Kenmore Dryer: not spinning and overheating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Kenmore dryer not spinning and overheating? This common issue can leave clothes damp and the appliance too hot to operate. Potential causes include a broken drive belt, clogged vents, or faulty thermostats. Immediate attention is necessary to avoid further damage.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Kenmore dryers may use specific thermistor and thermostat placements; consult model schematic before part replacement
  • Kenmore service documentation emphasizes airflow and motor issues as common causes

Possible Causes

Broken or worn drive belt

How to Identify: Drum will turn easily by hand when the dryer is off; belt visibly frayed or snapped.

Part: Drive belt

Faulty drive motor or motor overheating

How to Identify: Motor hums but drum does not turn; dryer overheats and stops until motor cools.

Part: Drive motor

Clogged vent or airflow restriction

How to Identify: Poor air expulsion at exterior vent; heat builds inside; longer drying times.

Part: Dryer vent and exhaust

Faulty high-limit or cycling thermostat/thermistor

How to Identify: Dryer overheats beyond normal temperature or fails to shut off heating.

Part: Thermostat/thermistor

Worn drum rollers/idler pulley/drum bearings

How to Identify: Drum difficult to turn by hand; squealing or grinding noises; motor strain.

Part: Drum rollers/Idler pulley/Bearings

Clogged lint filter

How to Identify: Lint accumulation in filter mesh; poor airflow and elevated temperatures.

Part: Lint filter

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, socket set, replacement belt
  1. Unplug dryer and access drum by removing cabinet or front panel.
  2. Inspect belt for breaks or wear.
  3. Remove old belt and install new belt around drum and pulleys.
  4. Reassemble dryer and test operation.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug dryer before opening cabinet.

Clean lint filter and vent path

Easy 10–30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with hose attachment, dryer vent brush
  1. Remove lint filter and clear lint.
  2. Vacuum lint trap housing.
  3. Disconnect external vent and clean duct and exterior hood.
  4. Ensure airflow is unobstructed before testing.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is off and cool before cleaning.

Test drum rollers and idler pulley

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter optional
  1. Unplug and open dryer cabinet.
  2. Inspect drum rollers and idler pulley for wear or flat spots.
  3. Replace worn rollers or pulley assemblies.
  4. Reassemble and test drum rotation.
⚠️ Safety First: Avoid sharp edges inside cabinet.

Check and test thermostats/thermistor

Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Unplug dryer and access control housing.
  2. Locate and test thermostat/thermistor for continuity.
  3. Replace faulty components.
  4. Reassemble and test drying cycles.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power.

Professional Repairs

Replace drive motor

Estimated Cost: $120–$250

Replace main control board

Estimated Cost: $150–$350

Full vent system professional cleaning

Estimated Cost: $80–$180

When to Call a Professional

Motor hums but drum does not spin after belt and rollers checked
Thermostat/thermistor tests inconclusive or component replacement beyond DIY skill
Venting blockage deep in wall or roof ductwork
Burning smell or smoke during operation

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction and overheating
    Frequency: every use
  • Annual vent cleaning: Overheating from blocked exhaust
    Frequency: annually
  • Inspect belts and rollers: Drum not spinning due to worn parts
    Frequency: every 2 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not spinning and overheating?
Common causes include a broken drive belt, clogged vent, or faulty thermostats.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not spinning and overheating myself?
You can inspect and replace the drive belt, clean the lint filter, or test the thermostats.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning and overheating?
Professional repairs can range from $120 to $350 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning and overheating?
Call a technician if DIY solutions don’t resolve the issue or if the problem seems complex.

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

  • Drive belt is broken or off the pulley
  • Faulty door switch preventing the dryer from stopping when the door is open
  • Overheating due to a clogged vent or lint filter

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and replace the drive belt if broken or reattach if off the pulley. Disconnect the dryer from power, remove the front panel, and check the belt's condition and placement.

  2. Test the door switch for continuity using a multimeter. Replace the switch if it does not show continuity when the door is closed.

  3. Clean the lint filter and check the vent for blockages. Ensure proper airflow by removing any lint buildup in the vent system.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Kenmore Series 100 Dryer Spinning and Heating Problem

Community Discussions

stopped spinning and heats the drum even when the door is open

The belt is likely off the pulley, allowing the dryer to run without spinning.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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