[dan123]

My Maytag Dryer (model DE606) is about 30+ years old. It works well, but recently has begun to shut off early. About 10 min into the cycle, it 'dings' and just shuts off. The unit heats up just fine, the motor runs, the drum turns and everything I can easily see seems to be just fine (contacts on the control switch all in good shape, etc). If you run over and push the button everytime it stops, you can dry a load.

Any ideas? Why might this dryer be shutting off 10 min into every cycle, but otherwise appear to be in great shape?

[kayakcrzy]

I am not sure if I understand you correct. Let me ask you this, When the dryer shuts off in 10 minutes, is the timer in the off position? Also when it shuts off, can you walk back up to the dryer, when it shuts off and turn it back on. Or does it have to wait awhile before it comes on. I can be reached at my website at ApplianceEducator.com Tom

[dan123]

Thanks! - Here's the info you requested:

After 10 min, the timer is in the off position. It's a push button type, so the only way to know is to watch the switch control mechanism behind the button. There's obviously a timer inside the switch control and it releases as if it were the end of the cycle, hitting the bell in the process.

When the dryer shuts off I can just push the knob again and it starts right up, immediately, with no problems.

I also experimented with running the dryer on "air-fluff," which I assume is no heat, and it did the same thing - shut off ofter 10 min.

I also did the solenoid check by putting it in damp-dry with no clothes and the solenoid did fire after 5 sec or so, as is supposed to be an indicator that the switch mechanism is working correctly. But, I'm not sure this has any direct correlation to the problem.

Would this occur if either a thermal sensor was not working properly or the heating element was getting too hot and triggering it to stop?

[dan123]

The serial number for this unit is 721218 FF.

I also wonder if the motor, perhaps, is going - could it be heating up to a point where it automatically tells the dryer to end the cycle after about 10 min?

I'll be pulling this unit to pieces tomorrow and randomly replacing things, unless a stroke of genius or some good advice comes my way....

[yaknvdub]

Originally Posted by dan123

I'll be pulling this unit to pieces tomorrow and randomly replacing things, unless a stroke of genius or some good advice comes my way....

Did you resolve your issue with this dryer? I have the exact same problem with the same model dryer (Maytag DE606).

Dryer will run for ~10 minutes, bell will ring and dryer will shut off immediately. When it ran properly, the bell would sound and dryer would run for a few minutes before shutting down. Dryer heats properly and will dry a load of clothes with 4-5 restarts, it's just a pain to go down to the basement every 10 minutes!

We've had the unit apart and tested continuity on the "halo-of-heat" element and the three thermostats. All were good.

I'm wondering if it could be the timer and if it's even worth fixing on a 36-year old dryer.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

-Paula

[kayakcrzy]

It sounds to me like it is the timer. But I am not there on this one. It might be cheaper for you to call a qualified technician. Sometimes sitting here on my perch, I cannot give you a accurate answer. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

[yaknvdub]

Originally Posted by kayakcrzy

It sounds to me like it is the timer. But I am not there on this one. It might be cheaper for you to call a qualified technician. Sometimes sitting here on my perch, I cannot give you a accurate answer. Tom ApplianceEducator.com

Thanks Tom, that was my thought too. One interesting thing did happen which causes me to think otherwise, however. One of the two wires which connect to the heating element became unknowingly detached when I had the unit apart, I had run a load of clothes through it in this condition and the unit had run continuously for about an hour before shutting off. Items in the dryer were lightweight so they did dry, but it was obvious that the element had not heated (thus precipitating tear-down #4 )

My husband thinks one of the thermostats may be bad and plans to remove them systematically and jumping a wire across each. At this point, we might as well investigate a little ourselves. The unit is 36 years old and doesn't owe anybody a dime.

P.S. I like your screename, we've got 8 kayaks ourselves from whitewater to 18' ocean kayaks. Thus the "Yak" in my "Yankvdub" name.

[kayakcrzy]

Let me know if you need me. I have Kayaked the snake river in Idaho, and jackson hole wyoming. Down to the upper buffalo river in Arkansas, Down to the grand in Texas to some amazing creeks in Colorado from central City to golden. I have retired, but it sure was fun. Tom ApplianceEducator.com