Kenmore Dryer: not functioning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dryer not functioning? If it won't start or run, showing no drum movement or motor sounds when you press the start button, you're not alone. Common issues include power supply problems, blown thermal fuses, and faulty door switches. Addressing these issues can restore your dryer's performance. Read on for DIY solutions and professional repair options.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers often share common parts failures such as thermal fuse and door switch but may require model-specific part numbers

Possible Causes

Power supply or electrical connection issue

How to Identify: Dryer is completely dead with no lights or sounds; other devices won’t run on same outlet; circuit breaker is tripped

Part: Power cord, outlet, circuit breaker

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dryer shows no start or run at all even with power present; thermal fuse lacks continuity when tested with a multimeter

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty door switch

How to Identify: Dryer won’t start; no clicking when door closed; pressing door switch manually doesn’t enable start

Part: Door switch

Defective start switch

How to Identify: Pressing start yields no response and no motor hum; multimeter shows no continuity at start switch

Part: Start switch

Failed control board or control panel

How to Identify: Dryer buttons unresponsive or display inactive; power present but no start; diagnostics needed

Part: Control board / control panel

Drive motor failure

How to Identify: Motor makes humming noise but drum doesn’t turn; motor tests faulty on multimeter

Part: Drive motor

DIY Solutions

Check power supply and reset breaker

Easy 5–10 minutes
Tools Needed: none
  1. Ensure dryer is plugged in securely
  2. Check and reset the circuit breaker for the dryer’s circuit
  3. Test outlet with another device to verify power
⚠️ Safety First: Do not touch electrical components with wet hands

Test and replace thermal fuse

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Unplug dryer and open access to thermal fuse (blower housing)
  2. Use multimeter to test continuity of thermal fuse
  3. Replace thermal fuse if no continuity and reassemble
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening dryer

Inspect and replace door switch

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Unplug dryer and access door switch assembly
  2. Press switch manually to listen for click; test continuity with multimeter
  3. Replace switch if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be disconnected before testing

Professional Repairs

Control board or control panel replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$350

Drive motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $200–$400

When to Call a Professional

Dryer shows electrical arcing or burning smell
Control board appears damaged
Motor or internal components fail diagnostics

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Overheating and possible thermal fuse failure
    Frequency: After every load
  • Clean vent duct annually: Blocked airflow that can lead to thermal fuse blow and reduced performance
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not functioning?
Common causes include power supply issues, blown thermal fuses, and faulty door switches.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not functioning myself?
Check the power supply, reset the breaker, and test or replace the thermal fuse and door switch.
How much does it cost to fix not functioning?
Control board replacement costs $150–$350; drive motor replacement costs $200–$400.
When should I call a technician for not functioning?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if you suspect complex issues like control board failure.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Control board issue (1 mentions)
  • Motor failure (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the motor

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Old Kenmore Dryer died
  2. Kenmore 110.C87561602 Dryer Stopped Working - Front Panel On...

Community Discussions

dryer died

Replace the motor

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!