Do you want to fix your Kenmore Elite dryer at home? This guide promises to tell you the best solutions if your dryer is not starting.
A few months ago, I fixed a Kenmore Elite dryer. I noted down the troubleshooting steps in my personal diary. Because I feel pleasure in sharing my knowledge for others’ benefit.
So, today you will learn amazing tricks to fix your Kenmore dryer. Here we will discuss the causes and the solutions if your dryer is not starting.
Table of contents
1. Reset Your Kenmore Elite Dryer
A reset should be your first strategy. Because I found it very useful in solving a number of dryer issues. An electric outage, short circuit, or overheating can cause issues. Therefore, a restart is necessary;
- Cut OFF the power supply to your Kenmore dryer. Unplug its power cord from the outlet.
- Leave it shut down for 10-30 minutes.
- Now, connect the power and turn ON your dryer.
- Start a new cycle, hopefully, it will work now.
2. Insufficient Power
Lack of power is also one of the reasons your dryer is not starting. Whenever I come across a malfunctioning dryer, I check its power supply in the first place.
Make sure the power cord is plugged firmly into the electric outlet. Moreover, check the electric outlet by plugging in some other appliance. Try to connect your dryer to a different power source.
Also, avoid using extensions. Check the circuit breaker at your home. The breaker may be tripped. In the case of a gas dryer, check the gas supply. In short, you have to check the incoming power supply from every angle.
3. Blown out Thermal Fuse
The second important thing to test is the thermal fuse. It acts as a protective device. It saves your dryer from overheating and blows away if there is a danger of fire.
The fuse is a small plug-like part to which wires are attached. It has different locations depending on the model. You can find the thermal fuse at the blower housing, near the heating element or the burner.
Test the continuity of the fuse with a Multimeter. If the fuse is blown out, replacing it is the simple solution. Here is the step-by-step replacement method;
- Unplug your dryer from the power outlet and move it away from the wall.
- Open the back panel by removing the screws.
- Once the panel is removed, locate the thermal fuse. Please read the user manual to know its exact location.
- Detach the two wires from the fuse and take the fuse out.
- Now, place the new fuse in the same way and attach the wires to it.
- Finally, screw the back panel and turn ON your Kenmore dryer.
4. Faulty Start Switch
The start switch of your dryer can be faulty. That’s why it is not starting. You can confirm this by doing a small test. Turn ON the start switch and listen to the sound.
If the dryer gives a hum or other sound, the switch is not faulty. However, no sound indicates the switch has gone bad.
5. Bad Door Switch
The door switch becomes active when the dryer door is fully closed. It makes a clicking sound when you close the door. If it is faulty, the dryer door will not close properly.
Hence, the dryer will not start as a precaution. Make sure the door switch gives a clear clicking sound when closed. Otherwise, replace the switch.
6. Defective Timer
As you know, the timer is used to set the time manually. This hardware component can go faulty. It has an automatic mechanism to stop the dryer when the cycle is complete.
However, if it starts overacting, the electrical circuit of your dryer will break at the start. In some cases, it turns OFF just at the start and the dryer fails to run. This part can be replaced easily.
7. Broken Belt
A broken belt is one of the frequently faced issues. Most dryer problems are caused by a broken belt. The belt frays out or breaks due to continuous use or overloading.
However, its replacement at home is very easy. You have to open the dryer for examining the dryer belt. Check it carefully and find the signs of damage.
Purchase a good quality belt and put it in place of the old one. Your Kenmore Elite dryer may have a belt switch.
It shuts OFF the power if the belt is broken. This switch may get faulty. Hence, you also need to check it.
8. Failed Drive Motor
It is the most important component in a dryer. It rotates the drum and the blower wheel. The motor makes a humming or screeching noise if it has failed.
You must double-check all other components before replacing the motor. Also, check the blower wheel for any obstruction.
Small clothing articles or objects left in pockets can stuck in the drum or blower wheel. Therefore, the dryer fails to start. In this case, it gives screeching noise.
9. Malfunctioning Control Board
Although it is rare yet the control board or mainboard of your Kenmore dryer can malfunction. It is responsible to manage and regulate all functions.
It is behind the control panel. You can access the control board by unscrewing the control panel. The mainboard may have built-up moisture, lint, or has lost connections.
You have to use a Multimeter to test all the parts of the control board. It may need a replacement if you find any visible signs of damage.
FAQs About Kenmore Elite Dryer
Here are some of the commonly asked questions that I felt are important. They will help you in repairing and fixing your appliance.
How to know if my dryer is going bad?
The followings are the warning signs indicating your dryer is going bad;
- Your clothes do not dry up fully. Some clothes or some parts remain wet even after the cycle is complete.
- Your dryer gives unusual noises such as rattling, screeching, or banging.
- The dryer belt breaks frequently or some other hardware part fails over and over again.
Does overloading damage the Kenmore dryer?
Overloading is a bad practice and can damage any dryer. Because the drive belt, motor, and pulley face extra stress. These parts have to work harder due to friction. Resultantly, any of these components can break down.
Why do socks disappear and lost during laundry?
Socks are small so they can escape and trap in the dryer or washer. Socks can be found under the lint trap, stuck in the drum, or in the agitator. They can also get lost while you transfer the load from the washer to the dryer. Push the lint trap all the way back and place it properly to avoid this problem.
You may also like: Fixing the Whirlpool Dryer Not Starting
Final Suggestion
While working with dryers, I come across a number of problems. Some issues really have a very trivial root cause. In many cases, a simple reset, replacement of thermal fuse, start switch, or door latch solved the problem.
While power problems and tripped breakers are the issues I frequently noticed. Another common reason is the broken drive belt. In very few cases, the motor or control board get failed.
Otherwise, the matter usually settles at a low cost. Therefore, I recommend first carefully checking all the minor hardware components.
If it comes to replacing the motor or control board, kindly do call a professional technician or contact Kenmore.
Hopefully, this guide has helped you in fixing your Kenmore Elite dryer that was not starting. Do not forget to tell in the comment section which of the hacks proved the best for you.
