How to fix your Sears Kenmore dryer when it won’t start
If your Kenmore clothes dryer won’t start, here are some things you can check to help you figure out what’s wrong. A couple of these tips require using a multimeter, which is an inexpensive tool any DIYer will find handy.
- Reset the house breaker for the dryer outlet to restore electrical power to the dryer if the breaker tripped.
- Check the dryer door switch, because the motor won’t start if the switch doesn’t detect that the dryer door is shut. Replace the dryer door switch if a multimeter doesn’t measure continuity through the door switch when the door is shut.
- A blown thermal fuse prevents a Kenmore electric dryer from running. Replace the thermal fuse if a multimeter doesn’t measure continuity through the fuse.
- Check the control panel display for error codes. Kenmore dryers that use electronic controls won’t start the drive motor when the control detects a part failure. A flashing error code on the display typically helps you find the broken dryer part.
How to maintain your Kenmore dryer
Doing routine maintenance on your Kenmore dryer helps keep it running smoothly and drying efficiently.
- Clean lint build-up from the exhaust vent regularly. Wash the lint screen with water every 6 months to remove fabric softener residue.
- Wipe the inside of the dryer drum monthly to remove dirt and stains.
- Clean the outside of the dryer regularly to remove dust and lint build-up.
Most common Kenmore dryer parts from Sears that need replacement
- Belt. The drum belt can wear out after 8 to 10 years of use. If the drive motor runs but the drum doesn’t spin, it’s likely you have to replace the drive belt.
- Heating element. Thin metal coils inside the heating element can break after several years and prevent the dryer from heating. Replace the heating element if you find metal heating coils broken on the heating element.
- Thermal fuse. Clogged exhaust venting cause the dryer to overheat and blow the thermal fuse. In most electric dryers, the motor won’t run when the thermal fuse blows. A blown thermal fuse prevents gas dryers from heating. Check thermal fuse continuity using a multimeter and replace the fuse if the meter measures no continuity through the fuse. Also clear lint from the dryer’s exhaust vent duct system before installing the new thermal fuse so the new fuse doesn’t blow shortly after replacing it.
- Lint screen. The lint screen helps prevent lint build-up in the exhaust vent duct system. Holes in the lint screen allow lint to accumulate and clog the exhaust vent duct. Replace the lint screen if it’s damaged.
- Dryer door. Kenmore dryer door replacement is sometime needed if the dryer door gets bent or damaged.
Sears PartsDirect has the Kenmore dryer parts you need to keep your dryer running smoothly and efficiently
Find Kenmore 700 Series dryer parts and Kenmore 600 dryer parts on our Sears PartsDirect website. We have Kenmore dryer door replacement parts, drive motors, lint screens and thermostats you need to keep your dryer working. Use the detailed parts drawings on our website to find the Kenmore dryer parts you need for your model. We have Kenmore 80 series dryer parts and Kenmore dryer model 110 parts. Get the Kenmore series 500 dryer handle you need to fix that problem that you've been putting off. Find the Kenmore 800 dryer timer you need when the cycle doesn't advance. Our large selection of Kenmore dryer repair parts can help you get your dryer back in top shape.
When you're unable to complete a dryer repair on your own and you’re searching for dryer appliance repair near me to resolve a failure, trust Sears Home Services to fix the issue.