Kenmore / Sears Dryer tripping breaker: Common Causes & How to Fix

Repair Instructions:

Circuit breakers can get weak over time. If the breaker is weak, it might trip even if the Kenmore / Sears dryer isn't using too much power. After checking the Kenmore / Sears dryer parts, the breaker may need replacing. Have an electrician check the breaker if the Kenmore / Sears dryer makes it trip. They can replace the breaker if needed. Weak breakers trip when they shouldn't. Replacing it can fix this. Follow safety tips when working with electrical wiring.

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:

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 assembly. This should fix it so the assembly heats the air again and the Kenmore / Sears dryer can heat properly.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Heating Element Assembly

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. Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the heating element assembly.
4. Remove the mounting screws and carefully slide out the old assembly.
5. Install the new heating element assembly using mounting screws to secure it in place.
6. Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
7. Reassemble the Kenmore / Sears dryer, replace the cabinet panel, and double check connections.
8. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes.
9. Monitor the heating element during operation for proper brightness when activated.
10. If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the new assembly.

Repair Instructions:

The power cord connects to the Kenmore / Sears dryer's terminal block. If the wire terminals are loose, it can short out. That would trip the breaker or blow a fuse. Inspect the terminal block and wire terminals. Look for any damage. Burnt or melted terminals need a new power cord. Loose terminals should be tightened. Use care when working with electrical wiring. Make sure the power is off. Follow all safety steps. Wear gloves and use tools made for wiring. Loose wiring can cause shorts and be unsafe. Check connections to prevent problems.

Repair Instructions:

Loose or burnt wiring can limit electricity flow. This can overheat the breaker until it trips. Check the power cord ends at the Kenmore / Sears dryer and outlet. Look for burnt prongs, wires, or terminals. If the cord or terminal block is damaged, replace it. Follow safety guidelines when checking wires. Make sure the power is off first. Wear gloves and use the right tools. Burnt or loose wires are unsafe. They can cause shorts or shocks. Replace damaged cords and tighten loose connections. Proper connections prevent problems.

Repair Instructions:

The terminal block connects the power cord to the Kenmore / Sears dryer's wires. If the terminal block connections are loose, they can get hot and smell burnt. Check the terminal block for burnt connectors. If the terminal block is very burnt, you'll need to replace it. Tight connections on the terminal block will prevent burning smells.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Terminal Block

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 terminal block, usually behind the control panel.
3. Take photos of the wire connections for reference. Then remove the wires.
4. Remove the mounting screws to detach the old terminal block. Discard it properly.
5. Position the new terminal block and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
6. Refer to the photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
7. Use a wiring diagram as needed to ensure proper wire placement.
8. Reinstall the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet panel and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and verify functionality before drying clothes.
10. Test all settings and components to ensure proper connections.

Repair Instructions:

A malfunctioning Kenmore / Sears dryer timer has the potential to trigger the circuit breaker in your residence. This critical component in the Kenmore / Sears dryer's operation is responsible for orchestrating the various phases of a drying cycle. However, should the timer become defective or damaged, it may precipitate electrical irregularities. One frequent issue involves a short circuit occurring within the timer itself. This short circuit is the result of electrical contacts within the timer coming into direct contact, leading to a sudden surge in electrical current. This heightened current draw can overload the electrical circuit, prompting the circuit breaker to disengage as a protective measure. Moreover, a malfunctioning timer may lead to erratic Kenmore / Sears dryer behavior, causing abrupt electrical fluctuations that result in circuit breaker tripping. In order to rectify this issue, it is imperative to have the timer scrutinized, repaired, or replaced to ensure the dependable and safe operation of your Kenmore / Sears dryer.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Timer

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 control panel to access the timer. It is usually located behind a panel on the top console.
3. Take a photo of the wire connections on the old timer for reference. Then remove the wires noting their positions.
4. Remove the mounting screws that secure the timer using a Phillips head screwdriver.
5. Carefully remove the old timer and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new timer in place and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
7. Reconnect all the wires to the same terminals they were originally attached based on your photo. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the Kenmore / Sears dryer control panel ensuring all components are secure.
9. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and test both heating and cycles to verify the new timer is working properly before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections.

Repair Instructions:

The drive motor turns the drum and blower wheel to push out the air. First, see if the motor makes a humming noise. If it still hums, take off the belt from the motor. Then check that nothing is blocking the blower wheel. Next, with the belt off, try to turn the drum by hand. If the drum doesn't spin easily, find out what's stopping it from turning. If the drum spins freely and nothing blocks the blower, the drive motor may be bad. If you think the motor is the problem, replace it. That should fix your Kenmore / Sears dryer.