FIXED Speed Queen Dryer Not Drying (ADE3SRGS173TW01)

[AlmostAmos]

Model Number

ADE3SRGS173TW01

Brand

Speed Queen

Age

6-10 years

Wife's been complaining that our trusty Speed Queen (electric) dryer is taking 3-4 cycles to dry clothes. I took a look last night. The vents/pipes are not clogged up. Pulled the front cover to watch the element as it ran. On the timed cycle, high heat setting, the heating element came on when started but only stayed on for ~15 seconds. Every 4-5 minutes, it comes back on for ~15 seconds. That's it.

I'm leaning toward one of the thermostats but haven't pulled/tested either. Any opinion?

This unit is about 6 years old.

 

[Dan O.]

Air flow is the first thing that should be checked. If the air isn't moving properly, the thermostats will not sense the proper temperature to act upon.

Even if you believe the venting is not the problem, try running a load with the venting totally removed from the dryer to see if drying improves. If it does improve, you can be sure the venting is (at least part of) the problem.

LINK > FAQ: Dryer Venting Information

Check the heater element coil for breaks. A break could make contact when cool but separate when the element expands as it heats up.

LINK > ADE3SRGS173TW01 Heating Element

Make sure the blower is firmly on the motor shaft and not slipping.

Check the drum seals for excessive wear.

Check the wiring to the heater and every component in the circuit for signs of discoloration. Check the timer's heater contacts for discoloration as well.


Lastly might be to check the thermostats but those are usually just assumed to be defective once every other possibility is ruled out. I don't know of a technician that tries to test that they're operating at a correct temperature.


Dan O.

 

[AlmostAmos]

Thanks Dan. I'll do all of that and will report back!

 

[Dan O.]

I thought of one other thing, check the wiring of the main terminal block where the cord connects to the dryer. If one of the connections there was loose, it might cause power to just the heater to drop out unexpectedly.


Dan O.

 

[AlmostAmos]

Hey Dan/everyone. I pulled the front covers, lint "duct" that goes to the blower motor, and the heating element. It seems the culprit was air flow. There was quite a bit of lint everywhere. I spent about 30 minutes w/ a shop vac and brush - now it dries everything and the heating element doesn't cycle off after 15 seconds. I haven't replaced anything, just a good cleaning.

On a side note - where is the moisture sensor on this model? The moisture-sensing seems to work ok but the clothes are still a bit damp when finished. I thought it may benefit from cleaning the sensor?

Thanks for the help!

 

[Dan O.]

where is the moisture sensor on this model?

Is there a moisture sensor? If there is it would only only affect an 'auto' or 'permanent press' setting. On what setting is this occurring?

Dan O.