If you are one of the many people who own a Kenmore dryer, and it is not heating, you may be feeling frustrated. You are not alone. In this article, we will discuss some possible causes of the problem, as well as some solutions that you can try.
Solution 1: Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety mechanism that protects the dryer from overheating. The blower housing or the heat source of an electric dryer’s heating element, for example, are two possible locations for the fuse.
When there is continuity in the fuse, it means that it has a continuous electrical connection to its other terminals. If the temperature gets too high, the continuity is broken, and the fuse “blows,” or breaks the circuit. This prevents the dryer from overheating and causing a fire.
If your Kenmore dryer’s thermal fuse has blown, it will need to be replaced before the dryer can be used again. This is a relatively easy repair that you can do yourself.
Here is a link to a video that shows you how to replace the thermal fuse in a Kenmore dryer:
Solution 2: Heating Element
Another possible reason why your Kenmore dryer is not heating could be because the heating element is not working. The heating element is what actually produces the heat to dry your clothes.
If the heating element is not working, it will need to be replaced. This is a more difficult repair than replacing the thermal fuse, but it is still something that you can do yourself.
Solution 3: Venting Problems
If your Kenmore dryer is not heating, it could also be because of venting problems. The dryer needs to have good airflow in order to work properly. If the vent is blocked, restricted, or there is lint build-up inside the dryer or in the vent, it can cause the dryer to overheat and shut off.
To clean the dryer vent, you will need to disconnect the dryer from the power source and then remove the exhaust hose from the back of the dryer. Next, use a vacuum with a long attachment to reach up into the vent and remove any lint that is blocking the airflow.
You can also use a dryer vent brush to reach up into the vent and remove any lint. This is a long, stiff brush with bristles that will help to loosen and remove the lint.
Once you have removed all of the lint from the vent, you can reattach the exhaust hose to the back of the dryer and turn the power back on.
Solution 4: Thermostat
The thermostat is another possible reason why your Kenmore dryer is not heating. The thermostat controls the temperature of the dryer. If it is not working properly, it can cause the dryer to overheat and shut off.
To test the thermostat, you will need to use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, then the thermostat will need to be replaced.
These are some of the possible reasons why your Kenmore dryer is not heating, as well as some solutions that you can try. If you are still having problems with your dryer, you may need to call a technician.
Solution 5: Main Control Board
It’s possible that the main control board is faulty. However, this is not very likely. Check all of the more frequent faulty components before replacing the main control board.
Replace the main control board if you’ve found that all of the other components are functioning properly and there are no obvious indications of burning or a shorted-out component.
Solution 6: Timer
The timer could also be the issue. The timer is what controls how long the dryer runs. If it is not working properly, it could cause the dryer to overheat and shut off.
To test the timer, you will need to use a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, then the timer will need to be replaced.
If your Kenmore dryer is not heating, there are several possible causes and solutions to try. If you’re still having trouble with your dryer, you may want to get it looked at by a professional.
Solution 7: Heating Element Assembly
Before the heated air enters the dryer drum, it is warmed by the heating element assembly. The heating element may eventually fail, preventing the dryer from operating.
To determine whether the heating element assembly has burned out, check for continuity with a multimeter. If the heating element assembly doesn’t have continuity, it needs to be replaced.
Solution 8: Drum Rollers
The drum rollers support the drum as it rotates. Over time, the rollers can become worn out and may need to be replaced. To check the condition of the drum rollers, remove the front panel and examine them.
If they’re damaged or worn out, they’ll need to be replaced.
Solution 9: Gas Valve Solenoid
Dryers with two or more gas valve solenoid coils include a pair of gas valve solenoids. The gas valve ports are opened by the gas valve solenoids, allowing gas to enter the burner assembly.
If a gas valve solenoid fails, the dryer will not heat up. Check the igniter to see whether one or more of the gas valve solenoids have failed.
Replacing a gas valve solenoid is not a difficult task and can be completed with a few tools.
Solution 10: Check for Obstructions
If there are any obstructions in the dryer vent, exhaust duct, or lint screen housing, this could cause the dryer to overheat and shut off.
Remove any obstructions that you find and then restart the dryer. If the problem persists, you may need to call a technician.
These are some of the possible reasons why your Kenmore dryer is not heating, as well as some solutions that you can try. If you are still having problems with your dryer, you may need to call a technician.
Solution 11: Clean the Lint Screen
The lint screen should be cleaned before each load of laundry. A build-up of lint can cause the dryer to overheat and shut off.
To clean the lint screen, remove it from the dryer and use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any lint that’s accumulated on it.
Solution 12: Clean the Dryer Vent
The dryer vent should be cleaned at least once a year. A build-up of lint in the vent can cause the dryer to overheat and shut off.
To clean the dryer vent, disconnect the dryer from the power source and then remove the exhaust duct. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any lint that’s accumulated in the vent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Reset The Thermostat On My Kenmore Dryer?
If your Kenmore dryer has a thermostat, you can reset it by turning off the power to the dryer and then unplugging it. Once it’s unplugged, remove the access panel to the thermostat and unscrew the thermostat from its mounting bracket.
Once the thermostat is removed, you can unscrew the reset button from the thermostat and then screw it back in. This will reset the thermostat.
How Do I Clean The Heating Element On My Kenmore Dryer?
The heating element on your Kenmore dryer can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. First, disconnect the dryer from the power source and then remove the access panel to the heating element.
Use the vacuum cleaner to remove any lint or debris that’s accumulated on the heating element. Once it’s clean, you can screw the access panel back on and then plug the dryer back in.
How Often Should I Clean My Kenmore Dryer?
You should clean your Kenmore dryer at least once a year, or more often if it’s used frequently. To clean the dryer, you should first disconnect it from the power source and then remove the exhaust duct.
Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any lint that’s accumulated in the vent. You should also clean the lint screen before each load of laundry.
Conclusion
Dirty lint screens, vents, and ducts are some of the most common causes of a Kenmore dryer, not heating. By cleaning these areas regularly, you can help to prevent the dryer from overheating.
If your dryer is still not heating after trying these solutions, you may need to call a technician for further assistance.
