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  1. Repair
  2. Kenmore Elite
  3. Kenmore Elite Dryer
  4. Dryer not drying

Kenmore Elite dryer not drying

Common reasons your Kenmore Elite dryer is not drying

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dryer is not drying are a clogged vent tube, open heating element or a bad wire connector.

  • 45%

    45% of the time it's the
    Vent Tube

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 14%

    14% of the time it's the
    Wire Connector

  • 27%

    27% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore Elite dryer

    Vent Tube Replacement

    A clogged vent tube is one of the most common causes for a dryer not drying clothes. When the vent tube is clogged, air won’t flow through the dryer. Warm moist air will stay in the dryer drum and clothes won’t dry. When clothes are taking a long time to dry, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and examine the dryer. The technician will determine whether a clogged vent is causing the drying problem.


    Heating Element Replacement

    An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer is not drying. “Open” means that the heating element is broken and current isn’t flowing through the element to produce heat. You may not see physical damage on the heating element for it to be electrically open. An interior break in the continuity of the element can prevent it from heating. When your dryer isn’t heating, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer.

    Wire Connector Replacement

    A bad wire connector in the heating circuit or control circuit can keep the dryer from drying clothes. A disconnected wire on the heating element will prevent the element from heating. A loose wire on the moisture sensor will fool the control into thinking clothes are dry while the garments are still damp. A bad wire connector on the control board can keep the control from managing the drying cycle properly. When your dryer isn’t drying clothes properly, schedule service and have a Sears Home Services Technician check the dryer. The technician will check the wire connectors and fix any problems.

    What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite dryer not drying issue

    How is the not drying problem fixed?

    Correcting most not drying problems usually involves replacing the vent tube, heating element or wire connector. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not drying

    When the dryer is not drying it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

    What to look out for with a dryer not drying diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    What our customers say about us

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    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A furnace flame sensor is a safety device designed to detect the presence of a flame when the furnace is on, ensuring that gas flows only when it is ignited to prevent dangerous gas leaks.

    A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.

    Additional possible Kenmore Elite dryer symptoms you may experience