Dryer Start Switch Continuity Between Blue but Not Pink Black

• #1

Model Number

KEYE660WAL0

Brand

KitchenAid

Age

More than 10 years

I went to dry a load of clothes yesterday and our several year old KitchenAid dryer will not start and run. It will run if keep the start button held in. I tried all the temperature settings and timer settings (Regular, Perm Press, Air Only) and it will still only run if I hold the start button in. The dryer started and ran fine the day before.

I did some reading on the most common causes of this issue and I have eliminated the following:
cleaned most of the dust from inside the cabinet and around the motor (there wasn't much)
checked all thermal fuses to have continuity (< 2 ohms resistance)
verified supply voltage (221v)

I think I've narrowed it down to either a bad start switch or a bad motor switch. Is there an easy test for either of these?

The picture below is my start switch. When the switch is not activated, there is no continuity between any of the three terminals. With the switch activated there is only continuity between 1 and 3 (Upper Left terminal and Bottom Terminal)

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

--Joe

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

• #2

Hi Joe,

It sounds like you may have a problem with the motor switch. Use a VOM to check the motor run windings between 4M-5M on the motor switch. You should also read 110 VAC between those two terminals when it's plugged in and you press the start switch on. When you push the start switch, the motor starts on the start windings. When the motor reaches 75% of it's normal running speed, the motor switch, which is a centrifugal switch, automatically switches to the run windings.

Here's the motor start switch for your model you can order here if needed:
Motor Switch 3388235 Order now for same day shipping. 365 day return policy. RepairClinic.com

Jake

• #3

Thanks Jake - I'll check that when I get home this evening. I have seen that switch under the drum attached to the motor (looks just like the one pictured above).

To be sure I'm clear:
Use a VOM to check the motor run windings between 4M-5M on the motor switch. With the dryer unplugged and start switch not depressed, I should test for ohm's (continuity) between terminals 4 and 5 (as labeled) on the motor switch? i.e disconnect the wires and touch my test leads to the actual terminals.

You should also read 110 VAC between those two terminals when it's plugged in and you press the start switch on. Same terminals above, when plugged in and start button depressed? Should the wires be connected or disconnected?..

Sorry for the newbie questions. I have a basic understanding of testing switches and terminals, but am still a novice.

--Joe

• #4

weekley14 said:

there is no continuity between any of the three terminals.

Joe, check this also: Set the timer on timed dry and check for 120 VAC between BU on the timer and the PK/BLK wire on the push to start switch. If the voltage is correct, push the start switch and release it and measure the voltage between both blue wires and pink/black wire on the push to start switch.
Start Switch 348314 Order now for same day shipping. 365 day return policy. RepairClinic.com

Jake

Appliance Tech - Admin

• #5

No Joe, your not checking continuity, your checking for 110 volts between 4M and 5M on the motor switch, I know its a bit difficult to do because you have to take the drum out and by-pass the door switch first.

On the door switch your remove the wires from terminal#1 and terminal#2 and use alligator clips OR electrical tape to tape them together. Unplug or turn the breaker off to the dryer first before you do that.

Here's the motor for your model you can order here:
Drive Motor 279827 Order now for same day shipping. 365 day return policy. RepairClinic.com

Here's the video on how to replace the motor which shows you how to remove the drum and access the motor switch, the video also shows how to access the door switch, so you can by-pass it.

But you may want to do what Rick memntioned first, its easier.

[video=youtube_share;wuP7o10SOG8]https://youtu.be/wuP7o10SOG8[/video]

Jake

armstrongnull1950.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/threads/kitchenaid-electric-dryer-only-runs-if-start-button-held-in.38834/

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