Kenmore / Sears Dryer takes too long: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

The blower wheel in the Kenmore / Sears dryer moves air through the drum. The motor that turns the blower wheel also runs the belt for the drum. So if the blower wheel gets blocked, it could stop the drum from turning too. Check the blower wheel and housing for anything blocking it. If you see an obstruction, replace the blower wheel or housing. Replacing the part will help get the drum turning again.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Blower Wheel and Housing

1. Unplug the Kenmore / Sears dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and locate the blower housing, usually in the back or side panel.
3. Remove the blower housing cover and retaining screw in the blower wheel center.
4. Carefully slide the blower wheel off the motor shaft. Remove housing mounting screws.
5. Install the new blower wheel in the housing the same way as the old one, with fins facing the correct direction.
6. Position the blower housing assembly and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
7. Reattach the blower housing cover with the retaining screws.
8. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and verify adequate airflow by running an empty cycle.
9. Make sure the blower rotation is correct before using the Kenmore / Sears dryer for clothes.
10. Listen for any rattling or rubbing noises that may indicate improper installation.

Repair Instructions:

The heating element warms the air before it goes into the Kenmore / Sears dryer drum. Over time, the element can burn out so the Kenmore / Sears dryer won't heat up. Use a multimeter to check if the element has continuity. No continuity means the element is burned out. If there's no continuity, replace the heating element. This should fix it so the element heats the air again and the Kenmore / Sears dryer can heat properly.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Heating Element

1. Unplug the Kenmore / Sears dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and locate the heating element housing.
3. Remove the wires from the heating element terminals. Loosen the mounting screws.
4. Carefully slide out the old heating element and discard it properly.
5. Install the new heating element in the housing and secure with mounting screws.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the same terminals.
7. Reassemble the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
8. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes
9. Monitor the new heating element during operation for proper brightness when heating.
10. If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the element.

Repair Instructions:

If the vent line gets clogged or partly clogged, it blocks airflow through the Kenmore / Sears dryer. This makes drying take way longer and the inside gets hotter. It can also cause a burning smell. To keep your Kenmore / Sears dryer working right, you should clean the vent system at least once a year. Cleaning the vents prevents issues like bad smells from the Kenmore / Sears dryer not venting air properly.

Repair Instructions:

Gas Kenmore / Sears dryers have gas valve solenoids that open to let gas flow to the burner. If they fail, the Kenmore / Sears dryer won't heat up. To check, look at the igniter. If it glows but doesn't light the gas, the solenoid is bad. If one or more solenoids are defective, replace them all together. That way the Kenmore / Sears dryer will heat right. The igniter working but not lighting the gas means the gas valve solenoid isn't opening. Replace all the solenoids so the gas can flow again.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Gas Valve Solenoid

1. Unplug the Kenmore / Sears dryer and turn off the gas supply. Make sure all power is disconnected.

2. Open the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and locate the gas valve and solenoid.
3. Disconnect the gas supply line and wires from the old solenoid.
4. Remove the mounting screws to detach the solenoid from the gas valve.
5. Attach the new solenoid to the valve using the mounting screws.
6. Reconnect the gas supply line to the inlet side of the new solenoid.
7. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the proper terminals.
8. Check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water on connections. Bubbles indicate a leak.
9. Turn on gas supply and plug in Kenmore / Sears dryer. Verify heat function on a cycle.
10. If igniter fails to light, recheck wiring connections on the new solenoid.

Repair Instructions:

The moisture sensor checks how damp the clothes are. It tells the control board when the clothes are dry. If the sensor is broken, it may wrongly show the clothes are dry. Then the drum would stop turning too soon. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the sensor, check the parts that often break first. If those are all working, the moisture sensor likely needs replacing. Follow instructions to remove and replace it safely. Take care not to damage the wiring. Test that the Kenmore / Sears dryer heats and spins after fixing. The sensor helps the Kenmore / Sears dryer know when to stop.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Moisture Sensor

1. Unplug the Kenmore / Sears dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and locate the moisture sensor bar in the drum.
3. Remove the mounting screws and detach the old sensor bar. Disconnect the wires.
4. Install the new moisture sensor bar using the mounting screws.
5. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
6. Reassemble the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
7. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and verify the sensor by running a test cycle.
8. It should shut off once clothes are dried. If not, recheck wire connections.
9. Run a full cycle with wet clothes and make sure the Kenmore / Sears dryer shuts off when they are dry.
10. Adjust dryness level if needed to fine tune the moisture sensor.

