If your LG dryer (example model number DLE7177WM) won’t start, one possibility is that the thermal limiter is burned out. This usually happens in situations where the dryer was taking too long to dry laundry the last several loads. If this was the case, the THERMAL LIMITER on the heater housing may have shut-down the dryer. When this occurs, the dryer cannot be made to start again until the THERMAL LIMITER has been replaced and the actual cause of the overheating is found and corrected. Usually, this is a poorly designed or installed vent.
To facilitate your appliance repair adventure, Sublime Master john63 in the Samurai School of Appliantology has prepared this step-by-step instruction for replacing the thermal limiter. BTW, here’s the part link to your replacement thermal limiter==> http://www.repairclinic.com/PartDetail/High-Limit-Thermostat/1268366?modelNumber=DLE7177WM
1) Unplug the dryer.
2) Remove 3 “phillips” screws from the TOP COVER of the dryer. These screws are at the rear of the top cover.
3) Slide the top cover rearward about an inch & lift-off.
4) Open the DOOR of the dryer & remove 2 screws under the *opening*. Roughly located at the 5 and 7 O’clock locations.
5) Standing in front of the dryer & looking behind the control panel—unplug all wire connections to the MAIN BOARD.
6) Now remove the screws from the *corners* of the CONTROL PANEL (Note: Some dryers only have one screw on the right side
7) Grasp the top of the CONTROL PANEL & forcefully “peel” the panel off (This plastic is tough).
8) With the CONTROL PANEL removed—you’ll notice 4 screws that secure the FRONT COVER. Remove those & slowly tilt the FRONT COVER towards you—disconnect the DOOR SWITCH PLUG. Set aside the front cover. Step back & look at the front of the dryer. On the lower right side is a *white* plug. Squeeze the tab on this plug & pull apart to disconnect. This is the plug for the MOISTURE SENSOR. (During re-assembly—don’t forget this little guy).
9) Grab a FELT-TIP MARKER & place a *dot* next to the 2 screws on the front of the *silver* bracket that the CONTROL PANEL *snaps* onto. Then remove the 2 screws. Remove the other 2 screws at the top of the *silver* bracket and remove the silver bracket by pulling upward.
10) Remove 4 screws at each corner (or ear) of the FRONT DRUM SUPPORT ASSY.
11) Pull the SUPPORT ASSY upward & towards you–set aside.
12) Grab the DRUM & rotate counterclockwise while pulling towards you. The belt will slip off. Remove the DRUM.
13) You’ll see a silver/square box on the right-hand side. Pull off the wires to the THERMAL LIMITER & test it for *continuity* with the test meter. If “open”—replace the THERMAL LIMITER and the other THERMOSTAT next to it.
14) If the THERMAL LIMITER has failed—the home exhaust vent *must* be cleaned. 100%.
15) Use a shop vac to clean everything up.
Re-assemble in reverse order.
Samurai Appliance Repair Man
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