My Holmes model HFH101C space heater turns on as normal, runs for about 1-3 minutes, and then I hear a "click" and the heating element and fan turn off. Power is still on, running light is lit.

If I turn it off and on right away after this, nothing happens, but if I wait a while (say 10 minutes) I can get another 1-3 minutes out of it.

Already opened it up, circuitry looks fine, and I've cleaned it of all dust etc. Beyond that, I'm lost.

freezin' my tuckus off, November 2008

And here's an animation of it happening...

http://www.goalfinder.com/preview.asp?productcode=SPHAPP1&productid=57&productname=Heat%20-%20Bi-metallic%20strip-%20thermostat%20(Educational%20Science%20technology%20animation)

Peccavi, November 2008

Well, you know how to open it up so find the part that's going "click" - it will probably be close to the heat setting control - and examine it - years ago these things were bi-metallic strips that bent as they warmed up and opened a pair of switching contacts - if yours is like this you're in luck. Disconnect the power and bend the non-moving contact away from the moving piece - 1mm should do it.

Failing that, bypass it completely and be prepared to be too hot most of the time.

Peccavi, November 2008

and how would I go about fixing the thermostat?

~still freezin'

freezin' my tuckus off, November 2008

sound like the thermostat or overheat stat

steve, November 2008