How to fix a Kenmore electric dryer that runs but doesn’t heat

Is your Kenmore dryer running but failing to heat up? Follow this easy troubleshooting guide to fix the issue yourself and skip the service call.

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.

Necessary supplies

• ¼ inch nut driver
• ¼ inch socket
• Putty knife
• Multimeter

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

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• 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.

Read more: Seven Steps to Master Your Laundry Day: A Complete Guide

How to troubleshoot a Kenmore electric dryer that runs but won’t heat

Step 1: Test the voltage

1. Pull the dryer out to access the rear terminal block cover.
2. Remove the ¼ inch screw from the terminal block cover and set the cover aside.
3. Set your multimeter to AC voltage mode.
4. With the dryer plugged in and powered on, place one probe on the white neutral wire and the other on the black wire. Confirm that the multimeter reads 120 VAC.
5. Move the probe from the black wire to the red wire and confirm another 120 VAC reading.
6. Place one probe on the black wire and the other on the red wire to check for 240 VAC.
7. If the voltage is correct, unplug the dryer and proceed. If not, contact an electrician to inspect the electrical system.

Step 2: Test the element

1. Use a putty knife to push in the two clips holding the front panel in place, and remove the front panel.
2. Disconnect one of the wires from the heating element.
3. Set the multimeter to resistance mode.
4. Place the multimeter probes on the two terminals of the heating element and check for a resistance of 10-12 ohms.
5. If the resistance is off or there is no reading, replace the heating element.

Step 3: Testing the high-limit cut-off kit

1. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.
2. Use the putty knife to release the two clips holding the front panel in place, and remove the panel.
3. Use a ¼ inch nut driver to remove the screws from the blower housing cover.
4. Disconnect one wire from the high-limit cut-off.
5. Set the multimeter to continuity mode and place the probes across the terminals of the high-limit cut-off. If there is no continuity or beep, replace the high-limit cut-off and thermostat.
6. Check the heating element for grounding by removing one wire from the element terminals and placing one probe on the terminal and the other on the metal housing. If the multimeter beeps or shows continuity, replace the heating element.

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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