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HomeRepair HelpEstate Dryer RepairEstate Dryer overheating Repair
Estate Dryer overheating
If your Estate dryer is running too hot or overheating, the most common culprit is a shorted heating element or heating element assembly that keeps producing heat even when the dryer should be off. Less commonly, a faulty timer can send continuous voltage to the heating circuit, though that is rare. Restricted airflow from a clogged vent or lint buildup will also raise cabinet temperature and can produce a burning smell, so check your venting first. A failing drive motor that overheats and shuts the unit down after running for a while is another possibility, and a bad thermistor that sends incorrect temperature readings to the control can let the dryer run too hot. You can test the element and thermistor with a multimeter and verify airflow at the outside vent; if a component is shorted or out of spec, replace it. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, assembly, motor, thermistor, or timer that fits your dryer.
01 - Estate Dryer Heating Element
The heating element warms the air before the air enters the dryer drum. If the element is partially shorted out, it may produce heat continuously, even if the dryer has reached the proper temperature. When this happens, the dryer gets too hot. To determine if the heating element is at fault, use a multimeter to test each terminal for continuity to the case. If the heating element has continuity to the case, it is shorted out. If the heating element is shorted out, replace it.
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02 - Estate Dryer Heating Element Assembly
The heating element warms air as it passes over the element. If the element is partially shorted out, it may produce heat continuously, even if the dryer has reached the proper temperature. When this happens, the dryer gets too hot. To determine if the heating element is at fault, first use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it. Next, test for continuity from each terminal to the case. If the heating element has continuity to the case, it is shorted out. If the heating element is shorted out, replace it.
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03 - Estate Dryer Timer
A dryer that is overheating could be caused by a faulty timer allowing continuous voltage to be sent to the heating circuit. If the timer's heating contacts and the heating element are shorted, the heating element can heat when the timer is off. However, this is very rarely the case. Before replacing the timer, check all the more commonly defective parts. If you determine that all of the other components are working properly, test the timer by using a multimeter and consulting the wiring diagram. If the timer is defective, replace it.
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04 - Air Flow Problem
If the vent line is clogged or partially clogged, it will restrict the airflow through the dryer, substantially increasing the drying time and cabinet temperature and potentially causing a burning smell. To ensure proper dryer performance, you should clean your dryer's venting system at least once per year.
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05 - Estate Dryer Drive Motor
A dryer's drive motor will drive the drum belt to rotate the drum as well as spin a blower wheel to circulate the air through the drum during operation. If the dryer runs for a while and then stops, and won't start again until it cools down, it's likely the drive motor is malfunctioning and will need to be replaced.
Highly Likely
06 - Estate Dryer Thermistor
A dryer thermistor monitors the dryer temperature and sends a resistance reading to the control board. If the thermistor is malfunctioning, it may fail to send the correct reading to the control board resulting in the dryer overheating. If you've determined there is good air flow coming out the home's outside vent hood and the dryer venting is free of obstructions, the thermistor is one of the components you can test for electrical continuity with a multimeter to see if it's functioning properly. While the thermistor should have continuity at room temperature, the ohm’s reading should go lower as the temperature on the sen...
Highly Likely
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my dryer overheating and getting too hot?
My dryer starts then stops and won't start again until it cools down. What's causing that?
How do I test the heating element or heating element assembly to see if it's shorted?
Can a clogged vent cause the dryer to overheat or smell like something is burning?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?
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