If your Kenmore dryer operates but doesn’t produce heat, don’t worry. You can likely resolve the issue yourself with this step-by-step guide, saving time and money.
Key Dryer Components to Inspect
When diagnosing a heating issue, specific parts are commonly linked to the problem. Focus on these components:
- Heating Element: Check for visible damage or test for continuity with a multimeter.
- Thermal Fuse: This one-time-use safety device should be tested for continuity and replaced if necessary.
- High-Limit Thermostat: Test this component to ensure it hasn’t tripped or failed.
- Timer: A malfunctioning timer can prevent the dryer from entering the heating phase.
- Power Supply: Ensure the dryer is receiving the correct 240-volt power supply, as insufficient voltage can prevent heating.
Tools You’ll Need
- ¼ inch nut driver
- ¼ inch socket
- Putty knife
- Multimeter
Safety First
Before starting, prioritize safety to prevent injuries and avoid damaging the dryer. Here’s how:
- Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker before starting any work. This eliminates the risk of electric shock.
- Avoid working with wet hands or in damp areas to reduce electrical hazards.
- Allow the dryer to cool completely if it was recently in use.
- Work slowly and carefully to avoid accidental injuries or damage.
- Ensure your workspace is well-lit, clutter-free, and off-limits to children and pets.
- Use insulated gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges and debris.
- Handle all components with care to avoid breakage or injury.
- Always take photos or notes of wiring and connections before disassembly for easier reassembly.
- Do not test live voltage unless you are experienced with using a multimeter safely.
- Wear safety glasses or a dust mask if you’ll encounter dust, debris, or chemicals.
- Refer to your dryer’s user manual for specific guidance on safety or replacement part installation.
How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Electric Dryer That Runs but Won’t Heat
Step 1: Test the Voltage
- Pull the dryer out to access the rear terminal block cover.
- Remove the ¼ inch screw from the terminal block cover and set the cover aside.
- Set your multimeter to AC voltage mode.
- Plug in and power on the dryer.
- Place one multimeter probe on the white neutral wire and the other on the black wire; confirm a reading of 120 VAC.
- Move the probe from the black wire to the red wire; confirm a second 120 VAC reading.
- Place one probe on the black wire and the other on the red wire to confirm 240 VAC.
- If the voltage readings are correct, unplug the dryer and proceed. If incorrect, contact an electrician.
Step 2: Test the Heating Element
- Use a putty knife to push in the two clips holding the front panel in place and remove the front panel.
- Disconnect one wire from the heating element.
- Set the multimeter to resistance mode.
- Place the probes on the two terminals of the heating element and check for a resistance of 10-12 ohms.
- If the resistance reading is incorrect or absent, replace the heating element.
Step 3: Test the High-Limit Cut-Off Kit
- Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.
- Use the putty knife to release the two clips holding the front panel in place and remove the panel.
- Use a ¼ inch nut driver to remove screws from the blower housing cover.
- Disconnect one wire from the high-limit cut-off.
- Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
- Place the probes across the terminals of the high-limit cut-off and check for continuity.
- If there is no continuity or beep, replace the high-limit cut-off and thermostat.
- Remove one wire from the heating element terminals to check for grounding.
- Place one probe on a terminal and the other on the metal housing; if the multimeter beeps or shows continuity, replace the heating element.
A non-heating Kenmore dryer can be a bit of a pain, but following these straightforward steps makes troubleshooting manageable. Just take it step by step, stay safe, and don’t rush—most heating issues come down to a few common parts. Before you know it, your dryer will be back to doing its job, and you’ll have saved yourself both time and money.