Changing the heating element
Aristan (Splendide) could have made it easier, but it is what it is. It is fairly easy to get to the heating element in an Aristan dryer, Model AS66VX. There is a panel on the back that houses the element. So you can get to it to check it with a multimeter. If either of the thermo switches is bad it will test "open" on the meter. Calling the tech at Westland can get you the help you need. My thermo switches were good, but the element tested questionable and I ordered a new Element which included new thermo switches (thermo switches is not the right name, but I can't remember the correct name).
The new element installs on the access panel with 2 screws, easy enough.....but the wiring harness goes inside the unit near the bottom. If the manufacturer had positioned the connector in that access panel, it would have been a snap. But noooo, you have to get into the main unit.
First the top has to come off. It is held on by two screws on the back. Just push toward the rear of the unit. It comes off easily. Next take off the line of screws holding the back and side together on the left as you look at the rear of the unit. There are a couple of screws at the front holding the side on. After they are loosened, you can swing the side panel out enough to get inside the unit to disconnect the old and reconnect the new plug-in harness.
Now just reverse the process, test the unit before you put it back in place. Reconnect the discharge hose, then stack it back into the closet. Clothes now get dry and Dianna is happy, so we are all happy. Total cost: $139 parts and shipping. Shipping time was 4 or 5 days. My deductible is $100 so real cost was $39. Cheap not to have to mess with hauling it to a dealer. My labor was about 2 hours on a unit I had not worked on before, so probably half that time if I ever have to do it again.
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