Tumble Dryer Help Forum

I have a Hotpoint TDC32s condenser dryer. with limited heat.
Having removed the back for inspection ive noticed the heater element only heats up 1 of the 2 elements on low heat setting and 2 of the 4 elements on high heat setting.
Ive bypassed the 2 thermostats and tried operating and finding the same problem.

I then removed the heater assembly and ran the dryer and found all 2 or 4 elements(depending on what heat setting) operate correctly. Then after replacing the heater assembly it operates on half the power as per previous faulty state.
Checking continuity of all 4 elements, they seem ok and measuring the same.

Is there another thermostat hidden somewhere as im lost to as what to try next?????

I would be very grateful for any help oreven a schematic drawing.

Many thanks Mannzer

First of all the procedures you have used are totally unnecessary and should not be carried out under any circumstances.

A simple resistance/continuity test of the elements and stats, with the machine isolated from the mains is all that is required.

In most cases wiring diagrams are copyright material and will not be given out.

There is another thermostat located inside the door surround just past 12.00 o'clock.

The most common causes of poor drying are badly blocked condensor, loose plastic fans, or any other obstructions to the airflow.

Moved you to correct forum BTW.

Hellloooo,
I have the TDC30 version with what soundslike exactly the same problem.
I've read that what looks like the four elements on tehe back are actually two, however the bottom two never seem to come on in any setting.
Infact they are quite dusty (which I've cleaned off).

Is this third sensor you mentioned the cause for the bottom two not glowing at all? or as you say, blocked condenser / airflow??

Can I assume that all four (what look like four) elements should glow on high heat setting and only two glow on low heat setting?
Any help appreciated. thank you

You shouldn't even be running the machine with the back cover off, a very dangerous practice.
Tthe fact they are not glowing doesn't mean they are not working, the only way to test the elements is with a megger or multimeter, WITH THE MAINS PLUG REMOVED.

If the element coils appear to be unbroken then its likely to be OK.

Any of the stats or sensors will stop both elements from working not just one.

The High/Low heat switch can also fail on the odd occasion, not common though.

The condensor should be the first thing you check, it should be cleaned out on a very regular basis, once a week on well used dryers.

Thank you for the reply.

Yes I take your point that the best way to check is via a meter and unplugged. I did do that too with th eplug removed and all seems ok. Both stats at the back changed as precaution and continuity checked on all three sensors (two at back and one at the front).
Also, basically took the whole machine apart to clean and indeed yes there was alot of fluff and condenser chamber almost blocked though not quite. Anyway - everything is clean. Heat setting switch tested and seems to work fine. But I still can't get the bottom two to glow at all. Resistance is good and continuity also.
It's not a major problem now as at least it does dry the clothes, albeit slightly longer than when first purchased.

Thank you for the advice - this is a great forum, excellent website and the response second to none.

Finally, given the above, is it worth changing the element? or could it be the timer unit?
Thank you once again.

I owe you an apology - you've aleady mentioned it's probably not the elements.
I think I'll leave it now. but thank you once again

There is a simple way to check if both elements are working. It depends which type of consumer unit and electricity meter you have though.

Make sure there are no other high current appliances switched on ( cooker, electric fire etc ).

Set the machine to low heat and turn on, observe the flashing red light frequency or the speed of the spinning disc in your meter then get someone to switch the dryer to high heat. If the elements are OK then you should see an increase in flashing light frequency or the meter disc will speed up.

Crikey, never thought of that one, but makes total sense.

Thank you, will check that.