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HomeRepair HelpJC Penney Dryer RepairJC Penney Dryer overheating Repair
JC Penney Dryer overheating
If your JC Penney dryer is overheating or running too hot, the first thing to suspect is the heating element or heating element assembly—if the element is partially shorted it can heat continuously even when the dryer should be off, so use a multimeter to check for continuity to the case and replace a shorted element. A faulty timer can also allow continuous voltage to the heating circuit, though that is rare, so only replace the timer after you’ve checked the more common parts. Restricted airflow from a clogged vent will raise cabinet temperature and can produce a burning smell, so clean the venting system if it’s obstructed. A failing drive motor may overheat the machine or cause it to run for a while then stop until it cools. Finally, a bad thermistor that reports incorrect temperature can let the dryer overheat; test it with a multimeter and replace if its resistance is out of range. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement heating element, timer, venting parts, motor, or thermistor for your dryer.
01 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 - JC Penney 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 shutting off?
My dryer starts then stops and won’t start again until it cools down—what's wrong?
Why does my dryer smell like something is burning?
My dryer is taking too long to dry — could that cause overheating too?
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