Kenmore Electric Dryer Not Heating? How to Fix It

If your Kenmore electric dryer turns on and runs but doesn’t produce any heat, this article will guide you through fixing the problem. Now, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution here because several potential issues could be causing this.

You’ll need to work through the possible fixes listed below until you find the one that solves the problem. We’ll start with the easiest and most likely solutions, so you’ll only have to tackle the more complicated repairs if they’re absolutely necessary.

A Kenmore electric dryer that won’t heat leaves you with nothing but wet clothes, so it’s a problem you should definitely get sorted. Keep reading to learn how.

How To Fix a Kenmore Dryer That’s Not Heating

Follow these tips to get the heating issue resolved.

1. Check the Power Supply

First things first—make sure your dryer’s getting the power it needs to heat up. Kenmore electric dryers require 240 volts to operate the heating element, even though the motor only needs 120 volts. If the second leg of power isn’t working, your dryer will run but won’t heat.

Use a multimeter to check the outlet and confirm it’s giving you 240 volts. If you’re getting the full 240 volts, try resetting the circuit breaker for the dryer: flip it off, wait a minute, then turn it back on.

If the outlet still isn’t providing enough power after you’ve reset the breaker, call an electrician to take a closer look.

2. Inspect the Thermal Cut-Off

The thermal cut-off is a safety device designed to shut off the dryer if it overheats. If it’s blown, the dryer won’t heat, but will still run. Once it’s blown, it will need replacing as it cannot be reset. To find out if it’s faulty or not, you can test it with a multimeter.

Here’s how:

1. Unplug the dryer or turn it off at the circuit breaker.
2. Remove the back panel, front panel, or lower front access panel, depending on which Kenmore model you have, to access the thermal cut-off.
3. Locate the thermal cut-off usually found on or near the heating element on Kenmore dryers.
4. Disconnect the wires from the thermal cut-off.
5. Use a multimeter set to continuity mode to check the thermal cut-off by pressing the probes against its terminals. A beep indicates it has continuity, no beep means it’s faulty and needs replacing.
6. If faulty, remove any screws securing the old one in place.
7. Order a new thermal cut-off and install it in place of the old one, securing it with screws and connecting the wires.

Don’t Reassemble the Dryer Just Yet

It’s worth noting that when you order a replacement thermal cut-off, it usually comes as part of a kit that includes a new high-limit thermostat.

Since the high-limit thermostat is typically located near the thermal cut-off—on or near the heating element assembly—you might as well test both while you have the dryer disassembled. If the thermal cut-off is faulty, you can replace it at the same time.

Testing and replacing the high-limit thermostat is pretty similar to the thermal cut-off. Just disconnect the wires, test it with your multimeter set to continuity, and remove the screws holding it in place to remove it if faulty.

What Caused the Thermal Cut-Off To Trip?

Most of the time, a dryer overheats because the lint trap or vent system is clogged. This blocks the hot air from escaping and triggers the thermal cut-off. Therefore, you should clean the lint trap and vent to prevent the issue from recurring.

Follow these steps to do so:

1. Disconnect the dryer from its power source and pull it away from the wall.
2. Remove the lint trap, located inside the dryer door or on top of the machine, depending on your Kenmore model.
3. Use your fingers or a soft brush to remove any visible lint. For a deeper clean, rinse it with warm water and soap, especially if dryer sheets have left behind residue.
4. Loosen the clamp holding the vent hose to the dryer (using a screwdriver or your hands) and disconnect it.
5. Pop off the vent cover on the exterior of your home.
6. Use a long vent brush to remove lint buildup inside the hose and the vent system.

3. Test the Heating Element

The heating element is the heart of your dryer’s heating system. Over time, it can wear out or break, resulting in your dryer running but not heating. If you’ve ruled out the power supply, thermal cut-off, and high-limit thermostat, the heating element is the next logical component to check.

How to test and replace the heating element:

1. Unplug the dryer.
2. Access the heating element in the same way you accessed the thermal cut-off, by removing the necessary panels.
3. Disconnect the wires from the heating element terminals.
4. Use a multimeter set to ohms to test for continuity. If the circuit is open (OL), the heating element is faulty and needs replacing. If the reading is between 10-20 ohms, it’s likely fine.
5. If faulty, order a new compatible heating element for your Kenmore model.
6. Remove the screws securing the old heating element, then pull it out. You may be able to see breaks in the coils when inspecting the old faulty element.
7. Install the new heating element by securing it in place with the screws and reconnecting the wires.

Summary

Dealing with a Kenmore dryer that won’t heat is inconvenient, but the good news is that most fixes are fairly simple and don’t require professional help. With a bit of time, a few tools, and this guide, you should have your Kenmore dryer heating again in no time.

If you’ve worked through the above steps and your Kenmore dryer still isn’t heating, it might be time to call in an expert. Some issues, like a faulty control board, require specialized tools and expertise to fix.