Test & replace the drive motor in your Kenmore electric dryer: A step-by-step guide

Tired of your Kenmore dryer not spinning? Learn how to test and replace the drive motor yourself and get it working like new again!

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
• Multimeter
• Hammer
• 20 mm bit
• ½ socket extension
• Ratchet
• Pair of vice grips/pipe wrench

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, remember to keep safety first. 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 test & replace the drive motor on a Kenmore electric dryer

Step 1. Access the drive motor

1. Turn off the power by unplugging the dryer or switching off the breaker.
2. Use a putty knife to press in the two clips holding the console in place, then push the console upward and back.
3. Remove the three ¼-inch screws securing the top panel, slide the top forward, and remove it.
4. Use the putty knife to press in the clips holding the bottom panel. Remove the two door springs, open the door, and remove the lint screen.
5. Use a ¼-inch nut driver to remove the three screws holding the blower housing and remove it.
6. Disconnect the yellow wire at the bottom of the front panel.
7. Remove the two ¼-inch screws at the bottom of the front panel.
8. Use a Torx 20-bit to remove the two screws at the top of the outer door panel.
9. Disconnect the door switch and lift off the front panel.
10. Reach underneath to release the drum belt from the idler pulley.
11. Use the drum belt to lift the drum out of the dryer to access the motor connections.

Step 2. Test the drive motor

12. Set the multimeter to voltage, place one probe in the 4M terminal and the other in the 5M terminal of the motor switch.

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.

13. Reconnect the door switch and ensure the belt switch is engaged before powering the dryer.
14. Restore power and press the “push to start” switch. If the reading is 120VAC and the motor doesn’t start, the motor needs to be replaced. If there is no voltage, check for other issues.

Step 3. Remove the drive motor

15. To remove the motor, remove the top panel and bottom panel again, if necessary, by repeating the earlier steps.
16. Remove the drum, blower housing, and lint screen, and disconnect the yellow wire and door switch.
17. Loosen the drum belt and remove the drum.
18. Remove the two screws securing the blower wheel cover.
19. Insert a ½-inch socket extension into the blower wheel hub. Secure the belt pulley with vise grips or a pipe wrench.
20. Use a socket wrench to rotate the extension to the right (reverse thread) to remove the blower wheel. If the wheel is stuck, use a hammer and screwdriver to break it off.
21. Remove the motor clips, noting the wire connections, and take a photo if necessary.
22. Disconnect the belt switch wire and motor wiring, then remove the motor.

Step 4. Install the new drive motor

23. Install the new motor, ensuring the switch is positioned correctly.
24. Secure the motor clips, using a hammer and nut driver if needed.
25. Reconnect the belt switch wire and main power plug.
26. Spin the blower wheel onto the motor by turning it to the left and hand-tighten it.
27. Reinstall the blower wheel cover.
28. Reinstall the drum and drum belt.
29. Reinstall the front panel, blower housing, door springs, yellow wire, and lint screen.
30. Replace the top panel and secure the console.
31. Restore power by plugging in the dryer or flipping the circuit breaker back on.

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the drive motor in your Kenmore dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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