
Here is a list of possible issues when your dryer shutting off after a couple of minutes:
- Dryer Motor Overheating (Most Common)
- Faulty Door Latch Or Switch
- Moisture Sensor Wires Came Off or Oxidized
- Drum Belt Broke
- Broken Idler Pulley or Tension Roller
Full Answer
Why is my Kenmore dryer not starting?
Kenmore Dryer Won’t Start – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis
- Incoming Power Problem. If a Kenmore dryer’s start switch button is constantly engaged but the machine won’t turn on, it may be an indication of either a defective power cord ...
- Incorrect Dryer Settings. ...
- Door is Not Properly Latched. ...
- Blown Thermal Fuse. ...
- Defective Dryer Start Switch. ...
- Belt Switch Issue. ...
- Faulty Drive Motor. ...
Do Kenmore dryers have a reset button?
Where is the reset button on a Kenmore electric dryer? Your dryer does not have a reset button. I recommend finding the two (2) home circuit breakers for the dryer and resetting both circuit breakers by turning them on and off 2-3 times and then seeing if the dryer starts. then remove the back panel.
How to fix Kenmore dryer?
- Locate your dryer's exhaust vent and remove the plastic cover that protects the end of the vent.
- Unplug your dryer's power supply cord. ...
- Remove any tape or clamps holding the exhaust vent pipe to the vent on the back of your dryer.
- Push the brush from your dryer cleaning kit as gently and as far as possible into either end of your dryer duct. ...
Why did my dryer stop working?
- Inspect the power cord at the back of the dryer for a broken, burned or loose connection. Reconnect the cord, if necessary.
- Check the terminal block. ...
- The dryer's Installation Instructions will have model specific information about the terminal block and power cord connection.

What causes a Kenmore dryer to stop working?
Incoming Power Problem If a Kenmore dryer's start switch button is constantly engaged but the machine won't turn on, it may be an indication of either a defective power cord or a defective control panel. The most common reason for such problems is an overloaded outlet or circuit.
What would cause a dryer to suddenly stop working?
A faulty or broken thermostat can make a dryer stop working. Replacing the fuse or the thermostat will allow the dryer to work again. A blown thermal fuse from overheating indicates an additional problem, such as improper ventilation.
How do you restart your dryer if it stops working Kenmore?
Check the dryer belt to determine if it is broken. If the belt is broken, replace it. If you have a gas dryer, unplug the dryer from the wall and plug something else into the outlet to determine if the outlet is working. If you have an electric dryer, check the home circuit breaker or fuses.
When I press the start button on my dryer nothing happens?
If the dryer start switch does not have continuity when it is activated, it will need to be replaced. The door switch is located near the dryer door and is activated when the door is closed. If the door switch fails, the dryer won't start at all. Most door switches will make an audible click when they are activated.
How do I know if my dryer fuse is blown?
1:042:10Dryer Not Heating? Thermal Fuse Testing, Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the needle does not move or the digital display does not change significantly. There is noMoreIf the needle does not move or the digital display does not change significantly. There is no continuity. Which means the fuse has blown out and will need to be replaced.
How do you diagnose a dryer problem?
2:1636:35Dryer Troubleshooting - Top 10 Dryer Problems - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf it's kind of lopsided on any position or if it's stuck in a little groove it'll start to screech.MoreIf it's kind of lopsided on any position or if it's stuck in a little groove it'll start to screech. And sometimes that screech gets really loud and other times I've even sounds like metal on metal.
Why does my dryer have power but wont start?
This could be a tripped breaker, a blown fuse, or something as simple as unplugging the dryer from the wall. What is this? Check if the dryer is plugged in or at least plugged in securely to the outlet. Next, check your breaker box.
Where is the thermal fuse on a Kenmore dryer?
0:081:27How to Replace a Kenmore Electric Dryer Thermal Fuse - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe back panel from the dryer and set it aside. Pull the wires off of the thermal fuse remove. TheMoreThe back panel from the dryer and set it aside. Pull the wires off of the thermal fuse remove. The mounting screw using a 1/4 inch nut driver. Pull the fuse off of the blower housing.
How do I fix my Kenmore dryer?
0:097:35How To: Disassemble Whirlpool/Kenmore Dryer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFirst thing we have to do is lift up the lint screen cover to gain access to the two screws if youMoreFirst thing we have to do is lift up the lint screen cover to gain access to the two screws if you have the type of lint screen that has the cover built into it just pull it out and remove the screws.
