Whirlpool dryer high limit thermostat instantly tripping

Ask Question
djohnson's profile picture

djohnson

Rookie

85

bronze trophy

4

question created at

1 week ago

question modified at

1 week ago

view count

4

Problem

This Whirlpool WED4815EW dryer is popping the high limit instantly.

What I've Tried

  1. Tested voltage: I measured 240v at the terminal, and 120v between each line and neutral. This does not seem to be the issue.
  2. Checked vents: Went outside while the dryer was running. Proper air flow observed outside.
  3. Replaced the cycling thermostat: Perhaps the dryer could be overheating, I replaced the cycling thermostat to be sure, the problem persists.

What could cause the high limit to trip instantly? I've gone through three now.

Expected Behavior

The dryer should not be overheating or tripping the high limit.

Actual Behavior

The dryer is heating up, almost seems like the element is not cycling off. The high limit keeps tripping.

Additional Information

  • Logs or Error Messages: No error messages or fault codes displayed

Question

What else would cause the dryer to overheat or trip the high limit other than a cycling thermostat?

Type: Dryer

Brand: Whirlpool

Model: WED4815EW

4

Are you sure you want to delete this question?

I am flagging this question because...

This question is opinionated, lacks context, or not a question at all.

This question has been asked before and already has an answer.

This question is advertising, inappropriate, abuse, or plagiarized.

appl1ancegirl's profile picture

appl1ancegirl

1 week ago

55

Rookie

3

Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

I am flagging this comment because...

This comment is not relevant to this post.

A reasonable person would find this content inappropriate or offensive.

This comment is advertising or plagiarized.

djohnson's profile picture

djohnson

1 week ago

85

Rookie

0

Are you sure you want to delete this comment?

I am flagging this comment because...

This comment is not relevant to this post.

A reasonable person would find this content inappropriate or offensive.

This comment is advertising or plagiarized.

1 Solution

Add a solution
appl1ancegirl's profile picture

appl1ancegirl

Rookie

55

bronze trophy

4

Accepted

1 week ago

question modified at

1 week ago

Explanation

This issue is most likely caused by a grounded heating element.

Steps to Resolve

  1. Access the heating element: Remove the back panel, the element will be on the right side.
  2. See if the element is grounded: If the element has continuity between the lead and its casing, then it is grounded.
    • If the element is grounded, the circuit will complete.
    • The element will turn on and stay on as soon as the dryer is plugged in.
    • The element will turn on even if the dryer is turned off and not running.
    • This will trip the high limit pretty quickly.
  3. Replace the heating element: Even if you can seperate the element from the casing, I suggest replacing the element. It is compromised.
  4. Reassemble the machine: Ensure the new element is good and not grounded. Install the back panel and plug the machine in.
  5. Test the dryer: Test on air dry, there should be no heat. Test on time dry, the element should cycle.

Additional Tips

  • Always replace the element if it has been grounded.

TLDR

See if the element is grounded. This will make the element run continuously causing the high limit to trip.

Example

Here's a video on how to replace the heating element: Replacing Whirlpool dryer heating element

4

Are you sure you want to delete this answer?

I am flagging this answer because...

This answer is not relevant to the topic, or doesn't answer the question.

A reasonable person would find this content inappropriate or offensive.

This answer is advertising or plagiarized.

Your Solution

Preview

You can upload up to 5 images to help users provide solutions.