Kenmore electric dryer won’t run: How to fix it yourself

Tired of your Kenmore electric dryer refusing to start? Before you reach for the phone, try these pro troubleshooting tips to fix it yourself!

If you need any replacement parts for your Kenmore dryer, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model 11068722700 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Putty Knife
• 1/4 inch nut driver
• 1/4 inch socket
• Multimeter
• 20 mm bit

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to troubleshoot a Kenmore electric dryer that won’t run

Nothing’s more frustrating than a dryer that suddenly won’t run. Before you panic and call for repairs, try these troubleshooting steps to potentially solve the issue yourself.

Step 1. Test the thermal fuse

1. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.
3. Use a putty knife to push in the clips holding the bottom panel, then remove the panel.
4. Use a ¼ inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the blower wheel housing, and remove the housing.
5. Locate the white thermal fuse on the blower housing (it has two light blue wires).
6. Disconnect one of the wires from the thermal fuse.
7. Set your multimeter to continuity mode and test across the two terminals of the thermal fuse.
8. If no continuity is present, replace the fuse. If continuity exists, proceed to the next step.

Step 2. Test the drive motor

9. Ensure the dryer is unplugged or the breaker is turned off.
10. Use a putty knife to release the console clips and push the console upward and back.
11. Remove the three screws holding the top panel, slide the top forward, and remove it.
12. Push the clips on the bottom panel, remove the door springs, and open the door.
13. Remove the lint screen and use a ¼ inch nut driver to remove the blower housing screws.
14. Disconnect the yellow wire at the bottom of the front panel.
15. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the front panel, and the two Torx screws at the top of the outer door panel.
16. Disconnect the door switch and lift off the front panel.
17. Release the drum belt from the idler pulley and lift the drum out of the dryer.
18. Set your multimeter to voltage mode. Place one probe on terminal 4M of the motor switch and the other on 5M.

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the dryer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

19. Reconnect the door switch and engage the belt switch.
20. Plug the dryer back in or turn the breaker on.
21. Press the start button and check for 120VAC at the motor switch.
22. If the voltage is correct and the motor does not start, replace the motor. If no voltage is present, move to the next step.

Step 3. Test the door switch

23. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker.
24. Use a putty knife to release the console clips and push the console upward and back.
25. Use a ¼ inch nut driver to remove the top panel.
26. Locate the door switch on the right side of the door opening.
27. Disconnect the connector attached to the door switch.
28. Set the multimeter to continuity mode and test the two pins of the door switch.
29. Close the door and check for continuity. If no continuity is present, replace the switch.
30. Alternatively, check for any broken or missing door tab that contacts the switch.

Step 4. Test the mechanical timer

31. Use a putty knife to release the clips holding the console and push it upward and back.
32. Locate the timer in the console, and find the contacts marked BLK and BU.
33. Turn the dryer to a setting where it should normally run.
34. Use the multimeter to test the BLK and BU contacts for continuity.
35. If there is no continuity, the timer is defective and needs replacement.
36. If continuity is present, and all previous components check out, there may be another issue causing the dryer not to start.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Kenmore electric dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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