How do I know if my dryer start switch is bad?
As a safety feature, the dryer will not work with an open door. When the switch is broken, it is unable to tell the control panel the door is shut, so the dryer will not turn on. The only way to tell if the switch is faulty is to take it out of the dryer and test it with a multimeter.
Where is the dryer reset button?
Often, dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel. If the motor won't run, let the dryer cool for about ten minutes. Then press this reset button.
How do you check the start switch on a Kenmore dryer?
1:141:56Dryer Won't Start? Two Terminal Switch Testing, Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou begin make sure the switch you're testing has been removed or isolated from the appliance use aMoreYou begin make sure the switch you're testing has been removed or isolated from the appliance use a probe to touch one of the switches terminals and the second probe to touch the other terminal.
Where is the dryer fuse located?
1:163:12Dryer Repair- Replacing the Thermal Fuse (Whirlpool Part# 3392519)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLocation of the thermal fuse is right on the blower housing.MoreLocation of the thermal fuse is right on the blower housing.
How much does it cost to replace a dryer thermal fuse?
Other Costs to Fix a DryerPartMaterial CostTotal CostThermal fuse$5 - $10$80 - $130Dryer thermostat$3 - $20$180Bearing$50$130 - $250Roller$10 - $30$90 - $2301 more row
Most Common Problems
Start here with our troubleshooting guide to diagnose the cause of your Kenmore dryer problems. Begin by browsing the list of Kenmore dryer symptoms and once you find your match, learn more about it.
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Why is my Kenmore dryer not heating?
One of the most common issues with a Kenmore dryer that is not heating, is that the heater element has gone bad. The heating element in a dryer is supposed to warm the air before it enters the dryer. You may need to replace the heating element if your dryer isn’t producing enough heat or if the drying time has been increased significantly.
What does a flame sensor do on a Kenmore dryer?
On gas dryers, a flame sensor detects the heat from the flame. If the sensor goes out, the dryer won’t work. If your Kenmore dryer isn’t heating, don’t assume the flame sensor is defective. First, check to see if the igniter and thermal fuse are bad. If you’ve ruled out those causes, test the flame sensor for continuity at room temperature with a multimeter. If there’s no continuity present, replace it.
What does it mean when a fuse has no continuity?
If the fuse has no continuity, it means that the electrical path is broken and needs to be replaced. A multimeter can test for continuity. You should always check your dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse, as blocked exhaust vents mean your clothes aren’t drying properly and will lead to more problems down the line.
How to test if a dryer is heating?
Yet another way to test your dryer’s heating element is by unplugging the device and disconnecting the two wires of your thermostat. To provide heat for the dryer, you’ll need to join these wires using electrical tape. Now that the thermostat has been bypassed turn the dryer back on. If it heats, you know for sure the thermostat is telling it not to heat up, and you need to replace it.
What is the igniter on a gas dryer?
The igniter is a necessary component of the gas dryer. If it does not work, then there will be no heat, and you’ll have to spend your time on laundry hanging out in wet clothes instead of drying them off good! Luckily for us all, testing for continuity with an old-fashioned multimeter can tell if this important part needs replacing or just some new spark plugging up its works.
How to tell if dryer heating element is working?
To figure out if your dryer’s heating element is working, you need to test it . To do this, you can use a multimeter and measure the resistance of the heating element. If it doesn’t provide at least 15 ohms of resistance, then your heating coil needs to be replaced.
What happens if a lint screen is clogged?
If the screen is clogged, your clothes won’t dry properly and will take longer to dry than normal.
Why won't my Kenmore dryer heat?
A Kenmore dryer will not heat with a broken heating element, blown thermal fuse, malfunctioning thermostat, faulty power supply or broken control board. Besides lack of heat, your clothes will also not dry if there is reduced air flow, the clothes do not move or the moisture sensor is broken.
Why is the heating element important in a Kenmore dryer?
Without it, the air flowing through the dryer would be cold. This is about as effective as if you had hung them out to dry on a cold and cloudy day.
Why is air flow important in a dryer?
Air flow is another important element to drying your clothes because this not only brings hot air from the heating element into the dryer drum, but it also carries humid air out of the dryer. Removing the moisture is just as important as drawing in the heat.
How to remove moisture sensor from dryer?
You can remove this by taking off the rear panel of the dryer, disconnecting the sensor and twisting the metal fastener.
