Kenmore Dryer: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Kenmore dryer isn't starting, you may notice no drum motion when pressing the start button. There might be no humming noise, no display changes, or intermittent responses. This issue could stem from a few common causes, including a faulty thermal fuse or issues with the drive motor.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Kenmore Models

  • Thermal fuse and door switch failures are especially common causes of no-start in Kenmore dryers according to repair services

Possible Causes

Faulty thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dryer produces no action when started; thermal fuse often blown due to overheating or vent blockage

Part: Thermal fuse

Drive motor or obstruction in blower wheel

How to Identify: Humming without drum rotation suggests motor stall/obstruction; check for items stuck in blower wheel

Part: Drive motor/blower wheel

DIY Solutions

Test and Replace Thermal Fuse

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Disconnect dryer from power
  2. Access thermal fuse on blower housing
  3. Use multimeter to test continuity of fuse
  4. Replace fuse with exact match if blown and reassemble
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before testing or replacing

Verify Door Latch/Switch Function

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: none or multimeter if testing
  1. Ensure dryer door is fully closed until it clicks
  2. Press door switch manually to listen for click
  3. Test switch continuity with multimeter and replace if open
  4. Inspect door strike and adjust if misaligned
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power if testing wiring continuity

Check Start Button/Switch Operation

Moderate 20–40 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, multimeter
  1. Disconnect power
  2. Access control panel to reach start switch
  3. Test start switch continuity with multimeter
  4. Replace defective switch
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure proper reassembly of control panel

Professional Repairs

Control Board/User Interface Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Drive Motor/Blower Wheel Service

Estimated Cost: $200–$500

When to Call a Professional

Dryer shows no action after checking switches and fuses
Humming noise persists without drum rotation indicating motor issue
Control board diagnostics needed
Gas dryer with suspected gas valve issues

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Overheating and thermal fuse blowing
    Frequency: After every load
  • Clear dryer vent and duct at least annually: Airflow restriction leading to thermal fuse failure
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Kenmore Dryer not starting?
The main causes are a faulty thermal fuse or issues with the door latch/switch.
How do I fix Kenmore Dryer not starting myself?
Test and replace the thermal fuse or check the door switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If DIY solutions don't work or you're unsure, it's best to contact a professional.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

71%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Thermal fuse failure (5 mentions)
  • Door switch malfunction (4 mentions)
  • Breaker issues (3 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replaced thermal fuse

    Success rate: 14.0%

  2. Replaced broken ceramic stand offs for heating element

    Success rate: 5.0%

  3. Fixed breaker issue

    Success rate: 10.0%

  4. Checked thermal fuse and door switch; tested power supply

    Success rate: 5.0%
Analysis based on 14 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Old Kenmore 90 series dryer will not start -help
  2. Dryer won't start- can't find the thermal fuse
  3. Kenmore 96273800 won't turn on anymore
  4. Kenmore Dryer Model 110.61402310 – Heating Element Always On...
  5. Kenmore series 600 dryer, powered but won't start. Advice fo...
  6. Kenmore model 66812690 Stopped mid cycle, won't start,
  7. Kenmore dryer not starting. Repair help questions
  8. Dryer not working right away???
  9. Kenmore dryer repair
  10. Kenmore Elite Dryer wont start
  11. Kenmore Wrinkle Guard 1 Dryer Won't Start
  12. Kenmore front load dryer won't start
  13. Kenmore Dryer: Won't turn on.
  14. Dryer Won't Start - Vintage Kenmore Dryer

Community Discussions

electric dryer won't start

The thermal fuse was the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

stopped mid cycle, won't start

Replaced thermal fuse

DIY View on Reddit →

will not start

The flapper on the door switch was broken and needs to be replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't start

The motor pulley had failed, damaging the belt and causing a cutoff switch to activate, preventing the motor from starting.

DIY View on Reddit →

dryer won't start

The issue was a breaker that needed fixing.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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