Kenmore Dryer Not Heating? Easy DIY Fixes to Restore Heat

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

1. Pull the dryer out to access the rear terminal block cover.
2. Remove the ¼ inch screw from the terminal block cover and set the cover aside.
3. Set your multimeter to AC voltage mode.
4. Plug in and power on the dryer.
5. Place one multimeter probe on the white neutral wire and the other on the black wire; confirm a reading of 120 VAC.
6. Move the probe from the black wire to the red wire; confirm a second 120 VAC reading.
7. Place one probe on the black wire and the other on the red wire to confirm 240 VAC.
8. If the voltage readings are correct, unplug the dryer and proceed. If incorrect, contact an electrician.

Step 2: Test the Heating Element

1. Use a putty knife to push in the two clips holding the front panel in place and remove the front panel.
2. Disconnect one wire from the heating element.
3. Set the multimeter to resistance mode.
4. Place the probes on the two terminals of the heating element and check for a resistance of 10-12 ohms.
5. If the resistance reading is incorrect or absent, replace the heating element.

Step 3: Test the High-Limit Cut-Off Kit

1. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.
2. Use the putty knife to release the two clips holding the front panel in place and remove the panel.
3. Use a ¼ inch nut driver to remove screws from the blower housing cover.
4. Disconnect one wire from the high-limit cut-off.
5. Set the multimeter to continuity mode.
6. Place the probes across the terminals of the high-limit cut-off and check for continuity.
7. If there is no continuity or beep, replace the high-limit cut-off and thermostat.
8. Remove one wire from the heating element terminals to check for grounding.
9. 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.