Dryer Dryness Sensor Issues

[ng0n]

Gentlemen: I have 2 dryers, neither of which works in the 'automatic' or 'sensor' mode (set 'amount of dryness' required rather than a timed cycle).

Dryers:

1. 1972 Lady Kenmore. While replacing the belt, idler and rollers, I noticed a strange triangular protuberance from the back, inside wall of the dryer. Should have snapped a pic - but anyway, it looks as if it should have had TWO strips of metal inserted across it - but only has one. The other detente or pocket that matches the one with a strip in it is EMPTY. Does that ring a bell ?

2. 1981 Maytag. I replaced the blower fan in it a couple years ago but haven't been inside is since. No doubt there is a sensor of some kind. My wife says that when she got the dryer it didn't work right and 'the man came out and fixed it and said it worked - but it DIDN'T !" So, now it's MY turn. HELP !!

/ ng0n

Ps: The APP dryer kit recommended by VolvoGuy87 for the "Lady" worked great - no more squeal, everything now shipshape. The problem was a BADLY stretched out belt and a super crudded up idler pulley. Together they made a TERRIBLE noise until eventually coming up to speed - but even then there were 'issues' as they tested each other to see who could break first ! THANKS VOLVOGUY87 !!!

 

[qsd-dan]

On both machines, try cleaning the sensor strips with alcohol and a cotton ball. If fabric softener was previously used, it has a tendency to build up on the sensors overtime, causing erratic operation.

 

[combo52]

ELECTRONIC SENSORS

1972 kenmore  you hit the hail on the head it should have two metal strips. 1981 MT I need model # and more information. Cleaning the sensor is never the problem especially when one is missing Dan.

 

[qsd-dan]

Cleaning the sensor is never the problem especially when one

Gotta clean the one on the '81 Kenmore every 5-6 months or it shuts off too soon with wet clothes. I use fabric softener, so that's no surprise.

 

[combo52]

ELECTRONIC SENSORS

I should have added that on the early HOH MT dryers with the wire wound drum baffles did have problems with residue shorting the wires and causing the machines to not shut off. I fact on these early MTs we would often cut the wires too one or two of the three drum baffles to get the machine to cut off in a reliable manor. But I have never encountered many problems with the other designs as they are really self-cleaning, all you have to do is dry a load of towels [ without fabric softener occasionally ] and you should never have any problems. If you can get enough build-up on those two sensor strips to cause the dryer to stop cutting off I would differently not want to be wearing or sleeping on any thing that came out of that dryer.

 

[franksdad]

Sensor

Thanks gsd-dan for the information about cleaning the sensors. I use Downy fabric softner and I probably gave my otherwise perfectly good 1998 Kenmore 90 Series dryer to the Goodwill because I was disgusted with the automatic sensor. After several service calls and Sears completely replacing the dryer once the service technician never once mentioned cleaning the sensors. Would you happen to know where the sensor is on BOSCH dryers as I need to clean them also.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[ng0n]

Lady K and MT sensors - attn: Combo52

Combo52: Thanks for the info on The LADY K sensor. I have included a pic of it for any interested parties. Notice the 'outboard' metal strip is MISSING !
The Maytag Dryer model number is: DG410 Series 01. Thanks for any clues on how to fix IT !?!?
Question: Reference, the picture - Do I replace the whole sensor or buy a 'strip' and solder it in or what ??
Thanks,
/ng0n