecting the wiring harness from the dryer motor and testing continuity between the brown wires that appear to lead to the safety thermostat, I read an open circuit with no resistance. At this point, I haven’t removed the safety thermostat from the dryer itself.
If I’m on the right track, I am assuming I should be able to read some type of closed circuit or small resistance across the two leads from the safety thermostat. Since I’m not familiar with this model, I’m only taking educated guesses as to the problem. I finally found a diagram online that gives me an idea where the safety thermostat is actually located (near the front left side of the door behind the trim panel).
So the bottom line is, am I on the right track suspecting this as the cause of the motor not starting when connected normally to the control panel?
[AP2042802](http://www.appliancepartspros.com/Appliance-Parts/ge-safety-thermostat-item-number-ap2042802.aspx"]Safety thermostat[/URL]
Part Number: [URL="http://www.appliancepartspros.com/Appliance-Parts/ge-safety-thermostat-item-number-ap2042802.aspx) made by GE
The last time I had the front removed, I was able to locate the leads for the door switch, which tested fine. But not the safety thermostat itself.