Kenmore Elite dryer not starting

Why is my Kenmore dryer clicking but not starting?

First, make sure the door is shut tight. If the dryer still doesn't start, there are several possible reasons, from a door switch that's not recognizing that the door is closed to a failure in the main electronic control board.

A broken power cord, failed push-to-start switch or a bad timer can also prevent the dryer from starting. Some dryers use a motor relay to control the drive motor, so a broken motor relay can prevent the dryer from starting.

Check the dryer drive belt

If you hear the motor running but the drum doesn't turn, you likely need to replace the drive belt.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the drive belt in a common Kenmore dryer:

If you need to have a service technician replace the drive belt, schedule dryer repair service.

Troubleshooting tips for a Kenmore Elite dryer not starting

Some dryers use a belt switch to keep the drive motor from running so you might not hear the motor run when the drive belt breaks. A failed drive motor will also prevent the dryer from starting.

In electric dryers, a blown thermal fuse can keep the dryer from starting.

Find expert DIY troubleshooting tips for an electric dryer in this popular YouTube video:

Check the dryer door switch

For safety, always make sure to disconnect the power before you check continuity.

To access the door switch, pull out the lint screen. Remove the screws that secure the lint screen housing to the top panel. Release the clips and lift the top panel to access the door switch. Unplug the door switch from the wire harness.

With the dryer door closed, put your meter leads on the door switch wires that connect to the blue and white wires on the other end of the plug. You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance. If you measure no continuity, then the door switch is broken.

Replace the door switch as shown in this video:

Have a service technician test and replace the dryer door switch if you’re unable to complete these tasks on your own.

Test the dryer thermal fuse

With the dryer unplugged, open the cabinet and access the thermal fuse. Unplug the wires from the thermal fuse. Use the multimeter to measure the resistance between the spades on the thermal fuse.

You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance through the thermal fuse. If you measure no continuity, then replace the thermal fuse.

Here’s a video showing you how:

Here’s something to keep in mind. More often than not, if you blew a thermal fuse, it’s because your exhaust vent is clogged with lint. Before you hook your dryer back up, check your vent and clean it out with a lint brush.

Check the push-to-start switch

Now, if your thermal fuse was okay, the next thing to check is the start switch.

1. Reassemble the dryer and then plug it back in.
2. Open the door and push the door switch in.
3. While holding the door switch in, push the start switch.

You should hear a click as the relay engages. Then release the door switch and you should hear a click as the relay disengages. If you heard the clicks, the start switch is probably okay.

If you didn’t hear the clicks, unplug the dryer and check continuity through the push-to-start switch.

1. With the dryer unplugged, remove the console back panel.
2. Unplug the wires from the start switch.
3. Have someone hold the start switch in and check resistance on the spades for the light blue wires.

You should measure near 0 ohms of resistance with the start button pressed in. If you measure no continuity, then you’ll need to replace the push-to-start switch.

Here’s a video that shows how to replace the push-to-start switch:

If all of the components described above have checked out okay, then the motor windings or internal centrifugal switch could be defective. A wiring failure could also be preventing the dryer from starting. You should get a qualified technician to check this out.

If you have a Kenmore Elite gas dryer, follow the troubleshooting tips in this video to determine why the dryer won’t start:

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

How is the not starting problem fixed?

Correcting most not starting problems usually involves replacing the thermal fuse, 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 starting

When the dryer is not starting 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 starting 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.

Kenmore Elite Dryer Won’t Start Troubleshooting

If you have a gas Kenmore dryer that won’t start, the most likely causes are a lack of power, a defective door switch or a bad start switch.

First, look for an electrical power issue. Open the dryer door and check if the light inside your Kenmore Elite dryer turns on. If it doesn’t turn on, check the house circuit breaker. Try resetting the breaker to make sure it’s not tripped. If that doesn’t work, check your power cord and make sure the power socket works. To see whether the electric power socket works, plug a small lamp or night light into the outlet. If the lamp or night light doesn’t work, have an electrician fix the power socket.

Once you’ve confirmed that the dryer is getting power, with the dryer door closed, set a Timed Drying cycle and listen for the faint sound of the timer motor running inside the console. If the timer motor runs and the light comes on when you open the door, you know that the door switch is okay. If you don’t hear the timer motor running, you may have a defective push-to-start switch, bad door switch, broken drive motor or a wiring failure.

A number of other failures can prevent your gas dryer from running such as a bad timer or failed drive motor. Have a Sears Home Services technician repair your Kenmore Elite dryer that won’t start.

If you have an electric Kenmore Elite dryer that won’t start, a blown thermal fuse is a common cause of that failure. A bad door switch, failed timer, defective push-to-start switch, bad drive motor or a number of other failures can also prevent an electric Kenmore Elite dryer from starting.

If your Kenmore Elite dryer has electronic controls, a failed electronic control board could be causing the starting problem. You can reset the electronic control board in your Kenmore Elite dryer by unplugging the power cord for 2 minutes and then plugging it back in to restore power and reboot the electronic control board. The dryer may start after resetting the control board.

If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help, schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician visit your home and fix your Kenmore Elite dryer that won’t start.

Pressing Start on a Kenmore Elite dryer with no response frequently points to door-latch or fuse failures. Basic resets won’t remedy deeper electrical faults. Pick dryer repair near me for accurate diagnostics. Rapid fixes get your high-end dryer back to normal.