Whirlpool AWZ541 – not heating up

[akbmcf1]

Hi chaps and chappesses!

Our Whirlpool AWZ541 condenser dryer stopped working properly this morning – it’s making all the right noises to indicate that the drum is rotating but there is no heat.

From reading the forum, it looks like the first thing I need to check are the thermostats? Anyone know where they are located when I take the panels off? How do I test them? I have a multimeter, so is it a simple continuity check (disconnect cables and stick the probes across the terminals to see if I get a noise) or whould I be doing a resistance check? What result am I looking out for to see if the thermostats have gone?

If it’s not the stats, do I then check the heater in the same way? Is there anything else I should be looking for? My wife is pretty good at keeping it dust and lint free, but will give it a thorough clean while I’m at it.

[akbmcf1]

Re: Whirlpool AWZ541 – not heating up

Okay, a bit of an update. Decided to have a look anyway 😉

Took of rear panel and found the two thermostats clipped onto the end of the heating element.

Continuity tested both stats – one gave a continuous tone (ie continuity through it) and one didn’t. Do I need to resistance test them? If so, what setting on the multimeter do I need it on and what result am I looking for if the stats are working correctly?

Still not sure how to test heater element, so any help much appreciated.

Thanks,
Andrew

[iadom]

Re: Whirlpool AWZ541 – not heating up

One stat is OC (faulty). This is what you need.
Whirlpool stat kit

[akbmcf1]

Re: Whirlpool AWZ541 – not heating up

Thanks – just so I know for future reference, which one is faulty? The one with no continuity?

Just a quick question – the electric tripped the other day when the tumble dryer was on – could this be related? Should I check the heater element to see if it is working, and if so, how do I do this? I can disconnect all the wiring, but have no continuity through it. Not sure how to resistance test it if that is required.

Thanks!

[iadom]

Re: Whirlpool AWZ541 – not heating up

The open circuit stat is faulty. If the breaker tripped then you really need to do both an insulation and a resistance test on the heating element before you change the stats.

We can give you basic advice but that does not involve instructing you in the correct use of safety/test equipment, if you are not sure then please get someone who is, for the sake of saving a few pounds its just not worth the risks involved.

Element failure on these is not uncommon.

Jim.

[Author]

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