How to Fix a Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: A Step-by-Step Guide

Check the Power Supply

One of the most common reasons why a Kenmore dryer may stop heating is a power supply issue. If the dryer does not receive an adequate power supply, it will not heat up. Therefore, the first troubleshooting step should be to check the power supply of your dryer.

Begin by checking the dryer plug. Make sure that it is fully inserted into the electrical outlet and that the prongs are not damaged or bent. The prongs should also fit snugly into the outlets to ensure a good connection. If there are any problems with the plug, replace it with a new one.

After checking the dryer plug, move on to the circuit breaker. Locate the circuit breaker panel and check for any tripped breakers. If a breaker has tripped, reset it and turn the dryer on again to see if it heats up. If the breaker trips again, you may have a more serious electrical issue that requires the assistance of a qualified electrician.

If the plug and breaker are not the cause of the problem, check the voltage of your dryer’s power supply. You can use a multimeter to measure voltage. Place one lead of the multimeter on a hot wire and the other lead on a neutral wire. The reading on the multimeter should be 240 volts for an electric dryer. If the voltage is incorrect, you may have a wiring issue that requires a professional repair.

If you have ruled out power supply issues, there may be a problem with the dryer’s internal components. Move on to the next troubleshooting step to continue repairing the dryer.

Inspect the Heating Element

If you have a Kenmore dryer that’s not heating, one of the possible reasons could be a faulty heating element. The heating element plays a crucial role in drying your clothes, and if it’s not working correctly, your dryer won’t produce any heat. To inspect the heating element of your dryer, follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Disconnect the Dryer from the Power Source

Before inspecting the heating element, make sure that your dryer is not connected to the power source. This will prevent any accidents or injuries. Unplug your dryer from the wall socket or turn off the circuit breaker that controls the dryer’s power supply.

Step 2: Locate the Heating Element

The heating element of your Kenmore dryer is usually located at the back of the drum. You’ll need to remove the back panel of the dryer to access the heating element. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the back panel in place and keep them in a safe place where you won’t lose them.

Step 3: Inspect the Heating Element for Damage

Once you’ve removed the back panel, you should be able to see the heating element. Check it for any signs of damage such as cracks, breaks, or burns. If you notice any damage, you’ll need to replace the heating element with a new one. You can order a replacement heating element online or purchase it from a local appliance parts store.

Step 4: Test the Heating Element with a Multimeter

If the heating element appears to be in good condition, test it with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the RX1 setting and touch one of the multimeter’s probes to each of the heating element’s terminals. If the multimeter reads zero, the heating element is working correctly. If the multimeter shows an infinite reading, the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 5: Reassemble the Dryer

Once you’ve determined whether the heating element is faulty or working correctly, it’s time to reassemble the dryer. Put the back panel back in place and secure it with the screws that you removed earlier. Plug your dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on, and test it again. If your dryer still isn’t producing any heat, you’ll need to explore other possible causes such as a faulty thermostat or thermal fuse.

Inspecting the heating element is a relatively simple process, and it’s an essential step in determining the cause of your Kenmore dryer not heating. If you’re not comfortable inspecting the heating element yourself, or if you’re unable to identify the problem, it’s best to call in a professional technician who can diagnose and fix the issue for you.

Test the Thermal Fuse

If your Kenmore dryer is not heating, one of the first things you should check is the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that shuts off the dryer if it overheats. This prevents fires and other damage. However, if the thermal fuse blows, your dryer won’t heat. Here’s how to test the thermal fuse:

Step 1: Unplug the dryer. Before you work on any appliance, it’s important to unplug it first. This prevents electrocution and other accidents. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity, you should leave the repairs to a professional.

Step 2: Locate the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is usually located on the blower housing or exhaust duct. It’s a small white or black plastic piece with two wires attached to it. Consult your dryer’s manual if you’re not sure where to find it.

Step 3: Test the thermal fuse with a multimeter. Set your multimeter to the continuity setting. Touch the probes to the thermal fuse’s terminals. If the multimeter beeps or shows a reading of zero, the thermal fuse is good. If it doesn’t beep or shows a reading of infinity, the thermal fuse is bad and needs to be replaced.

Step 4: Replace the thermal fuse if necessary. If the thermal fuse is bad, you’ll need to replace it. You can find a replacement thermal fuse at an appliance store or online. Make sure you get the right one for your dryer. Disconnect the old thermal fuse and connect the new one. Make sure you attach the wires correctly. Reassemble the dryer and test it to make sure it’s heating properly.

Testing the thermal fuse is an easy and important part of troubleshooting a Kenmore dryer that’s not heating. If the thermal fuse is good, there may be other reasons why your dryer isn’t heating. Check the heating element, thermostat, and other components. If you’re not sure what’s wrong, it’s best to call a professional for help.

Assess the High-Limit Thermostat

The high-limit thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside your Kenmore dryer. Typically, this thermostat is found on the heating element housing or the burner housing of your dryer. Its main job is to keep the temperature within the dryer at a safe level, preventing the dryer from getting too hot and potentially causing a fire. If the high-limit thermostat is not functioning properly, the dryer will not heat up. Here are the steps to assess the high-limit thermostat:

Step 1: Unplug the dryer

Before beginning any repairs on your Kenmore Dryer, always ensure that the power is turned off and unplugged from the wall outlet. This will prevent electrical shock or harm to yourself or the dryer.

Step 2: Access the high-limit thermostat

The high-limit thermostat on your Kenmore Dryer is usually located on the back of the dryer. To access it, you may need to remove the dryer vent and back panel. Once you have the panel off, locate the high-limit thermostat on either the heating element housing or the burner housing.

Step 3: Test the thermostat

To test the high-limit thermostat, you will need to use a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting and touch the probes to the terminals on the thermostat. If the multimeter beeps, the thermostat is functioning correctly. If there is no beep, then the thermostat needs to be replaced.

Step 4: Replace the thermostat if necessary

If you have determined that the high-limit thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced, you can now order a replacement part from Kenmore or from a local appliance store. Once you have the replacement part, turn off the power to the dryer and carefully remove the wires and screws holding the old thermostat in place. Install the new thermostat in its place, reattach the wires and screws and put everything back together. Finally, plug in your dryer and turn the power back on. Your Kenmore Dryer should now be heating up and functioning normally.

Step 5: Check other components

If you have assessed the high-limit thermostat and determined that it is functioning correctly, but your Kenmore Dryer is still not heating up, then it is possible that another component may be faulty. Other components that can cause a dryer to not heat include the heating element, thermal fuse or timer. You can perform continuity tests on these parts as well using a multimeter and replace any components that are not functioning properly.

Assessing the high-limit thermostat on your Kenmore Dryer is a simple process that you can perform yourself with some basic tools. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your dryer is heating up properly and functioning normally, without the need for expensive repair bills or professional help.