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Bosch Dryer overheating

A Bosch dryer that is overheating or running too hot most often points to a partially shorted heating element or heating element assembly that continues to produce heat even when the dryer should cycle off. Use a multimeter to check each terminal for continuity to the case; continuity to the case means the element is shorted and should be replaced. A faulty timer can rarely let voltage flow to the heating circuit continuously, but check the element and venting first. Restricted airflow from a clogged vent, lint screen or outside vent hood raises cabinet temperature and can produce a burning smell, so clean the vent system before replacing parts. Other possible causes include a failing drive motor that makes the dryer overheat or shut off until it cools and a bad thermistor that sends incorrect temperature readings to the control board; the thermistor should show continuity at room temperature and its resistance should drop as temperature rises. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, timer, thermistor, motor or vent part for your dryer.

01 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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 - Bosch 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.
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06 - Bosch 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...sor increases. If the thermistor has shorted or shows no continuity it should be replaced with a new one. Thermistors rarely get out of calibration.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dryer overheating and shutting off?
How do I test the heating element when the dryer is running too hot?
Can a clogged vent cause my dryer to overheat or smell like burning?
My dryer starts then stops and won’t start again until it cools down. Could that be overheating or a bad motor?
How do I enter my model number or part number to find the right replacement on RepairClinic.com?