KitchenAid Dryer not heating: Common Causes & How to Fix
1 KitchenAid Dryer Thermal Fuse
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the KitchenAid dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the KitchenAid dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid dryer to the outside. Always check the KitchenAid dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Thermal Fuse
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the thermal fuse, typically on the blower housing.
- Note which two terminals the old fuse is connected to. Disconnect the wires.
- Unscrew or detach the fuse from the housing and discard it properly.
- Attach the new thermal fuse to the same spot in the housing.
- Reconnect the two wires to the same terminals they were originally on.
- Refer to the wiring diagram to ensure proper wire placement.
- Secure the wiring and reassemble the KitchenAid dryer cabinet.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and verify heat function by starting a cycle before drying clothes.
- If the fuse trips again, there may be an airflow restriction or other issue needing repair.
2 KitchenAid Dryer Drive Motor
Most Common Solution
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 KitchenAid dryer.
3 KitchenAid Dryer Gas Valve Solenoid
Most Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
Gas KitchenAid dryers have gas valve solenoids that open to let gas flow to the burner. If they fail, the KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid Dryer Gas Valve Solenoid
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer and turn off the gas supply. Make sure all power is disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the gas valve and solenoid.
- Disconnect the gas supply line and wires from the old solenoid.
- Remove the mounting screws to detach the solenoid from the gas valve.
- Attach the new solenoid to the valve using the mounting screws.
- Reconnect the gas supply line to the inlet side of the new solenoid.
- Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the proper terminals.
- Check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water on connections. Bubbles indicate a leak.
- Turn on gas supply and plug in KitchenAid dryer. Verify heat function on a cycle.
- If igniter fails to light, recheck wiring connections on the new solenoid.
4 KitchenAid Dryer Igniter
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The igniter uses heat to light the gas burner. If the igniter is broken, the gas won't ignite and the KitchenAid dryer won't heat up. Use a multimeter to test if the igniter has continuity. No continuity means the igniter is burned out. If there is no continuity, replace the igniter. This should allow the igniter to heat up and ignite the gas again so the KitchenAid dryer can heat.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Igniter
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer and turn off the gas supply valve. Make sure all power is disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the igniter assembly on the burner housing.
- Disconnect the igniter wires and remove the mounting screws. Detach the old igniter.
- Install the new igniter assembly using the mounting screws to secure it in place.
- Reconnect the wires to the igniter, matching wire colors. Refer to the wiring diagram.
- Turn on the gas supply and plug in the KitchenAid dryer power cord.
- Run a test heating cycle and inspect that the igniter is glowing red to ignite the gas.
- If it fails to light, recheck the wire connections on the new igniter.
- Allow the KitchenAid dryer to fully heat and cool down to verify proper operation before drying clothes.
- Replace the KitchenAid dryer cabinet once done.
5 KitchenAid Dryer Heating Element
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The heating element warms the air before it goes into the KitchenAid dryer drum. Over time, the element can burn out so the KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid dryer can heat properly.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Heating Element
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the heating element housing.
- Remove the wires from the heating element terminals. Loosen the mounting screws.
- Carefully slide out the old heating element and discard it properly.
- Install the new heating element in the housing and secure with mounting screws.
- Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to the same terminals.
- Reassemble the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes
- Monitor the new heating element during operation for proper brightness when heating.
- If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the element.
6 KitchenAid Dryer Heating Element Assembly
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The heating element warms the air before it goes into the KitchenAid dryer drum. Over time, the element can burn out so the KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid dryer can heat properly.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Heating Element Assembly
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the heating element housing.
- Disconnect the wires from the terminals on the heating element assembly.
- Remove the mounting screws and carefully slide out the old assembly.
- Install the new heating element assembly using mounting screws to secure it in place.
- Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
- Reassemble the KitchenAid dryer, replace the cabinet panel, and double check connections.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and verify heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes.
