Kenmore dryer not working

Common reasons your Kenmore dryer is not working

The most common reasons your Kenmore dryer is not working are a defective timer, failed door switch or a broken drum belt.

54% of the time it's the
Timer

22% of the time it's the
Door Switch

12% of the time it's the
Drum Belt

12% of the time it's the
Something else

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Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore dryer

Timer Replacement

When your dryer is not working, a defective timer could be causing the failure. The timer has internal cams that open and close switches or contacts to operate the various electro-mechanical components in the dryer, mainly the drive motor and the heating element. If the timer is defective, it won’t start the drive motor. When your dryer won’t start, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer and replace the timer if it’s defective.

How to replace a dryer timer

Door Switch Replacement

If your dryer is not working, a failed door switch could be causing the problem. The door switch detects when the dryer door is shut. A failed door switch won’t sense whether the door is closed properly. The dryer won’t start even through the door is closed when the door switch is bad. Have a Sears Home Services Technician check your dryer when it won’t start. The technician will replace the door switch if it is defective.

How to replace a dryer door switch

Drum Belt Replacement

When your dryer is not working, a broken drum belt could be causing the problem. The drum belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the drive motor pulley. The drive motor rotates the belt to spin the drum. Over time, the drum belt becomes worn and can break. A switch on the idler pulley prevents the motor from starting when it senses that the drive belt is broken. When the dryer won’t start, have a Sears Home Services Technician check your dryer and replace the drum belt if it’s broken.

How to replace a dryer drum belt

What to expect when you experience a Kenmore dryer not working issue

How is the not working problem fixed?

Correcting most not working problems usually involves replacing the timer, door switch or drum belt. 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 working

When the dryer is not working 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 working 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

With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

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

What is Natural Gas?

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.

What is a Gas Dryer?

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

What is a Furnace Condensate Pump?

A furnace condensate pump is a device installed in HVAC systems, particularly high-efficiency furnaces, to collect and automatically remove the water (condensate) produced during the heating process.

What is a Furnace Door?

A furnace door is a crucial component of a home heating system, providing access to the interior of the furnace for maintenance, repairs, and inspections. It helps in maintaining the system's efficiency and safety.