Kenmore Dryer: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer runs but fails to heat, your clothes may remain damp even after a full cycle. This common issue can stem from a burned-out heating element, tripped thermal cutoff, clogged vents, or an incorrect power supply. Understanding these causes can help you determine the next steps for getting your dryer back to optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Possible Causes

Burned‑out heating element (electric models)

How to Identify: Dryer runs normally but no heat; multimeter shows open circuit/ no continuity across element terminals

Part: Heating element

Tripped / failed thermal cutoff or high limit thermostat

How to Identify: Dryer may run but no heat; continuity test fails on thermostat; part often near heating assembly

Part: Thermal cutoff / high‑limit thermostat

Clogged vents / airflow restriction

How to Identify: Strong airflow reduction visible; vents full of lint/obstruction; dryer overheats causing fuse to blow

Part: Dryer vent / lint screen

Incorrect power supply (electric models)

How to Identify: Dryer runs but not heating due to only 120V supply; multimeter test shows missing second hot leg

Part: House electrical supply (240V)

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter after every load: Airflow restriction and potential thermal fuse failure
    Frequency: After every use
  • Clean exhaust vent annually: Blocked airflow leading to overheating and no heat issues
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not heating?
Common causes include a burned-out heating element, tripped thermostat, clogged vents, or incorrect power supply.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not heating myself?
No DIY solutions are available for this issue; professional assessment is recommended.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Costs can vary widely based on the cause; consult a technician for an accurate estimate.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If your dryer isn't heating, it's advisable to call a technician due to the complexity and safety concerns.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Thermal fuse blown (10 mentions)
  • Heating element failure (8 mentions)
  • Thermostat issues (6 mentions)
  • Gas valve coils malfunction (for gas models) (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace thermal fuse and heating element

    Success rate: 7.0%

  2. Check and replace thermostat

    Success rate: 6.0%

  3. Replace gas valve coils

    Success rate: 3.0%

  4. Reattach burnt wire connections

    Success rate: 1.0%
Analysis based on 59 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Would it be weird to pair a compact dryer with a standard si...
  2. Kenmore Dryer not heating/running
  3. Kenmore Dryer - Lights blinking, not heating
  4. Dryer keeps blowing thermal fuse
  5. Troubleshooting gas dryer
  6. Kenmore dryer 417.8194 heating element code- can’t find repl...
  7. Kenmore 80 series electric dryer heats on air fluff/no heat
  8. kenmore dryer 110 60936990 not getting warm but spinning?
  9. [Help] Kenmore Dryer MODEL 110. 36880100, no heat
  10. Kenmore (Samsung) dryer runs but no heat and cooling light o...
  11. Kenmore series 70 dryer not heating.
  12. Kenmore 400 series dryer not heating.
  13. Kenmore dryer model 796.81182310 not heating
  14. Kenmore 600 dryer, heating unit turns on when off after repl...
  15. In my Kenmore 110.68702894: After replacing the thermal cut ...
  16. Kenmore 110.87980100 gas dryer not heating
  17. Did the heavy freeze in Texas somehow damage my dryer hose?
  18. Kenmore 70 Series Dryer not heating
  19. Help identifying a part of my dryer/troubleshooting
  20. Troubleshooting gas dryer
  21. Kenmore dryer heating element -- is this really an OEM repla...
  22. Help with checking/ cleaning dryer exhaust please
  23. Common reasons why a dryer won't get hot enough to dry
  24. Kenmore dryer not drying.
  25. Which gas dryer should I keep, 1987 Kenmore or 2003 Whirlpoo...
  26. DIY Dryer Fix? Dangers?
  27. An update to my Kenmore dryer heater problem (a bit long)
  28. Would it be possible to replace the thermal cutoff and high-...
  29. Kenmore dryer with 279838 repair parts still not working
  30. Common reasons that a dryer wont get hot enough to dry cloth...
  31. Kenmore electric air dryer - wont heat for full cycle - ther...
  32. Old Kenmore dryer blowing cold air. Time to replace or worth...
  33. Kenmore Dryer 90 series 66902 Not Heating
  34. Kenmore Dryer not heating even after repairman visit
  35. Kenmore 400 Series 11077488600 Gas on at start of cycle, but...
  36. Kenmore elite oasis dryer won’t get hot
  37. Kenmore Series 90 Dryer Repair
  38. My dryer timer was broken so it kept running and fried up th...
  39. Kenmore 80 series gas dryer no heat.
  40. Is it worth repairing?! Serious advice needed!
  41. Kenmore HE4 dryer runs but won't heat
  42. Dryer not working
  43. 20 Year Old Kenmore Dryer-worth repairing?
  44. Kenmore 80 Series Dryer - thermal fuse wire question
  45. Kenmore Series 80 Dryer No Heat
  46. 2002 Kenmore Elite gas dryer won't heat--repair or replace?
  47. Kenmore (Samsung) stackable dryer no heat
  48. Gas Dryer Not Heating (Kenmore 110.72514102)
  49. New Dryer Heating Element Not Getting Hot.
  50. Kenmore 80 Series dryer air intake?
  51. Kenmore Auto Sense Series 500 dryer not heating
  52. Is it normal for only 1 connection into the heating element ...
  53. Kenmore dryer - no heat
  54. Kenmore 417.98042701 Dryer
  55. Kenmore Elite dryer not working
  56. Kenmore 110.61252011 Won't Heat and Drying Takes Long Time
  57. Need help with a kenmore whirlpool dryer!
  58. Dryer Not Heating
  59. Blown thermal fuse on dryer: should I be getting a trouble c...

Community Discussions

stopped heating

Replaced parts including thermal fuse and heating element.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dryer runs, but with no heat.

Replaced the fried resistor on the timer circuit.

DIY View on Reddit →

Spinning but no heat. The cooling light is on at the beginning of a cycle and doesn't go off.

Flipped the breaker and it's working now.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

no heat

The problem was the thermal fuse.

DIY View on Reddit →

not heating

There was a loose wire from when the motor was hooked back up.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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