Repair Instructions:

The Kenmore / Sears dryer has a part called a thermistor. The thermistor checks the temperature of the heating part of the Kenmore / Sears dryer. When the heating part gets hot enough, the thermistor turns the heat off. This helps prevent the Kenmore / Sears dryer from getting too hot. If the thermistor is broken, it might not turn the heat on at all. So the Kenmore / Sears dryer won't heat up like it should. The thermistor is an important safety part. It makes sure the Kenmore / Sears dryer doesn't overheat. If your Kenmore / Sears dryer isn't heating, the thermistor could be faulty. It may need to be replaced.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Thermistor

1. Unplug the Kenmore / Sears dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and locate the thermistor on the blower housing or heating element.
3. Note which wires are connected to the old thermistor, then disconnect them.
4. Unscrew or detach the thermistor from the Kenmore / Sears dryer housing and remove it.
5. Install the new thermistor in the same spot as the old one and secure it.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the Kenmore / Sears dryer, close up the cabinet, and double check connections.
8. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and verify temperature sensing on a test cycle.
9. If it is not working, recheck the wire connections on the new thermistor.
10. Run a full cycle allowing it to heat up and cool down to test thermistor function.

Repair Instructions:

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the Kenmore / Sears dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the Kenmore / Sears dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric Kenmore / Sears dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the Kenmore / Sears dryer to the outside. Always check the Kenmore / Sears dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Thermal Fuse

1. Unplug the Kenmore / Sears dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.

2. Open the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet and locate the thermal fuse, typically on the blower housing.
3. Note which two terminals the old fuse is connected to. Disconnect the wires.
4. Unscrew or detach the fuse from the housing and discard it properly.
5. Attach the new thermal fuse to the same spot in the housing.
6. Reconnect the two wires to the same terminals they were originally on.
7. Refer to the wiring diagram to ensure proper wire placement.
8. Secure the wiring and reassemble the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet.
9. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and verify heat function by starting a cycle before drying clothes.
10. If the fuse trips again, there may be an airflow restriction or other issue needing repair.

Repair Instructions:

Too much lint build-up in a Kenmore / Sears dryer can be a fire risk. The heating element can make the lint catch fire. It's best to clean out the Kenmore / Sears dryer and venting once a year. Doing this helps prevent fires from lint build-up.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Lint Filter

1. Unplug the Kenmore / Sears dryer from the power source. Make sure the Kenmore / Sears dryer is completely powered off.

2. Open the Kenmore / Sears dryer door and locate the lint filter housing. It is usually near the top of the door opening.
3. Remove the old lint filter by pulling it straight out of the housing. Discard the used filter.
4. Before inserting the new filter, vacuum out the filter housing to remove any lint or debris.
5. Check that the new replacement filter is the right size and shape to fit into the housing.
6. Slide the new lint filter into the filter housing. Make sure it fits securely inside the housing.
7. Run water over the filter to wet it and check for leaks. This ensures it catches lint properly.
8. Dry the filter thoroughly before reassembling the Kenmore / Sears dryer.
9. Close the Kenmore / Sears dryer door and plug the power cord back in.
10. Run an empty cycle to verify the new filter is working correctly before drying clothes.

Repair Instructions:

A lint filter clogged with lint cuts down on air flow. This can make the Kenmore / Sears dryer overheat until the thermal fuse trips. To dry clothes best, clean the lint filter before each load. Kenmore / Sears Dryer sheets can leave buildup on the filter. If you can't blow air through the filter, wash it with soap and water. Use a brush to clean it. Check the filter housing and grille too. Remove any lint in them. Keeping the lint filter clean allows air to flow. This stops the Kenmore / Sears dryer from overheating. Cleaning it before each load is important.