Hotpoint Condenser Dryer TCL780 Only Heats Up On Set Programmes

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Hotpoint TCL780 heats only on set programmes, not timed settings

The problem

A Hotpoint TCL780 condenser dryer ran cool and would not dry clothes on numbered timed settings such as 60, although it did produce heat on some Set and Forget programmes. The owner had already cleaned out fluff and fitted replacement thermostats, then a complete heater unit with thermostats, with no change.

Likely cause

The discussion supports that the heater element, cut-outs and much of the heater wiring were probably not the cause because the dryer heated on some programmes. The accepted reply says the fault could instead be with the PCB, a connection or wiring fault, a thermostat/cut-out issue, or another control-related fault. Another suggestion was a water detection or condenser full sensing issue, but this was not confirmed.

What fixed it

Do not continue replacing parts speculatively. The recommended action was to trace the fault properly using a continuity test meter and check the relevant circuit, including wiring/connections and control components. The exact failed part was not confirmed. Further diagnosis should be carried out by a suitably qualified appliance engineer.

Checks to try

• Dryer cleaned out and fluff removed
• Replacement thermostats fitted with no change
• Complete heater unit with thermostats fitted with no change
• Heating confirmed on some Set and Forget programmes but not on timed settings
• Continuity testing recommended to trace the fault

Parts or tools mentioned

• replacement thermostats
• complete heater unit with thermostats
• continuity test meter