Whirlpool Dryer (LER4634EQ1) continues heating after opening door to stop

[mthurman]

Hi,

I was drying clothes today and opened the door mid-cycle to empty the clothes. I came back about an hour later and the door was still open and I noticed that the dryer was still heating. I just unplugged it. This dryer was purchased new around 1997-98. I have repaired several things on it through the years but I am not sure where to start in diagnosing this problem. Is it the heating element itself? What would cause it to stay on? Thanks for your input.

Matt

[mthurman]

I figured it out. The heating element had broken and was touching the casing, creating a connection for power. This is exactly what my problem was (starting at 4:35):