Hello.

I have a Kenmore Electric Dryer, model number 110.96550110. It won't heat up. I've read the various online FAQ's and troubleshooting manuals, but it's still not heating. Here's what I've checked so far. Please bear in mind that I have a cheap little digital multimeter, Radio Shack model 22-810, that doesn't have an "x1" setting, so I'll give you the readings I took by testing ohms on the "OHM 200" setting to make sure I'm reading this right.

- Dual-pole 30A breaker in my panel never tripped.
- Thermal Fuse showing less that 0.1 - I see this as showing a closed fuse.
- High Limit Thermostat showing less that 0.2 - I see this as showing a closed thermostat.
- Cycling Thermostat has two set of spades. The larger ones, where power wires are connected are showing less that 0.2 - I see this as showing a closed power circuit. The smaller ones, located more toward the center of the thermostat, are showing a "0L" reading - I see this as showing an open thermostat.
- Heating Element showing 10.4 ohms - I see this as normal resistance per the 8-12 ohm range listed on yours and various websites.
- Thermal Cut Out showing a "0L" reading - I see this as the cutout being open, therefore not limiting the power.

Please confirm my finding that I'm looking at needing to replace the Cycling Thermostat before I lay down $40 on a new one from Sears.

Thanks.

The thermal cut out is a safety fuse to prevent overheating. If it is open, it is a blown fuse.

Before replacing it, you must determine what caused it to blow and resolve that problem.