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Speed Queen Commercial Dryer overheating

If your Speed Queen commercial dryer is running too hot or overheating and shuts off, the usual suspect is a failing heating element or heating element assembly that is partially shorted and continues to heat even when the controls are off. Start by testing the element with a multimeter for continuity and for continuity from each terminal to the case; any continuity to the case means the element is shorted and should be replaced. Less commonly the timer can stick and feed continuous voltage to the heating circuit, but check the element and other parts first. Restricted airflow from a clogged vent will also raise cabinet temperature and can produce a burning smell, so inspect and clean the venting. A failing drive motor that overheats and trips thermal protection or a bad thermistor that reports incorrect temperatures are other possibilities to test. You can enter your model number at RepairClinic.com to pull the exact replacement heating element, thermistor, motor, timer, or vent parts for your dryer and get step-by-step guidance for the repair.

01 - Speed Queen Commercial 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 - Speed Queen Commercial 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 - Speed Queen Commercial 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 - Speed Queen Commercial 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 - Speed Queen Commercial 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.
Highly Likely

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my dryer overheating?
My dryer overheats and then shuts off. What should I check?
The dryer runs too hot even after the cycle ends — could the heating element be shorted?
My dryer takes too long to dry and gets very hot. Could a vent problem be the cause?
How do I find the right replacement part on RepairClinic.com for my dryer?