Roper Dryer: won't start, need help!

Dryer Repair
1

I’ve got an older Roper dryer, standard drum model, nothing fancy. The dryer stopped working halfway through its first load after I cleaned the lint out a couple weeks ago.

Things I’ve done:

  • Verified 220 volts to the left and right wires and 110 from the neutral to both
  • Tested continuity to all the fuses and things in the main rear compartment
  • Tested continuity to the door switch
  • Replaced the motor
  • The timer still runs through its cycle (i.e. if you set it to 20 minutes, 20 minutes later it will buzz and stop in the off position)
  • Spot checked the heating element and tested continuity at its wires
  • Tested continuity to the start button

All tests were successful, as far as I can tell (I’m a novice after all), it just won’t turn on.

Now one weird thing I’ve noticed is with the start button. There are two wires connected to it in the panel compartment. If the wires are disconnected to the start button, when I test for resistance I get infinity until I press the button, when I get 0. That’s what I expect. However, when I connect the two wires and test for resistance, it doesn’t matter if I press the button or not, the meter always reads resistance at 0.

Is this the way the start button is supposed to work, or does it indicate that I have a problem in my wiring or another part?

3

You didn’t post a model number so I have no idea what dryer you have. Its kind of hard to do anything without one.

4

Red4440vq1

5

Did you test the terminals of the start switch itself for proper continuity when the button is pressed with the wires disconnected from it ? (make sure the power plug is disconnected before you do this )

6

Yes, I did. With the wires disconnected from the prongs, the circuit was open until I pressed the button, when it closed. With the wires connected to the prongs, the circuit was always closed.

7

If you could post a pic of the wiring diagram that would be most helpful.

I suspect you have burnt up terminal inside your timer. Take a picture of your timer.(for wire location later) Pull the timer out of the dryer and shake it. If it rattles its probably bad.

http://www.appliancepartspros.com/whirlpool-timer-162-4-wpw10185972-ap6016537.html