- Monitor the heating element during operation for proper brightness when activated.
- If it does not heat, recheck the wire connections on the new assembly.
7 KitchenAid Dryer Flame Sensor
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
On gas KitchenAid dryers, the flame sensor detects heat from the flame. If it's not working, the KitchenAid dryer won't heat up. First check the igniter and thermal fuse. Then use a multimeter to test the sensor. Check for continuity at room temperature. If there's no continuity, the sensor is defective. Replace it if there's no continuity. That should fix it so the sensor can detect the flame again and allow the KitchenAid dryer to heat. Checking the main parts first, then testing the sensor will show if it needs to be replaced.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Flame Sensor
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer and turn off the gas supply valve. Make sure all power is disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the flame sensor on the burner assembly.
- Disconnect the sensor wire and remove the mounting screw. Detach the old sensor.
- Install the new flame sensor using the mounting screw to secure it in place.
- Reconnect the wire to the terminal on the new sensor. Refer to the wiring diagram.
- Turn on the gas supply and plug in the KitchenAid dryer power cord.
- Run a test heating cycle and inspect that the burner ignites properly.
- If the burner fails to light, recheck the wire connection on the new sensor.
- Allow the KitchenAid dryer to fully heat and cool to verify proper operation before drying clothes.
- Replace the KitchenAid dryer cabinet panel once done.
8 KitchenAid Dryer Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
A KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid dryer's wiring diagram.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Control Board
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure the KitchenAid dryer is completely powered off.
- Open the control panel on the KitchenAid dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
- Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
- Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
- Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
- Position the new control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
- Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
- Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
- Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new control board.
9 KitchenAid Dryer High Limit Thermostat
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The high-limit thermostat watches the temperature inside the KitchenAid dryer. It turns the burner off if the KitchenAid dryer gets too hot. If the thermostat is broken, it might turn the burner off even if the KitchenAid dryer is not too hot. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the thermostat, check the other parts that often break. If the other parts are all working, use a multimeter to test if the thermostat is working. See if electricity can pass through it. If the thermostat does not let electricity through, it needs to be replaced. Only replace it if testing shows it is broken.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer High Limit Thermostat
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the high limit thermostat on the blower or heater housing.
- Note which two wires are connected to the old thermostat, then disconnect them.
- Unscrew or detach the old high limit thermostat and remove it from the housing.
- Install the new high limit thermostat in the same location and secure it.
- Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the two wires to the proper terminals.
- Reassemble the KitchenAid dryer and double check that all connections are secure.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and verify heat shuts off on a test cycle once it gets too hot.
- If it fails to do so, recheck the wire connections on the new high limit thermostat.
- Run a full cycle to confirm proper KitchenAid dryer temperature regulation.
10 KitchenAid Dryer Thermistor
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The KitchenAid dryer has a part called a thermistor. The thermistor checks the temperature of the heating part of the KitchenAid dryer. When the heating part gets hot enough, the thermistor turns the heat off. This helps prevent the KitchenAid dryer from getting too hot. If the thermistor is broken, it might not turn the heat on at all. So the KitchenAid dryer won't heat up like it should. The thermistor is an important safety part. It makes sure the KitchenAid dryer doesn't overheat. If your KitchenAid dryer isn't heating, the thermistor could be faulty. It may need to be replaced.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Thermistor
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the thermistor on the blower housing or heating element.
- Note which wires are connected to the old thermistor, then disconnect them.
- Unscrew or detach the thermistor from the KitchenAid dryer housing and remove it.
- Install the new thermistor in the same spot as the old one and secure it.
- Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the wires to the proper terminals.
- Reassemble the KitchenAid dryer, close up the cabinet, and double check connections.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and verify temperature sensing on a test cycle.
- If it is not working, recheck the wire connections on the new thermistor.
- Run a full cycle allowing it to heat up and cool down to test thermistor function.
