CE code Kenmore/Electrolux 417.81102000

[PaPaDale]

I’m having a very strange problem with my Kenmore elite electric dryer. The dryer throws a CE code after 10 minutes in any cycle. This is a “Check Exhaust” code. My problem originally started when the dryer through an E 64 code which was a bad heater. I opened the unit and through the back I replaced the heater, which was indeed bad and had shorted coils. I closed it back up and moved it back into position but am now getting the CE code. 
If I remove the vent hose I DO NOT get any error, the drying cycle completes without any problem.
If I connect the 5 foot vent hose and run it straight out the back without any bends, just a straight exit, that is also successful without any errors.
But, if I put a bend in the hose and raise it to the level where it connects to the house (but not actually connected) the CE problem returns.  It’s just a vent tube raised to chest high.  It’s like if there is the slightest restriction in the vent hose the CE problem occurs.  The dryer has been using this vent tube arrangement for 8 years without any CE problems.
I’ve seen some mentions that the inlet thermistor may be the problem but I hate to try parts without good reason. 
Anyone have an idea for this strange venting problem?

[Bearcat]

You say that you replaced the heater from the back?  I have replaced many of theses heaters, and always changed them by taking off the top, and front, and then removing the drum to get to the heater.   Did I misunderstand what you meant?  Did you transfer over the high limit thermostat and fuse, from the old heater assembly?  Did you make sure the old wires went to the correct positions on the new heater?  Being that the problem occurred after the other repair, I would be inclined to believe that the new problem originates there.

Bearcat

[PaPaDale]

Thanks for the reply Bearcat.  Yes, I went in through the back.  Once the back is removed, you only have to remove the two screws for the heater mount and the screw that holds the heater to the vent. Then you can remove the whole heater assembly with the wires still attached and lay the unit outside the dryer and swap the wires directly to the new unit one by one. I was very careful to make sure every wire went to the right place. I did transfer the thermostat and fuse to the new heater. The new heater is working fine it’s just this vent problem that’s now aggravating.Do you happen to know what exactly causes this condition? Is it overheating somewhere? How does the dryer know that there is a vent problem?

[Gundy1688]

This is a pretty simple question, but does the vent at the wall go directly outside, or does it have a distance to go from that point to outside? I would check the entire run for any restrictions/blockages and also suggest using a more semi-rigid hose from dryer to wall instead of the more flimsy/flexible ones to ensure maximum air flow if you're not already using one.

Best regards,

Eric 
https://www.eliteapplianceservices.net/

[Bearcat]

Did you ever get your venting issue fixed?  Unfortunately, I am not one to believe in coincidences.  If the CE code happened the first time that you used the dryer after you changed the heater, I would say that you mistakenly did something during that repair to cause it.  Let us know what you found.  Sorry for the delay in responding.

Bearcat

[Thorning]

This reply may be confusing but I will submit it for your consideration anyhow. Last year I sold a used electric dryer to a customer who lived in an apt that had a fairly long vent tube to the 2nd floor outside wall. The Speed Queen dryer I sold him was operating properly when it was tested in my garage with no vent tube installed. After it was installed in the apt it ran about 1 day before it popped the heater thermal fuse which is almost always a sign that the vent tube has a significant restriction. I replaced the fuse and cautioned the person involved that the vent tube had a restriction. A day later it did the same thing.  The folks who owned the apt building were called and cleaned the LONG vent tube and declared it was now clean and clear including the 90 degree elbows. The dryer was reinstalled and it ran about a day before the same problem happened again. I did not want to loose the war so I took the dryer back and refunded the money they paid. To my knowledge they bought a NEW dryer and it apparently solved the problem. My guess is that some of the NEW units on the market have a wider tolerance for restriction possibly due to a circuit board revision than older units and thus are able to operate  when an older unit will not before they pop the thermal fuse. Also the dryer I originally sold was resold to another customer with no problems reported. Comments from the customer /tech/installer are invited