Kenmore Dryer: not running

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer is not running, it may not start when you press the start button. Symptoms include no power to the control panel, no drum movement, and no motor sounds. This issue can stem from a faulty thermal fuse, door switch, or power supply problems, making it crucial to address promptly.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Sears identifies thermal fuse, door switch and drum belt as top causes for Kenmore dryers not starting

Possible Causes

Faulty thermal fuse preventing motor start

How to Identify: Dryer has no response when pressing start; multimeter shows no continuity of thermal fuse. Often caused by overheating or blocked vent.

Part: Thermal fuse

Failed door switch

How to Identify: Dryer will not start even with door closed; pressing door switch manually may show no continuity on multimeter.

Part: Door switch

Broken drum belt with belt safety switch engaged

How to Identify: Dryer motor may not run or may click; belt visibly broken or loose when inspected.

Part: Drum belt and belt switch

Power supply issues (outlet/circuit breaker/tripped breaker)

How to Identify: Dryer has no lights or motor hum; another device tested at outlet also shows no power. Circuit breaker may be tripped.

Part: Household power circuit and dryer's power cord

Faulty start switch or control panel

How to Identify: No response when start button pressed but other functions or lights may be normal; continuity test on start switch shows failure.

Part: Start button / control board

Motor or relay failure

How to Identify: Clicking sound when starting or humming noise without drum movement; motor fails continuity tests.

Part: Drive motor or start relay

DIY Solutions

Check power supply and reset breaker

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Verify dryer is properly plugged into outlet.
  2. Test outlet with another device to confirm power.
  3. Check home circuit breaker panel and reset dryer breaker if tripped.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power disconnect before inspecting cord or outlet.

Test and replace door switch

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Disconnect dryer power.
  2. Locate the door switch at frame where door latches.
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity when switch pressed.
  4. Replace switch if no continuity detected.
  5. Reassemble and test dryer start.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before accessing internal components.

Test and replace thermal fuse

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Multimeter, Replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Access thermal fuse on blower housing (often rear panel).
  3. Test fuse for continuity with multimeter.
  4. Replace thermal fuse if blown.
  5. Reassemble dryer and test.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct fuse rating when replacing.

Inspect and replace broken drum belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Socket set, Replacement belt
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Remove front or rear panel to access drum belt.
  3. Inspect belt for breakage or wear.
  4. Replace belt and reassemble.
  5. Test dryer operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Keep hands clear of sharp edges inside cabinet.

Professional Repairs

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Motor or start relay replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$500

Power supply board repair

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

Unusual sounds (clicking/humming) without drum movement indicating motor/relay issues
Control board diagnostics required
Wiring faults or burned components seen inside control panel

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Overheating that can blow thermal fuse
    Frequency: after every load
  • Clean vent ducts: Blocked airflow and related safety trips
    Frequency: annually or semi‑annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not running?
Common causes include a faulty thermal fuse, failed door switch, or power supply issues.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not running myself?
Check the power supply, test the door switch, or inspect the thermal fuse and drum belt.
How much does it cost to fix not running?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not running?
If DIY solutions fail or if the issue involves complex repairs, a technician should be contacted.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty thermal fuse (2 mentions)
  • Faulty control board (1 mentions)
  • Faulty lid switch (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced the thermal fuse

    Success rate: 20.0%

  2. Replaced the control board

    Success rate: 20.0%

  3. Checked the lid switch

    Success rate: 20.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore dryer model (6800) 110.68002010 Turns on, but won't ...
  2. Dryer stopped working, what should I do?
  3. Kenmore 400 Front Loading Dryer Problem
  4. Kenmore Dryer 110.67032601 PF Error

Community Discussions

Turns on, but won't run

The control board was faulty and was replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

Dryer runs for ~ 90 seconds then stops with or without clothing in it.

Replaced the thermal fuse, which resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

stopped working

Check the lid switch and consider DIY repairs using online tutorials.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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