Boise Appliance Repair - Dryer Repair

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Dryer Repair Tips and Information
Repairing a dryer can be a rewarding experience for the professional or a home do-it-yourselfer. You can save money and gain valuable knowledge and know-how. Below you will find the steps necessary to complete some of the most common dryer repairs.
Safety:
a) Before attempting any appliance repair disconnect the electrical power by removing the AC cord at the wall outlet. A small outlet can easily carry 150 times the current needed to kill a person. b) Wear cut or tear resistant gloves to protect your hands. There are many sharp edges from sheet-metal that can easily draw blood. c) Use knee pads to save your knees from strain.

Prevention: a) Proper maintenance and care is essential in keeping your dryer running efficiently. Improper care will cause your unit to overwork by using more electricity to keep you clothes dry than if properly maintained. By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your clothes dryer, prevent fires and avoid many costly repairs. b) Make sure the Dryer feet are level to prevent an imbalance in the machine that may cause loud noises and added wear to the Dryer. c) Empty the lint filter after use for efficient drying and fire prevention. Remove anything else that can impede good airflow. Do not forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint settles. d) Vent your dryer to the outside, never vent it inside. Clean out exhaust vent system at least once a year to remove clogs or other obstructions that can impede good airflow. Never vent with plastic or vinyl. Many people hire a professional to do their venting and service their dryer yearly. Knowledgeable technicians can clean all interior and exterior dryer ducts to a smooth running system and help prevent fires. Note: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says fires associated with clothes dryers occur annually. e) Do not place foam backed rugs, rubber or plastic shoes or other heat sensitive articles in dryers. Also, to prevent fires, do not place clothing or other items soiled with flammable substances like gasoline and alcohol. Check the pockets of clothes for crayons and other heat sensitive items that may ruin the other clothes. f) Do not overload the dryer. This may eventually burn out the motor.

Component Replacement: Before starting any appliance repair task find the model number of your appliance. The dryer model number tag is located inside the door on the frame. On some of the Maytag models the tag is located on the back of the top console. Write down the model number and find the parts breakdown diagram on an online parts supply website.

Igniter Replacement: Symptoms of a defective flame igniter includes: tumbling clothes without heat, excessive time drying and/or intermittent heat. a) Locate the igniter on parts diagram. b) Remove panels to gain access to the dryer igniter. c) Remove the plug to the igniter and place the multimeter leads on each post of the igniter leads. Make sure your multimeter is on the ohms scale. If it measures "open" then replace the igniter. If it doesn't measure "open" this does not guarantee the igniter is good. Igniters work on a safety principle. Current travels through the igniter to the gas valve. The gas valve is calibrated to open at a specified current. As the igniter burns hotter and hotter it decreases resistance allowing more current -flow to the gas valve until the threshold current is reached and gas flow occurs. Thus, you may measure a good ohms reading on a bad igniter that doesn't burn hot enough. d) Remove screws holding down the igniter, install new one, and tighten the screws. Be very careful when you're doing this. The igniter element is very brittle and shatters easily. One small bump and you'll be on your way to the appliance parts store to buy another igniter. e) Re install panels and you should be ready to go. Test your dryer and hope that your replacement has fixed the problem.

Drum Roller Replacement: Symptoms of a defective drum roller include loud thumping and/or a squealing sound. a) Locate the drum roller on the parts diagram. b) Remove panels, drum belt and drum paying special attention detail. The parts will need to be re installed correctly when reversing the procedure. c) Locate and replace the bad drum rollers. You may need a snap ring removal tool to do this. If this tool is not available you can use a small screwdriver to remove the snap ring. d) Using light oil - 3 in 1 oil works fine - lube all the rollers before re assembly. e) Reinstall Drum, Belt, and outer panels to complete the job.

Heater Element Testing and Replacement: Symptoms of a bad heater element include a dryer that does not heat. Drum will still turn. a) Locate the location of the heater element on the parts diagram b) Before replacing the heater element be sure it is defective. Switch the meter to the ohms scale and measure continuity between the two legs of the heater element. If it measures open then you've found the problem. Replace it. When removing old element make a mental note of all screws, thermostats, etc, that will need returned to their proper locations when new heater is installed. c) Replace panels and turn on dryer to check functionality.

Thermal Fuse Testing and Replacement: Symptoms of a bad thermal fuse include a dryer that does not operate at all. Dryer is "dead". The drum does not turn but most of the time the interior light will work properly. a) Locate the location of the thermal fuse on the parts diagram. b) Remove panels to locate the thermal fuse. c) With the multimeter on the ohms scale, place each lead to each lead of the thermal fuse. You should see a "short". If not then the thermal fuse is blown and will need to be replaced. Please note that many thermal fuses blow due to overheating - caused by restricted outside vent. Restricted house vents are common. Vents should be cleaned every year to prevent lint build-up. d) Replace panels and test.

Conclusion: As with any appliance repair job this procedure can be a very rewarding experience. The challenge to tackle new things, to learn, to understand new principles provides personal enrichment and promotes self-confidence.

Article was written by Rich C. of Western Appliance Repair Boise We repair washers, dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, ranges, washing machines, cooktops, and most major appliances. We repair the following appliance brands: Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, GE, Frigidaire, Sears, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Magic Chef, Amana, Hotpoint, and more. We provide Boise Appliance Repair in Eagle, Meridian, Star, and Star Idaho. For immediate appliance repair help please visit http://www.western-appliance.com