If your Kenmore dryer isn’t heating, there could be several reasons why. With these tips, you can identify and correct the issue quickly.
Begin by verifying the power to your appliance. Make sure it’s receiving 240 volts of electricity to its heating element.
Table of Contents
1. Heating Element
If the clothes in your dryer aren’t drying correctly, it could be due to an issue with the Heating Element of your Kenmore Dryer. This essential component generates the heat needed for proper drying of clothing.
The heating element is a metal chamber containing an intricate coil of wire. When electricity is applied, the coil heats up and air circulates through it in order to dry clothes.
Most electric dryers use 240 volts of electricity to power their drum motor and heating element. If one of two circuit breakers at your home’s main electrical panel trips, it can stop power going to your heater element. To check if it has been tripped, either flip both breakers off and on several times or use a 240-volt multitester.
Another possible culprit of why your dryer may not be heating is a blocked vent. This could be caused by lint in the back or objects stuck in the exhaust pipe. To check for clogs, unplug the appliance and take off its vent cover.
If you detect a clog, it should be carefully and manually removed before replacing the vent. Otherwise, this clog could cause your dryer to overheat and potentially burn down your home.
Other possible explanations why your dryer might not be heating include a defective igniter or thermal fuse. These parts are essential in preventing fires in the dryer and cannot be reset if they malfunction or break.
An igniter is a small device that glows when electricity is applied to it. It sits adjacent to the gas valve burner tube and triggers ignition of the gas. Some igniters have flat surfaces while others are made up of coils.
Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse is an integral component on most dryers, designed to cut off electricity to the drive motor if exhaust duct temperatures become too high. It typically sits either on blower housings or heating element housings.
If you’re uncertain of where your dryer’s thermal fuse is, use a multimeter to test it by unplugging the appliance and setting the meter to RX 1 scale. That way, you’ll know for certain whether your thermal fuse is functioning properly or needs replacement.
2. Igniter
Your gas dryer relies on an ignitor to ignite the gas inside of the burner assembly. Without it, gas valves won’t open and your dryer won’t heat up – a common issue with gas dryers that should be addressed as soon as possible.
The ignitor requires electricity from a thermal fuse to ignite the gas. If this component is malfunctioning, you’ll need to replace it quickly and easily if you know how to use a multimeter.
Once you’ve taken off the back panel, search for a thin white plastic device with two wires attached. Disconnect these and use a multimeter to test for continuity to see if this component is bad.
When the ignitor is working properly, it glows and emits a small amount of heat that ignites gas inside of the burner assembly. If this ignitor malfunctions, you’ll need to replace it.
Components working together to generate heat for your dryer include thermostats, flame sensors, solenoids and coils that all contribute to making clothes dry.
A cycling thermostat regulates the temperature in your dryer, helping to prevent a fire. If it malfunctions, your clothes won’t dry properly and it may take longer than usual for them to dry.
Another possible explanation for why your Kenmore dryer isn’t heating up is if its high-limit thermostat is malfunctioning. This safety switch breaks electrical contact to the burner assembly if it detects unsafe temperatures inside the appliance.
Finally, a flame sensor detects the heat produced by your Kenmore dryer’s igniter. If this sensor malfunctions, your dryer won’t be able to ignite gas properly and you will need to replace it.
If you have exhausted all other possibilities and your dryer still won’t heat, it could be due to a malfunctioning thermistor. This variable resistor alters its resistance according to temperature changes in order to provide consistent power in different circuits.
3. Thermal Fuse
Thermal fuses are safety devices that prevent heat from getting too hot, potentially leading to fire or electrocution. They’re commonly found on dryers, ovens, and other home appliances using electricity for heat generation.
These fuses are designed to open when they reach a preset temperature that they’re meant to protect against, and they’re commonly found in appliances and industrial machines alike. When they blow, power is cut off to the heating element and motor so that your appliance cannot get hot enough to start a fire.
They’re easy to use and effective, saving countless lives from fires and electrical accidents in the past. Unfortunately, not replacing them on time can lead to more severe issues in the future.
One of the most frequent reasons a Kenmore Dryer won’t heat up is due to a blown thermal fuse. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed by replacing with a new thermal fuse.
To locate the fuse in your Kenmore dryer, you’ll need to take off the back panel. Once you have it out of its place, test it with a multimeter to see if it is functioning correctly or needs replacement.
Once you have your multimeter, place it on a non-conductive surface and touch each terminal of the fuse with either a black lead or red lead (depending on which end is being tested). If the multimeter reading shows zero Ohms of resistance, your thermal fuse is working properly and hasn’t blown yet.
If the multimeter reading shows a positive resistance, that indicates your thermal fuse has blown and needs replacing. Fortunately, this is usually an easy fix with most dryer brands selling them for under $10 U.S.
Before replacing the fuse, be sure to clear away any lint buildup in both the venting system and lint trap. Doing so will help the new fuse last longer and prevent a blowout. If you feel unqualified replacing thermal fuse yourself, hire an experienced technician for assistance.
4. Flame Sensor
If your dryer isn’t heating properly, it could be due to a variety of reasons. A broken thermal fuse, defective igniter or bad flame sensor are just a few possibilities that could be the culprit – so inspect each component individually to discover why your machine isn’t functioning as expected.
If a flame sensor is the source of your dryer’s issue, it’s time to replace it. This safety component monitors the flames on your furnace’s burner assembly in an effort to prevent accidents and carbon monoxide poisoning within your home.
The flame sensor is a rod-shaped component that attaches to the burner assembly on your gas furnace. It may also be referred to as a radiant flame sensor or trimpot.
Flame sensors are essential components of any home furnace system. They prevent explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning from taking place in your residence.
To test your flame sensor, use a multimeter to measure the voltage in each wire leading from either the igniter or flame sensor. When both components are functioning correctly, you should get readings of more than 100 millivolts for each. However, if the reading falls below 100 millivolts or there is no reading at all, then it’s likely time for replacement of the flame sensor.
When replacing a flame sensor, it’s essential to ensure you install it correctly. This can affect how well it performs and how long it lasts.
Before replacing your dryer’s flame sensor, be sure to clear away any lint screen and free any vent pipes of obstructions. Doing this will guarantee the new part works correctly without causing further harm to either your dryer or ductwork in your home.
Additionally, you should take any clothes hanging in the lint trap out. Doing so allows air to move freely through it and ensures your dryer’s vents work efficiently and prevent clogged vents.
Once you’ve completed these steps, test the new flame sensor to confirm its functionality. If you need assistance testing it, contact your local Kenmore dealer for assistance.
