Dryer is Too Hot

  • Troubleshooting

    Video Tutorial


    Note: The information here is general and may not be specific to your machine. If you need help with choosing the correct parts for your model, you can contact us using the tech support form here or calling our parts support team at 1-323-490-1805. If you leave a message, we'll get back to you within 24 hours.

    Troubleshooting

    Is the dryer vent clogged?

    Lint buildup and other obsctructions could keep the dryer from venting properly. Heat can buildup, causing the top of the dryer to get very hot. Clear the vents of any and all debris.

    Did you set the correct setting for your load?

    Make sure you're using the correct heat setting for your fabrics of the load you're drying.

    Is there anything stacked in front of the dryer?

    Many dryers have an air intake at the front of the machine. Make sure not to block his area, or the dryer won't be able to draw in fresh air to operate properly.

    Is the dryer level?

    If the dryer is not level, clothes can collect toward one part of the dryer, making it hard for the moisture sensors to measure your clothes' dryness. Make sure your dryer is level for best results.


    Exhaust Vent

    The ventilation system of your dryer must be clean and clear for the dryer to work properly. If airflow is restricted, hot air will build up inside your dryer, causing excessive heat.

    The excessive heat will often trip the high limit thermostat, which is a safety device that prevents your dryer from getting too hot. This will lead to longer drying times. Make sure to inspect and clean the vents regularly.


    High Limit Thermostat

    Important: Remove the dryer's power source before beginning any tests or repairs. Unplug your dryer.

    For safety, the high limit thermostat is tripped when the dryer gets too hot. If the dryer doesn't shut off despite excessive heat, there might be problem with your high limit thermostat. This part isn't meant to cycle on and off like the cycling thermostat, so over time and repeated activations could wear it down. And when it's no longer working as expected, it can allow your dryer's temperature to rise to dangerous levels.

    After verifying there's no issue with the ventilation, you'll want to test this part. You'll need to remove the top and front panels to access this part. Use a multimeter to test for continuity. If you find this to be the cause, simply replace the part.


    Cycling Thermostat

    The cycling thermostat works by turning the dryer's heating element or gas burner on and off, depending on the temperature. This part keeps the dryer running at the correct temperature. If defective, the dryer may be allowed to get too hot, which is unsafe and can damage your clothes.

    If it's not the vents or high limit thermostat, you can test this part next. Like the high limit thermostat, you can access it by remove the front and side panel of the machine. Then use a multimeter to test.


    Heating Element

    If the heating element becomes faulty, it could produce heat continuously, which leads to excessive heating. If you've tested the cycling and high limit thermostat and those are fine, you'll want to inspect this part.

    The heating element comes in many forms, depending on the manufacturer. Generally, they are made with a wire coil. The way this works is, the coil receives an electrical current, but resists it. The resistance causes the coil to heat, and this heat is used to dry your clothes.

    To inspect this part, you'll have to disassemble the dryer so you can access it. Remember to disconnect your dryer from power before doing anything else.

    First, check that no coils are touching. Then, you can use your multimeter to test for resistance. With the multimeter set to Rx1 Resistance, touch each end of the element with both probes. If the meter reads infinite resistance, the part's no longer working properly and needs replacement.