After about 5 minutes the unit stops working. No sound or even a fan noise. I just cleaned the filter to see if that helps, but it didn't.

There are basically two moving parts, the fan and the compressor. It more then likely is the fan. Be sure the air path is clean and the fan blade does not hit anything. If it is the compressor I would suggest getting a new unit and using that one elsewhere for the short time it has left.

It's not unusual for a dehumidifier to blow warm air. As it may be in defrost mode. Even so, they still blow warm air.

The model number you furnished is slightly helpful. Knowing what brand it is, would be even better.

Never-the-less, the filter should be located behind the front louvers of the unit. Turn the Master ON/OFF Switch to OFF and unplug the unit. Remove the water collection bucket and look up inside the bucket holder, just behind the front louvers. You may see a plastic pull tab handle. If so, that's the filter frame. Pull it straight down and out.

If you didn't find it there, look on the right hand side of the unit, just behind the louvers for what looks like a a flip open door. If you see that, flip the door open and remove the filter.

The filter can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner or if it's really dirty, wash it in warm water and dish washing liquid. Thoroughly rinse and allow to completely dry, before reinstalling it. NEVER operate the unit without the filter in place.

Hope this helped you. Please let me know. Thanks.

derkfarm - It may simply be a case of the humidity extraction level being set to high and/or the air intake filter needs to be removed and cleaned.

Solution: Lower the humidity extraction level to 32 - 35% and clean the air filter.

If the unit is in a basement, the ambient air temperature at floor level is colder than at chest level. Dehumidifiers don't work well at temperatures between 40 - 60 degrees F.

Solution: Set the unit up off the floor on a sturdy table, cabinet, counter top, etc. It must be sturdy enough to handle the weight of the unit, plus a full tank of water and the vibration, while in operation.

Any or all the simple solutions above may solve the problem. But, we won't know, until you try them.

Please let me know if it helped or didn't solve the problem. Thanks.

Keep in mind, that a dehumidifier only draws humidity from the air, if the level of humidity is higher than what the controls are set on. The fan running, may be the automatic defrost cycle, that defrost the coils, if they become frosted over. The defrost cycle, depending on the unit and how is was designed, can last any where from 15 minutes up to 45 minutes.

Also, a dirty air intake filter makes the unit strain to keep up and can't take in moisture as it should. So, if you haven't cleaned the filter on a regular basis, not is the time to do so. And while your at it, clean the cooling coils too.

The easiest and best way to test a dehumidifier at home, to see if it's working properly. Is to place it in the bathroom and turn the shower ON and don't operate the bathroom's exhaust fan. Set the humidity level low (45%), turn the unit ON and close the door when you leave. Wait 30 to 40 minutes and check the water collection bucket. If there's water in it, it's working as it should.

Hope this helped you to solve the problem. Please let me know.

mcdevito75 here, It could be the capacitor if you can replace with same size do so. The Armature or communtator in the motor could be shorting also, do the capacitor the change the motor.

it sound like the unit is very low on r134a refrigerant and in being so the compressor is overheating and the thermocouple sensor on the compressor body is shutting off power to compressor to keep it from burning up

It sounds like the fan has etached from its hub. This usually is not repairable if that's the case. Replace the fan.

Are the fan and the compressor both on? These dehumidifiers seem to have a lot of trouble. Check out this forum:

http://forum.doityourself.com/humidifiers-dehumidifiers/177549-kenmore-dehumidifier-fan-stopped.html

These things tend to make a bit of noise, some more than others. You will not be able to do much about the internal produced noise but you can do a lot with the resulting vibration noise.
While the unit is running, take a few minutes and actually touch the unit ALL OVER, you are listing for any vibration noise to cease or be less so where you are touching. This includes the collection pan and the filter. Slightly Tilt the unit in all directions. Make sure that the door to the collection pan is closed properly. Take a few strips of the peel-off adhesive sided thin window/door insulation and apply to the bottom of the collector pan, if it sits ON the bottom of the unit. Place an inch or two thick blocks of foam rubber under each corner of the unit. Make sure the unit is level. Some where along here you will stifle some of, or maybe even most of the noise.
Good luck. :)

Try cleaning out the air filter using cold water. I did not even know the unit had one until I had the same problem. Pull out the bucket. The filter is located where the front top edge of the bucket would be located if it were in the instrument. Remove it by pulling straight down. It may be taped to the instrument for shipping purposes. According to the manual, this should be done every month. I have had the machine since Katrina and this is the first time I have had a problem. Hope this helps.