Do you have a Kenmore dryer that has suddenly stopped heating? It is certainly frustrating when an appliance stops working, and it can be even worse when trying to figure out how to fix it. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to try and diagnose the problem of your Kenmore dryer not heating up.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the possible causes for these types of common dryer issues and provide helpful information on how to troubleshoot them. Read on if you want to learn more about fixing your Kenmore dryer and why it’s not providing heat!
Why is your Kenmore Dryer Not Heating?
If your Kenmore dryer is not heating up, there can be a number of causes. Before you call a repairman, you may want to take the time to troubleshoot the problem yourself.
In this paragraph, we will discuss the 12 most common causes of Kenmore dryers not heating up and how you can fix them.
1. Faulty Thermistor
The thermistor is responsible for controlling the temperature inside the dryer drum. It is a temperature-sensitive device that can break or stop working and resulting in the dryer not heating up and the air won’t get hot enough to properly dry your clothes.
You can test it with a multi-meter to see if it’s working correctly. If it isn’t, then you should replace it with a new one.
2. Clogged Lint Trap
A clogged lint trap will not only reduce the efficiency and performance of your dryer, but it can also prevent air from flowing freely through the machine. This means that wet clothes may not experience enough heat to dry, resulting in poor results.
To spare yourself such a nuisance, remember to check and clear the lint screen and trap, as well as the lint duct, before turning on the machine.
3. Blown Fuse or Tripped Breaker
Many times when the dryer is not turning on, it could be due to a blown fuse or tripped breaker. Your dryer may not be getting power if either the fuse or breaker has blown or tripped due to an overload or short circuit issue somewhere within the various components of the machine.
Check both of these components and replace them if necessary.
4. Faulty Heating Element Coil
The heating coil is the most common cause of a Kenmore dryer not heating up. It is a long cylindrical wire that heats up when power is supplied to it from the control board and dissipates heat into the drum.
If your Kenmore dryer isn’t heating up, the most likely culprit is a damaged or broken heating element. In this case, you should replace it with a new one.
5. Failed Heating Element Relay Switch
This is a small device that acts as an interface between the dryer and the control board, allowing them to communicate with each other. If it fails or becomes faulty, then it won’t be able to allow power to flow from the control board to the Kenmore dryer heating element, preventing your dryer from heating up.
You can easily replace this switch yourself.
6. Loose Connections
If you find that your Kenmore dryer is not heating up, then it could be due to loose connections within the machine. The terminal block that supplies power from the circuit breaker panel to the dryer can become loose or corrode over time, preventing electricity from flowing freely and thus resulting in the dryer not heating up.
Check all of your connections and make sure that they are all secure and tight.
7. Defective Control Board
The Kenmore dryer’s main control board is the brain of the dryer. It is responsible for telling the other components what to do and when to do it.
If the control board becomes faulty or defective, then your Kenmore dryer won’t be able to turn on, let alone heat up. You should replace it with a new one if this happens.
8. Failed High Limit Thermostat
The high-limit thermostat is responsible for preventing your Kenmore dryer from getting too hot. If the air inside the drum of the dryer gets too hot, then the high-limit defective thermostat will kick in and shut off the heating element to prevent a fire hazard.
If it fails or becomes faulty, then it won’t be able to protect your Kenmore dryer from overheating and may result in the dryer not heating up. You should replace the hi-limit thermostat if this happens.
9. Failed Cycling Thermostat
The cycling thermostat is responsible for controlling the dryer’s temperature. It senses when it is getting too hot and turns off the heating elements until it cools down.
If this broken thermostat fails or becomes faulty, then your Kenmore dryer won’t be able to detect when it needs to turn on and off its heating elements resulting in the dryer’s inability to heat up.
10. Defective Motor Start Capacitor
The motor start capacitor is responsible for providing your dryer with extra power when it turns on.
If this component becomes faulty or defective, then your dryer won’t be able to get enough power to turn on and thus resulting in the dryer not heating up.
11. Defective Motor Run Capacitor
The motor run capacitor is responsible for providing power to the Kenmore dryer when it is running. If this part of your dryer malfunctions or is defective, it essentially won’t have enough energy to carry out its operations, eventually leading to the dryer not being able to heat up.
12. Faulty Drive Belt
The drive belt is vital in driving your Kenmore dryer when it’s working.
However, if this part becomes overly worn or frayed, it won’t be able to give adequate power for the dryer to turn on and can cause your appliance to not heat up correctly.
How to Fix a Kenmore Dryer Not Heating
If you’re having trouble with your Kenmore electric dryer not heating up, you may be wondering what could be causing the problem and what steps you should take to fix it.
The good news is there are a few possible solutions that can help get your dryer back up and running again. Let’s go into detail on all 11 potential fixes for a Kenmore dryer not heating up.
1. Replace the Faulty Thermistor
Replacing a faulty thermistor on a Kenmore dryer is actually quite an easy task when you’re equipped with the right tools and know-how. With the right screwdriver, you can easily access the back of your dryer to disconnect the thermistor (a small two-leaded device) from the wiring harness.
