Kenmore Dryer: motor failure

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing motor failure in your Kenmore dryer? If your dryer hums but the drum doesn't turn or shows no response, you might have a serious issue. Common causes include a failed drive motor, obstructions, or faulty switches. Act quickly to diagnose and fix the problem to avoid further damage.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers share motor failure patterns with Whirlpool-based designs; testing and replacement procedures often match Whirlpool manuals.

Possible Causes

Failed drive motor

How to Identify: Dryer attempts to start and may hum without drum rotation; multimeter shows proper voltage to motor but motor terminals not turning.

Part: Drive motor

Object or lint obstruction in blower or motor area

How to Identify: Humming noise when starting; drum doesn’t turn; visible debris around blower wheel.

Part: Blower wheel / motor housing

Motor centrifugal switch or run circuit failure

How to Identify: Dryer only runs when start is held or stops immediately; diagnostic points to internal motor switch failure or related run circuit issues.

Part: Motor centrifugal switch / control board relay

Faulty start switch or belt switch

How to Identify: No sound at start; multimeter shows no continuity; prevents voltage to motor though motor is good.

Part: Start switch / belt switch

Control board / relay fault

How to Identify: No voltage reaching motor despite correct switch operation; electronics show faults or error codes.

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Inspect for Obstructions and Test Motor

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, multimeter, work gloves
  1. Disconnect dryer from power.
  2. Remove front or rear panel to access blower and motor area.
  3. Inspect for lint buildup or foreign objects around blower wheel and motor.
  4. Use multimeter to test motor windings or voltage supply according to model-specific wiring diagram.
  5. If motor receives correct voltage but does not run (and hums), motor likely needs replacement.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before opening panels.

Professional Repairs

Drive Motor Replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Control Board or Relay Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Motor fails continuity testing and requires part replacement
Internal electrical components (control board/relay) are suspected
User is uncomfortable working with live voltage or internal components

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint trap and venting regularly: Lint buildup that can cause airflow restriction and motor strain
    Frequency: After every use / monthly
  • Inspect blower area for debris during maintenance: Obstructions that can bind motor and cause failure
    Frequency: Biannually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer motor failure?
Common causes include a failed drive motor, obstructions in the blower, or faulty switches.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer motor failure myself?
Disconnect power, remove panels, and check for obstructions around the motor.
How much does it cost to fix motor failure?
Professional repairs range from $100 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for motor failure?
If DIY solutions are unsuccessful or the issue seems complex, contact a technician.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Worn motor bearings causing friction and overheating
  • Faulty thermal fuse that interrupts power to the motor
  • Defective start switch preventing the motor from running consistently

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace worn motor bearings. Disassemble the dryer, remove the motor, and check the bearings for wear. If worn, replace with new bearings and reassemble.

  2. Test and replace the thermal fuse. Use a multimeter to check continuity on the thermal fuse. If there is no continuity, replace the fuse.

  3. Check and replace the start switch. Remove the control panel, test the start switch for continuity, and replace if defective.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Cheap Amana/Estate dryer

Community Discussions

intermittent motor failure

Cheaper models are similar to Maytags/Whirlpools but with fewer features.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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