Kenmore Dryer: not heating, drum not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer powers on but the drum isn't spinning and it isn't heating, you're likely facing issues with the drive system or heating components. Common culprits include a broken drive belt, faulty motor, or issues with the heating system. Troubleshooting these problems can save you time and money.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

Kenmore dryers often require panel removal for belt and roller access; broken thermal fuses on these models frequently accompany no-heat conditions. Specific belt path and part numbers vary by model.

Possible Causes

Broken or worn drive belt

How to Identify: Drum does not turn when motor runs or easily spins by hand; belt visible wear/cracks on inspection; standard belt break symptoms.

Part: Drive belt

Faulty motor or motor overload

How to Identify: Motor hums but drum doesnâ€™t move; multimeter shows no continuity on motor; motor overheats and trips overload protector.

Part: Drive motor / motor overload protector

Worn drum rollers, bearings, or idler pulley

How to Identify: Drum difficult to turn manually; noises like thumping or scraping before complete failure; visual wear on components.

Part: Drum rollers / bearings / idler pulley

Blown thermal fuse or overheated safety cutoff

How to Identify: Dryer doesnâ€™t heat; drum may or may not spin depending on model; multimeter continuity test shows open circuit.

Part: Thermal fuse / thermal cutoff

Heating element or burner assembly failure

How to Identify: Dryer runs and drum spins but no heat; visible element damage or lack of continuity on multimeter test.

Part: Heating element (electric) / igniter or gas valve solenoid (gas)

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set, multimeter optional

Unplug the dryer from power.
Remove the dryerâ€™s top or front panel to access the drum.
Visually inspect the belt for breaks, cracks, or slack.
If broken, remove old belt and install new belt around the drum and pulleys.
Reassemble the dryer and test for drum rotation.

⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before opening the cabinet.

Test Door Switch Functionality

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: multimeter

Unplug the dryer.
Locate the door switch near the door frame.
Press the switch and listen for a click.
Test for continuity with a multimeter; replace if no continuity.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing electrical components.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drive Motor or Internal Components

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Replace Heating System Components

Estimated Cost: $50 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Motor humming without drum rotation.

No heat after checking thermal fuse and heating element.

Complex internal part replacement or gas component diagnosis.

Preventive Maintenance

Clean lint trap and dryer vent: Overheating that can blow thermal fuses and cause heating failures.
Frequency: Monthly
Inspect belt and rollers: Drum not spinning due to worn drive components.
Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not heating, drum not spinning?

Common causes include a broken drive belt, faulty motor, or heating element failure.

How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not heating, drum not spinning myself?

Inspect and replace the drive belt, and test the door switch for functionality.

How much does it cost to fix not heating, drum not spinning?

Professional repairs can range from $150 to $400 for the motor and $50 to $300 for heating components.

When should I call a technician for not heating, drum not spinning?

Call a technician if DIY solutions don't work or if the repair costs are high.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Heating element failure (1 mentions)
Timer malfunction (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

Replace the heating element and possibly the thermal fuse

Success rate: 50.0%
Replace the timer

Success rate: 0.0%

Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

Community Discussions

Heating element stuck on, drum won't spin

Replace the heating element and possibly the thermal fuse due to grounding issues.