Hey guys posting this for hopes of help.
My moms drier went out today, in that it doesnt blow hot air anymore, it blows air but not hot. I removed the back metal panel and then it started to blow hot. Put the panel back on, it blows cold again? She doesnt want to call a repair guy and pay for a stupid repair. Any ideas anybody?

Air blockage - check the louvers to the fan inlet and the vent line
If you get hot air with back off, then the fan and heating element are fine

Fix her drier then change the oil on her car - be a good son

i always do that lol
checked the vent line already ill check the louvers now thanx!
anything else

After you clean out the vent line and louvers, get a vacuum cleaner and clean out everything you can get at. You will be amazed at the amount of lint that is under and behind it around the ignitor and motor. Many a house fire has been started by this. That reminds me, it is about time to clean mine again.

Is this a gas or electric dryer?

Cleaning the areas inside the lint filter, and also the exhaust tube are always the first thing to try. We know the heating element works b/c you said it still blows hot when the back of the dryer is removed. If routine cleaning fails to work you should replace the thermostat. There will be a couple of "thingies" on the back of the drier that look like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v305/rolex/athermostat.jpg

You can replace both of these babies for around $15-$20. One is a thermostat and the other is a thermal cutoff safety switch. These are a common cause of dryers failing to heat. They can be found at electrical supply stores or appliance repair stores. If you have the manual that came with the dryer you can order replacements off the parts list. Sears parts can send you replacements on GE, Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and most popular brands.

That's my guess anyway. I worked at Sears for several years in HS and college doing a little of everything (sales, appliance delivery and repair, etc). Good luck.


ETA: do a google products search. I found several on Ebay for the right price. clothes dryer thermostat - Froogle (http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=clothes+dryer+thermostat&hl=en&lr=&rls=SUNA,SUNA:2005-50,SUNA:en&sa=X&oi=froogle&ct=title) Be sure to replace both the thermostat and cutoff. :D

electric
thanks for the help so far guys i really appreciate it!

and it isn't working still after you cleaned all vents, but works with the back cover off.

Well,you up and running?