OT - Food dehydrator

[CW2V]

I got a dehydrator over 10 years ago as a present. I did not once plug it in until today. The heating coils lit up and glowed, and I could smell the dust burning off. A while later I checked on it and the coils were not lit. I assumed that the thermostat had shut them off. The temperature setting goes from 95 to 155 degrees. After running it dry for a few minutes I shut it off. After about 20 minutes I cut up some peppers and loaded a tray and turned it back on. The coils now do not light up at any temperature setting (the fan runs). I checked it periodically, and I did not seen the coils light up once. The dehydrator is rather warm inside, but I don't know if it is just the fan motor heat. Since this is over ten years old (can't find operating manual) I can't find much info on it on-line.

Anyone have any thoughts? I have a bumper crop of peppers that I either need to dry or freeze or throw away - today.

TIA

CW2V