Kenmore Dryer: not spinning and not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer is running but the drum isn't spinning and there's little to no heat, you may be dealing with a broken drive belt, a blown thermal fuse, or other mechanical failures. This issue can leave your clothes wet and cold after a cycle. Understanding the possible causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Thermal fuse, heating element, and gas ignition parts are common no‑heat issues for Kenmore models.

Possible Causes

Drive belt broken, slipped, or worn

How to Identify: Drum spins freely by hand when power off; belt visibly cracked, loose, or snapped upon inspection. Typical for non‑spin symptoms.

Part: Drive belt

Thermal fuse blown interrupting heat circuit

How to Identify: Dryer motor may run but there is no heat; fuse tests open (no continuity with a multimeter. (电器零件专家

Part: Thermal fuse

Drive motor failure

How to Identify: No humming or motor sound; drum doesn’t turn; tests show motor doesn’t draw current or spins under load. (repair.

Part: Drive motor

Drum rollers/idler pulley worn or seized

How to Identify: Drum doesn’t spin smoothly or feels stuck manually; unusual noises when attempting to turn.

Part: Drum rollers / idler pulley

Blower wheel obstructed or damaged

How to Identify: Airflow restricted and potential resistance on drum; local obstruction or broken fins visible on inspection.

Part: Blower wheel

Heating element failure (electric models) or igniter/gas valve failure (gas models)

How to Identify: No heat but motor runs; multimeter testing shows no continuity on heating element or failing gas components. (电器零件专家

Part: Heating element / igniter / gas valve solenoid

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Replace Drive Belt

Moderate 45‑90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, socket wrench, multimeter (optional)
  1. Unplug the dryer from power.
  2. Remove the dryer’s front or top panel to access the drum.
  3. Visually inspect the drive belt for breaks or wear.
  4. If broken, remove the old belt and install a compatible replacement around drum and pulleys.
  5. Reassemble and test drum spin without load.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected before working inside the dryer.

Test and Replace Thermal Fuse (Heat Issue)

Moderate 30‑60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Disconnect power to the dryer.
  2. Locate thermal fuse near blower housing/heating element.
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity; replace if open.
  4. Reassemble and test heating cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Only replace the fuse with correct part for your model.

Clean Lint and Check Venting

Easy 15‑30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with hose attachment
  1. Remove lint from lint trap.
  2. Disconnect and clean external vent hose.
  3. Ensure no blockages in dryer vent path.

Professional Repairs

Replace Drive Motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Replace Drum Rollers and Idler Pulley

Estimated Cost: $100 - $200

Replace Heating Assembly Components

Estimated Cost: $100 - $250

When to Call a Professional

Motor shows no signs of life or fails continuity tests
Drum assembly parts (rollers/pulleys) are worn or seized
Control board or electrical faults suspected
Gas ignition components fail in gas models

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter after each use: Restricted airflow leading to heat issues. (Appliance Mastery
    Frequency: after every use
  • Annual vent cleaning: Vent blockage and thermal fuse failure. (Appliance Mastery
    Frequency: yearly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not spinning and not heating?
Common causes include a broken drive belt, blown thermal fuse, or motor failure.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not spinning and not heating myself?
You can inspect and replace the drive belt, test the thermal fuse, and clean the lint vent.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning and not heating?
Professional repairs can range from $100 to $300 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning and not heating?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or you're unsure, it’s best to call 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

  • Faulty door switch preventing operation
  • Broken drive belt causing drum not to spin
  • Heating element failure leading to no heat

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and replace the door switch. Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and test the door switch with a multimeter. If it’s faulty, replace it.

  2. Inspect and replace the drive belt. Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and check the belt for wear or breakage. Replace if necessary.

  3. Test and replace the heating element. Unplug the dryer, access the heating element compartment, and use a multimeter to check for continuity. Replace if defective.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Brand New Kenmore Dryer Turns On, But Won't Spin or Dry

Community Discussions

Turns on, but won't spin or dry

The dryer was confirmed broken and replaced under warranty.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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