Kenmore / Sears Dryer won't stop: Common Causes & How to Fix

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:

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

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

2. Open the blower housing usually located in the back panel or side of the Kenmore / Sears dryer.
3. Remove the retaining screw in the center of the blower wheel using a Phillips head screwdriver. This releases the wheel from the motor shaft.
4. Carefully slide the old blower wheel off the shaft. Be mindful of the fins, they may be sharp.
5. Compare old and new blower wheels to ensure correct replacement. Make note of the direction and angle of the fins.
6. Before installing, vacuum the blower housing to remove built up lint and debris.
7. Slide the new blower wheel onto the motor shaft at the same angle as the old one. Make sure it is fully seated.
8. Reinstall and tighten the retaining screw through the center of the blower wheel.
9. Reattach the blower housing cover using the retaining screws.
10. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and run a test cycle to verify proper airflow before drying clothes.

Repair Instructions:

A Kenmore / Sears dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may interrupt voltage to the drive motor resulting in the drum not turning. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component. You can also use a multimeter to test for voltage reaching the drive motor after reviewing the Kenmore / Sears dryer's wiring diagram.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Control Board

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

2. Open the control panel on the Kenmore / Sears dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new control board.

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:

The main control board in a Kenmore / Sears dryer controls the power going to all the parts. If the board is bad, it could stop sending power to the motor. This would make the drum not turn. Look at the board for any damaged or shorted parts. You can also use a multimeter to check if power is getting to the motor. First check the wiring diagram for the Kenmore / Sears dryer. Replacing the control board can fix the problem if it's not giving power to the motor.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Control Board

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

2. Open the control panel on the Kenmore / Sears dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
3. Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
4. Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
5. Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
6. Position the new control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
7. Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
8. Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
9. Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
10. Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new control board.

Repair Instructions:

The door switch is like a safety guard that's supposed to make sure the Kenmore / Sears dryer only works when the door is fully closed. But as it gets older, it can stop doing its job properly. When it acts up, the Kenmore / Sears dryer may keep running even if the door isn't closed tightly, allowing hot air to escape. This escaping hot air can heat up things it shouldn't, like wires, lint, or even the door switch itself, causing that burning smell. What's more, when things get too hot, there's a risk of lint in your Kenmore / Sears dryer catching fire, which is pretty dangerous. So, if you catch a burning smell from your Kenmore / Sears dryer, it's best to have it checked out to stay safe and keep your clothes safe too.

How to Replace Kenmore / Sears Dryer Door Switch

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 door switch, typically near the door opening.
3. Note where the wires are connected to the old switch. Disconnect them.
4. Remove the mounting screws or retaining clip to detach the old door switch.
5. Position the new door switch in the same spot and reinstall the mounting screws/clip.
6. Reconnect the wires to the same terminals on the new switch. Refer to a wiring diagram as needed.
7. Test the switch operation by plugging in the Kenmore / Sears dryer, closing the door, and starting a cycle.
8. The Kenmore / Sears dryer should not start with the door open. If it does, recheck the connections.
9. Open and close the door several times to verify proper switch function before drying clothes.
10. Replace the Kenmore / Sears dryer cabinet panel once done.

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:

If your Kenmore / Sears dryer drum is not starting, it's probably not because of a bad timer. That rarely happens. First check the parts that usually break. If everything else is working right, then test the timer. Use a multimeter and wiring diagram to check the timer. If the timer is bad, replace it. But again, the timer is not likely to be the problem if the drum won't turn. Look at the other parts first before replacing the timer.

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 control board uses moisture sensor bars to check how damp the clothes are. These bars can get coated over time, especially from Kenmore / Sears dryer sheet residue. Try cleaning the bars with warm soap and water. If the sensor bars are damaged, they need replacing. Follow instructions to remove and replace them safely. Handle the bars carefully when cleaning. Damaged bars give wrong readings. Cleaning or replacing fixes this. The bars help the Kenmore / Sears dryer know when clothes are dry. Keeping them clean makes them work right.

Repair Instructions:

Plug in the Kenmore / Sears dryer cord. Or check that the house power is on at the outlet and circuit breaker. Make sure the Kenmore / Sears dryer is getting electricity.

Repair Instructions:

Many Kenmore / Sears dryers have an anti-wrinkle setting. Choosing this makes the drum tumble the clothes a few minutes after drying ends. This helps prevent wrinkles. If this setting was picked by mistake, the Kenmore / Sears dryer will keep turning on until the clothes are removed. Check the settings next time. Make sure anti-wrinkle is off if not wanted. Tumbling after drying can help clothes stay smooth. But the Kenmore / Sears dryer will keep running until you take the clothes out.