[zds]

I have a Whirlpool WED5840SW0 that runs great on timed dry, but when set on Accudry (auto) it never advances or stops (I did a test run and confirmed the problem with a wet towel - it will just fry the items...). The auto dial never advances.

The vent is oversized and clear (military housing - government contracting at its best).

I did some searches of the forums and found this post: http://forums.partselect.com/dryer-r...-off-7704.html

Could I have the same problem (just need an operating thermostat)?

Can you point me to the repair manual?

Thanks, and what a great forum!

[zds]

Well I just finished checking all the thermostats - they're all closed (0 ohms) when cold and the bias thermostat clicks and shows resistance when heated over the stove.

However, the loop from 120v to control panel goes through the motor, where it does not show 0 ohm (so something is open at the motor). From best I can tell this means that I do not need a new thermostat, but does it point to the timer? After all, it works fine on timed dry mode...

Is there a way I can test the timer?

[zds]

Some more info:

When the thermostat loop (red wire) is disconnected from the timer, the dryer spins by the heater doesn't turn on at all...

[zds]

Another data point: The operating thermostat definitely works - I just ran the dryer in auto on high and disconnected from the vent. With a cooking thermometer I measured the temp get up to 155-160 and then heard the operating thermostat click open and watched the exhaust temp drop.

However, the dial never moved! So, is this definitive evidence that the timer is shot, or is there a better test?

Thanks!

[zds]

Continuing my research I realized that the timer motor was getting 120v in timed mode, but not in auto mode (the two black wires running into the motor part of the timer). A closer inspection revealed that the circuit board wasn't properly seated in its slot.

One good push and 120v appeared across those black lines, and low and behold the dial advances in auto as the operating thermo cycles!

Huzzah!