Frequently Asked Questions
•How do I test the grounding wire with a multimeter?
Set your multimeter to continuity mode (or resistance). Place one probe on the dryer's metal chassis and the other probe on the grounding wire terminal (usually green). A reading close to 0 ohms indicates good continuity. If the meter reads OL or a high resistance value, there is a break in the ground wire.
•What type of dryer vent cleaning kit should I use?
A dryer vent cleaning kit with a flexible brush attachment that can be connected to a drill is ideal. Ensure the brush is the correct diameter for your vent size (usually 4 inches). Rigid plastic vent pipes can also be disconnected and manually cleaned. Avoid using thin foil ducts as they are fire hazards.
•How do I know if the heating element is shorted?
Disconnect the wires from the heating element. Set your multimeter to resistance mode. Place one probe on one of the element terminals and the other probe on the metal casing of the element. If you get a resistance reading close to 0 ohms, the element is shorted to ground and needs replacement. You should also test the resistance across the two terminals to ensure the element isn't open (infinite resistance).