washer/dryer fault

mumstheword1 | 19:11 Thu 14th Jan 2010 | How it Works

6 Answers

The fuse on my washer/dryer blew recently and now my dryer wont dry. It just tumbles cold air but the washer is fine and heats up no problem. We have looked to see if there is a reset button anywhere but no joy. Does anyone know what the problems could be.

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ChuckFickens

Sounds very likely that the heating element has blown.

with out removing the element and checking it then it's impossible to say for sure though.

mumstheword1

Question Author

But would that only affect the dryer and not the wash cycles?

pauln90

On some washer/dryers there is a thermal cutout which trips and then you cannot dry. Some older machines have a reset button on the outside of the case but you will probably have to take the top off the machine to locate it. It will be near the heater element. It will look something like a circular metal disc with a button in the middle. You dont state which model you have and it may be that it has a one use cutout switch which will have to be replaced. You also need to know why the fuse blew in the first place. I have had a few washer/dryers and the cut out usually trips because of overheating caused by a build of fluff in the filter and exhaust pipes.

pauln90

Oh and a word of caution - Ensure that the machine is switched off at the mains before venturing inside the case - you dont want a painful shock from the electrics.

ChuckFickens

They have two elements in them, one for the dryer, one for the washer.

On a lot of machines you can see the casing for the dryer element by taking the top off, the element will be in a largish box covered in silver heat insulation.

If you have the equipment you can check the resistance across the element, if it's open circuit it's failed, if the element is ok then it will probably be a thermostat or a TOC which can also be tested.

If you are not sure about doing anything yourself call someone in though.

mumstheword1

Question Author

Thank you both so much for your answer, I have a few things straight in my mind now, as the saying goes I will get a man in !!!!

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