How about a crash course in reading schematics using the simple, everyday case of a grounded heating element? Well, that’s what we have for you today!
In this video, the Samurai tackles the fairly common problem of a grounded heating element in an electric dryer. Grounded heating elements are super easy to diagnose and every tech has seen them.
Now, you normally don’t need a schematic to diagnose a grounded heating element. That’s why this makes a great case study for learning to read schematics. That way, you can undestand electrically–on the schematic– what you see going with your eyes and hands.
Watch the video to see how the Samurai troubleshoots this Maytag-Whirlpool electric dryer.
This is a very good example of how reading the clean, pretty lines on the schematic directs your troubleshooting in the linty, stinky dryer. This is the gap we as techs stand in– between the schematic and the harsh reality of the machine before you. From the schematic, the Samurai saw that there was a thermal fuse in the power supply circuit for the heating element which he correctly surmised had blown open.
By looking at the schematic and then doing the correct tests (continuity) the Samurai was able to definitely tell that the heater element was grounded.
As the saying goes, “Measure twice, cut once.”
No guessing, no replacing parts he didn’t have to. Just precise troubleshooting using the schematic and a successful repair.
Get up to speed on troubleshooting modern, computer-controlled as well as old-skool laundry and dishwashing appliances with the Master Samurai Tech Advanced Washer, Dryer, and Dishwasher Repair Training course.