Kenmore Elite dryer not starting

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.