What is the heating element in a dryer?
The heating element is what heats the air that circulates within your dryer. This element receives electricity from either side, allowing it to flow through the coils of the element. As electricity flows through the coils, they begin to radiate heat.
Where is the thermal fuse located in a dryer?
The thermal fuse, high limit thermostat and cycling thermostat are all located close to the heating element in your dryer’s electrical circuit. These components are all able to cut the power to the heating element if temperatures get too high.
Can you turn off the reminder light on a dryer?
Unfortunately, if your dryer has an automatic reminder light, you cannot turn this off manually; it will only turn off once the dryer has started another cycle. It is a normal function of the machine and will come on, regardless of whether or not the filter is clean. There is no sensor to detect when the lint filter is actually full.
Why is my dryer not turning?
If you hear the dryer motor running but the dryer drum doesn’t turn, the drive belt could be broken. Unplug the dryer, check the drive belt and replace it if it’s broken. Even if the belt isn’t the cause of your dryer problems, it’s a good time to replace an old belt that could cause problems later.
What does it mean when a dryer won't turn?
If the dryer starts but the dryer drum won’t turn, the dryer might have a worn drum bearing or dryer belt. To test the bearing, remove the belt and try to turn the drum with your hand. If the drum doesn’t turn, the bearing needs to be replaced.
What are the problems with a dryer?
Common dryer issues include a faulty door switch or start switch and control problems such as a broken dryer timer or faulty electronic control board:
Why do dryers have a push to start switch?
Check the exhaust vent because a clog in the vent likely caused the thermal fuse to blow. For dryers with a dial timer, a broken push-to-start switch can prevent the motor from running. Use a multimeter to check for continuity through the push-to-start switch.
How many ohms should a gas dryer be?
The reading should be about 15 ohms. If there is no measure of continuity on the meter, replace the dryer heating element. A gas dryer will run but won’t heat if its thermal fuse blows because the dryer overheated (usually because the vent is clogged, so check the vent path).
How to check if dryer is working?
A dryer not drying clothes may be because of a broken part or because the dryer isn’t getting enough power to operate. Before you start looking at the interior of the dryer, check the plug, power cord and breakers: 1 Make sure the dryer is securely plugged in and that there is no damage or wear to the plug or cord. 2 If you have an electric dryer, check the breaker box to make sure the breaker hasn’t been thrown. Since your dryer operates on 240 volts, only one-half of a double breaker may be thrown. This could explain a dryer not heating even though it is running. 3 If you have a gas dryer, check the gas supply – if it’s not heating (or not running at all) you should check the breaker.
How to test a dryer switch?
To test the switch, open the door press in the door switch lever. If the drum light doesn’t turn off, a failed door switch is the likely reason the dryer won’t start. A blown thermal fuse often prevents an electric dryer from starting. You’ll find the thermal fuse on the blower housing.
How to tell if a gas dryer is defective?
If a solenoid fails, the burner may run intermittently. If the burner keeps shutting off, the dryer won’t heat properly and may not stop. To determine if one or more of the gas valve solenoids has failed, check the igniter. If the igniter glows and goes out but does not ignite the gas, the gas valve solenoid is defective. If one or more of the gas ...
Why does my dryer take so long to dry clothes?
If the blower wheel is obstructed or defective, it may take too long to dry clothes. To determine if the blower wheel is working properly, remove the dryer vent and assess the strength of the air fl...ow. If the air flow is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions.
What is a gas dryer solenoid?
03 - Gas Valve Solenoid. Gas dryers have two or more gas valve solenoid coils. The gas valve solenoids open the gas valve ports to allow gas to flow into the burner assembly. If a solenoid fails, the burner may run intermittently. If the burner keeps shutting off, the dryer won’t heat properly and may not stop.
How to check if blower wheel is weak?
ow. If the air flow is weak, check the blower wheel for obstructions. If no obstructions are present, try rotating the blower wheel by hand . If the blower wheel wobbles as it turns, replace it.
How does a blower work?
The blower wheel draws air through the dryer and pushes the air out the vent. Clumps of lint, socks, and small articles of clothing can escape the lint filter and get caught in the blower wheel. In addition, the blower wheel sleeve can wear out, allowing the blower wheel to wobble on the motor shaft. If the blower wheel is obstructed or defective, it may take too long to dry clothes. To determine if the blower wheel is working properly, remove the dryer vent and assess the strength of the air fl...