Once disconnected, simply remove the whole unit and replace it with a new one that has been carefully matched to your specific product model. To ensure safety during this process, always make sure to unplug your dryer before attempting any maintenance and wear protective gear while working around electrical components.
With a little effort and know-how, replacing a faulty thermistor on your Kenmore dryer shouldn’t be too difficult.
2. Clean Out the Lint Filter
A clogged lint filter can restrict airflow and affect the overall performance of any dryer. Dryers need a certain amount of airflow in order to achieve correct drying times, temperatures, and ratings.
If yours isn’t cleaned out periodically, – lint and dirt build-up could hamper your efforts in achieving ideal dryer performance.
Get into the habit of checking and cleaning out your lint filter each time you do a load of laundry. This simple step is crucial for ensuring the best, essential tolerance levels within your drying cycle.
3. Check the Circuit Breaker or Fuse
If your Kenmore dryer isn’t heating up, it could be due to a blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker.
The best way to investigate this is by going to your main electrical panel and checking the breakers. If one of them has been switched off, then simply switch it back on.
For any faulty fuses that you find, you’ll need to replace them with the right type of fuse (which can be found at most hardware stores) and make sure it matches the current rating for your Kenmore dryer.
If either the circuit breaker or fuse is not working correctly, then your dryer won’t be able to get enough power to heat up properly.
4. Replace the Heating Element
Heating elements are vulnerable to regular wear and tear, and over-extended use can cause them to eventually become worn out. If yours isn’t responding optimally, it may need to be replaced.
Replacing the heating element in Kenmore dryers is a relatively simple process and can be done following a few straightforward instructions. First, you’ll need to turn off the power supply and unplug your dryer before disassembling the back panel.
From here, you can gain access to the heating element and remove it. Then, simply install a new Kenmore-compatible heating element into the unit and replace the back panel.
If you’re unsure about doing this yourself, then it may be safer to get a professional to do it for you.
5. Replace the Heating Relay Switch
The heating relay switch on Kenmore dryers is responsible for regulating the electrical current and supplying it to the heating element. If your dryer is not heating up, then the heating relay switch may be faulty and need replacement.
To access and replace this part, you will need to unscrew the back panel of your dryer and locate the switch inside. Once you have isolated it, simply disconnect the switch and replace it with a Kenmore-compatible switch.
Make sure to use caution when handling electrical components, as they can be dangerous if not dealt with properly.
6. Check all Connections
Sometimes Kenmore dryers may not heat up because of a faulty connection or loose wire. To avoid any major damage to your dryer, it’s essential to check all the connections to ensure they are secure.
You may need to use a screwdriver or other tools to reach the inner parts of your dryer and check each connection. If any wires appear to be loose, then make sure to reconnect them and tighten the connection firmly.
This simple check could save you from any unnecessary repair costs.
7. Replace the Control Board
The control board installed in dryers generally controls all the functions, such as temperature and timing. If this is malfunctioning, then your dryer won’t heat up correctly.
To replace the control board, you’ll need to unscrew the back panel and locate it inside. Once you have isolated the control board, then disconnect and replace it with a board compatible with your model.
It may be helpful to get a professional in to do this work, as it is electrical in nature and can be dangerous if not done correctly.
8. Check the Thermostat
The thermostat in your Kenmore dryer regulates both heat and airflow throughout the cycle by shutting off power to either one or both components at certain intervals, depending on how far along in its cycle it is at any given time during drying.
It should have continuity when tested with an ohm meter (or multi-meter). If there’s no continuity when tested, then you may need to replace it—it should not be bypassed!
9. Test Cycling Thermostat
The cycling thermostat monitors air temperature inside of your Kenmore dryer during its cycle and turns off power once reaching a certain temperature range—it should have continuity when tested with an ohm meter (or multi-meter).
If there’s no continuity when tested, then it will need to be replaced for your dryer to be able to detect the change in temperatures.
10. Replace the Motor Start and Run Capacitor
The motor start capacitor in Kenmore dryers is responsible for controlling the current flow to the motor. If yours isn’t working correctly, then your dryer won’t heat up.
To replace the motor start capacitor, you will need to open the back panel and locate it inside. Once you have identified it, then disconnect it and replace it with a Kenmore-compatible part.
As this is a complex electrical component, it is best to get a professional to do this work for you. That way, you can be sure that the job is done correctly and safely. It is also important to check that the new part you purchased is compatible with your dryer model; otherwise, it won’t work.
11. Check the Drive Belt
The drive belt is an important part of any dryer as this is the component that gives energy for the dryer to turn on. If this component is overly worn or frayed, it won’t be able to provide enough power for the dryer to turn on and heat up.
To check the drive belt on your Kenmore dryer, unplug the appliance and open up the back of it. You should be able to see the belt fairly easily, and it should still be in good condition. If the belt is torn or frayed, then you’ll need to replace it.
To do that, the first step to take is to loosen the screws holding it in place and then remove the belt. Next, replace it with a Kenmore-compatible drive belt and secure it in place with the screws.
Once you’ve done that, your dryer should be able to turn on and heat up again.