I have a Zanussi zwd1681w washer dryer. in the drying cycle the timer goes down far too quickly (30min drying cycle takes just 5 min) no other function is affected. the clothes don't get warm at all. I have cleaned out the huge plastic container in the back of the machine and also tested the heating element for conductivity and got a possitive result. i have also tested the thermostat at the front of the heating element housing and found this to work.
please could you suggest any other possible causes?
thanks.

jason, May 2011

it's not the timer as the washing cycle is unaffected. however, I have traced the problem to a lose wire on a thermostat at the bottom of the exit pipe from the dryer! problem solved.

jason, June 2011

Your over looking the obvious. The timer is faulty. Replace it.

Lincoln Appliance NZ, May 2011