Repair guides
Pick a type, an appliance or a brand. Every guide lists the tools, the safety call-outs, the steps and the reading you should expect.
Diagnostic · 374
Symptom → most likely cause, step by step
Component tests · 69
How to test a specific part, with expected readings
Installation · 33
Install, replace and hook up appliances correctly
Fundamentals · 24
Core skills every appliance tech uses
Appliance
Brand-specific guides
6 guides · Dryers
Component tests · 6
Component test · DryerHow to test a dryer cycling (operating) thermostat
The cycling thermostat switches the heat on and off to hold the exhaust temperature. It should be closed when cold and open when hot. A stuck-closed unit overheats the dryer; a stuck-open unit gives no heat.
Component test · DryerHow to test a dryer drive motor and its centrifugal switch
Dryer motors have a centrifugal switch that drops out the start winding once the motor is up to speed and, on most models, also closes the heater circuit. Test the windings at the motor and the switch contacts in both positions.
Component test · DryerHow to test a dryer heating element
An electric dryer element is a resistance coil on 240 V. Test it across the terminals and to ground. Most read in the low teens of ohms; use R = V²/W from the element rating to check yours.
Component test · DryerHow to test a dryer thermal fuse
A thermal fuse is a one-time safety link that opens permanently when the exhaust gets too hot. It is a simple continuity test, but a blown fuse is a symptom: the real cause is almost always a restricted vent or a failed cycling thermostat.
Component test · DryerHow to test a high-limit thermostat (dryer and similar heaters)
A high-limit is a normally-closed bimetal switch that opens if the heater area overheats and closes again when it cools. A room-temperature continuity test catches the common "stuck open" failure, but it cannot prove the opening temperature is right.
Component test · DryerHow to test gas dryer valve coils (electrical test only)
The gas valve has solenoid coils that open when the igniter is hot. You may test the coils with a meter at their terminals with power off. Gas line, valve body and burner work is blocked: refer to a licensed gas technician.