Are you having trouble with your Kenmore dryer not heating? If so, this issue doesn’t affect you alone. Many people experience this problem at some point and are looking for answers — the good news is you’ve come to the right place.
This post offers a comprehensive guide to understanding why your Kenmore dryer isn’t providing any heat and how to get it running again. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or want to leave it to a professional, this guide has the information you need to get back to warm laundry.
At the end of this piece, you’ll know the various triggers responsible for why your Kenmore dryer isn’t producing any heat and how to repair it yourself or whether to locate a qualified technician. With the right knowledge and resources, you’ll be able to fix the issue quickly and easily. Let’s get started!
Causes of Kenmore Dryer Not Heating
Nothing frustrates a laundry process more than a faulty dryer. Fortunately, diagnosing and repairing the most common causes is often straightforward.
That said, here are the most probable reasons behind your Kenmore dryer not heating as it should:
Reason #1: A blown thermal fuse.
A blown thermal fuse is typically caused by excessive heat build-up in the dryer. A clogged vent, lint build-up, or a malfunctioning thermostat are the primary culprits in this case.
Reason #2: A broken heating element.
If your Kenmore electric dryer counter isn’t heating as it should, it may be due to a broken heating element. This is a fairly common problem due to a poor dryer maintenance culture, such as forgetting to clean lint traps and vents regularly.
Here are some of the signs that could point to a broken heating element:
- No heat emanating from the dryer.
- A burning smell emerging from the dryer.
- Dryer failing to come on.
- Varying drying times.
Reason #3: Clogged lint filter.
With constant usage, you may notice your dryer isn’t heating up anymore or like it should. When this happens, the issue may be due to the lint screen gathering tiny fibers from your clothing. This can, in turn, restrict airflow and stop heat from reaching the drums of your dryer.
Reason #4: Faulty cycling thermostat.
If your Kenmore dryer isn’t heating up, another likely culprit is a faulty cycling thermostat. This dryer component works by turning on the heating element when the air temperature around the appliance gets too low. Once it detects overheating, it regulates the temperature, preventing a potential fire hazard.
Unfortunately, when this component malfunctions, the dryer won’t get hot, meaning your clothes may not dry as quickly or efficiently as you’d like — this translates into extra drying cycles.
Reason #5: Faulty high-limit thermostat.
If your Kenmore dryer isn’t heating up, you may have a malfunctioning high-limit thermostat. This dryer component acts as a safety feature to protect the unit by shutting off the heating element or burner when the air temperature inside the appliance is too high.
Reason #6: Faulty start switch.
Troubleshooting a Kenmore dryer that isn’t heating up can be a hassle if you don’t know the root cause. In some cases, all except the start switch may be working correctly. The start switch, also known as an igniter, sends a signal to the dryer’s heating element, enabling the unit to heat up.
Reason #7: Faulty timer.
Your Kenmore dryer’s timers can easily become worn out over time, preventing the unit from working properly. This is especially true if your dryer is quite aged from frequent use.
Reason #8: Loose, disconnected, or damaged wiring.
If the wiring of your Kenmore dryer isn’t correctly connected, it may result in a disrupted power supply to the appliance. When this happens, the dryer wouldn’t be able to generate the necessary heat needed to dry your clothes.
Most times, a damaged power cord could be the reason why the dryer isn’t heating.
Reason #9: Tripped circuit breaker.
A malfunctioning dryer can be a major inconvenience, leaving you with wet clothes or wasting valuable time as you wait for them to dry. A tripped circuit breaker is one common cause of a Kenmore dryer not heating. Tasked with powering the dryer, this component helps prevent an overload on the dryer’s electrical system. If the dryer receives an excessive power load, the appliance will short-circuit and shut down.
Solutions for Kenmore Dryer Not Heating
If your dryer isn’t heating up as it should, it possibly needs some fixing. Depending on the cause, the following tips should help you fit a non-heating Kenmore dryer in no time:
Solution #1: Replace the thermal fuse.
If your Kenmore dryer heater isn’t heating up, you should consider replacing the thermal fuse to start with. A thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect your dryer from overheating and exploding.
When the dryer’s temperature exceeds a certain level, the thermal fuse blows, preventing the dryer from heating up any further. In the case of a blown thermal fuse, you’ll need to replace it for the dryer to work properly. Here’s how to go about that.
Solution #2: Replace the heating element or coil.
To replace the heating coils, follow the below steps:
- Unplug the dryer.
- Take out the cabinet to access the element.
- Unscrew the element and replace it with a new one.
Be sure to test the dryer after replacing the element to ensure it’s heating properly. In most cases, this relatively simple and inexpensive fix usually solves the issue. Here’s a video on how to do this.
Solution #3: Clean the lint filter.
If your Kenmore gas dryer isn’t heating up, ensure to check the lint filter. Not only is a clogged lint filter annoying, it can also cause your dryer to run inefficiently or not heat up.
Cleaning the lint filter regularly can help improve the performance of your dryer and keep it from running too hot. You should also vacuum out accumulated lint from your dryer constantly to avoid a clogged filter. Here’s a tutorial video on how to take out your Kenmore dryer’s lint filter.
Solution #4: Replace the thermostat.
If the thermostat has gone awry, it won’t be able to properly regulate the dryer’s temperature, leading to inefficient or no heating. Fortunately, this is an easy fix, especially since it’s a fairly inexpensive dryer component.
Here’s how to carry out a thermostat replacement:
- Unplug the dryer from its outlet.
- Turn off the breaker that powers the appliance.
- To access the thermostat, use a Phillips head screwdriver kit to take out the screws of the dryer’s rear plate.
- Once the plate is out of the way, you can locate the thermostat and disconnect it from the wiring harness.
- Next, you’ll need to set up the new thermostat. Take the new thermostat, connect it to the wiring harness, pushing it down until it clips into place. It’s important that this connection is secure to ensure it works properly.
- Finally, put the back panel back on and plug the dryer back in.
Solution #5: Replace the start switch.
Replacing the start switch in your Kenmore dryer is another potential fix for a non-heating dryer.
Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to achieve this:
- Unplug the dryer from its power source
- Turn off the breaker that powers the appliance.
- Locate the start switch inside the dryer by referring to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Disconnect the start switch from the wiring harness with a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Install the new start switch in the same manner by connecting it to the wiring harness.
- Confirm that it has been properly fitted by pressing down the clip.
- Put the back panel back on and plug the dryer back in to confirm it’s working properly.
If your Kenmore Dryer still isn’t heating after this, it’s best to consult a professional or certified repair technician for help.
Solution #6: Reset the circuit breaker.
One of the quickest ways to fix a Kenmore dryer not heating is to reset the circuit breaker.
Here’s how to do this:
- Locate your home’s circuit box and find the switch corresponding to the dryer.
- Flip the switch off, and wait for 10 seconds before flipping it back on.
If a tripped circuit breaker is the cause, your dryer should start working again immediately.
Bonus Solution/Last Resort: Call a technician.
If you’ve tried all the above DIY tips and the dryer isn’t heating up still, then it’s time to call a professional. A professional technician could examine the dryer and diagnose the underlying issue. Should it need repairs, they’re in the best position to carry one out or provide their expert opinion if otherwise.
Conclusion
We’ve come to the end of this guide, and we hope you picked one or two things. In answering your question about why your Kenmore dryer is not heating, we’ve provided you with actionable DIY steps to help solve the issue. However, if your dryer doesn’t heat up after these steps, contact a professional for expert advice.
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