11 KitchenAid Dryer Cycling Thermostat
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The cycling thermostat turns the heat on and off to keep the air temperature right. If it is broken, the KitchenAid dryer won't heat up. But this rarely happens. Before replacing the thermostat, check the parts that often break first. If those parts are all working, use a multimeter to test the thermostat. Check if electricity can pass through it. If electricity cannot pass through, the thermostat needs replacing. Only replace it if testing shows it is broken. Follow safety tips when testing. Make sure to unplug the KitchenAid dryer before testing inside.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Cycling Thermostat
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure it is completely disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the cycling thermostat on the blower housing.
- Note which two wires are connected, then disconnect them from the old thermostat.
- Unscrew or remove the retaining clip to detach the old cycling thermostat.
- Install the new cycling thermostat in the same spot and secure it.
- Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect the two wires to the proper terminals.
- Reassemble the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and double check all connections.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and verify it cycles heat on and off during a test cycle.
- If it fails to cycle properly, recheck the wire connections on the new thermostat.
- Allow it to fully heat up and cool down to confirm proper thermostat function.
12 KitchenAid Dryer Main Control Board
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The main control board in a KitchenAid 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 KitchenAid dryer. Replacing the control board can fix the problem if it's not giving power to the motor.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Main Control Board
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure the KitchenAid dryer is completely powered off.
- Open the control panel on the KitchenAid dryer, usually on the top front area. Remove any screws securing it.
- Take photos of all wire connections on the old control board to use for reference later.
- Disconnect the wires from the terminals noting their positions. Remove any mounting screws.
- Carefully remove the old control board and dispose of it properly.
- Position the new main control board and reinstall any mounting screws to secure it.
- Refer to your photos to reconnect each wire to the correct terminal. Double check connections.
- Reinstall the control panel cover and secure with screws.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and turn it on to verify functionality. Test all settings before drying clothes.
- Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections on the new main control board.
13 KitchenAid Dryer Timer
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
If your KitchenAid dryer drum is not turning, 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 KitchenAid Dryer Timer
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer from the power source. Make sure the KitchenAid dryer is completely powered off.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer control panel to access the timer. It is usually located behind a panel on the top console.
- Take a photo of the wire connections on the old timer for reference. Then remove the wires noting their positions.
- Remove the mounting screws that secure the timer using a Phillips head screwdriver.
- Carefully remove the old timer and dispose of it properly.
- Position the new timer in place and reinstall the mounting screws to secure it.
- Reconnect all the wires to the same terminals they were originally attached based on your photo. Double check connections.
- Reinstall the KitchenAid dryer control panel ensuring all components are secure.
- Plug in the KitchenAid dryer and test both heating and cycles to verify the new timer is working properly before drying clothes.
- Refer to a wiring diagram if needed to troubleshoot any connections.
14 KitchenAid Dryer Gas Valve Assembly
Common Solution
Repair Instructions:
The gas valve in a KitchenAid dryer opens to let gas flow to the burner tube. The gas ignites into a flame. This flame heats the air moving through the drum. If the gas valve is broken, it may not open to allow gas to reach the burner. Then the KitchenAid dryer cannot heat the air. Without hot air, the clothes will not dry. Before replacing the gas valve, check that the gas supply line has pressure. Make sure the igniter clicks. If those are okay, the gas valve likely needs replacing. Follow safety precautions when working with gas appliances. Make sure to shut off the gas supply before starting.
How to Replace KitchenAid Dryer Gas Valve Assembly
-
Unplug the KitchenAid dryer and turn off the gas supply line. Make sure all power is disconnected.
- Open the KitchenAid dryer cabinet and locate the gas valve assembly.
- Disconnect the gas supply line and wires leading to the valve assembly.
- Remove the mounting screws to detach the old valve assembly.
- Install the new gas valve assembly using mounting screws to secure it in place.
- Reconnect the gas supply line to the inlet side of the new valve.
- Refer to the wiring diagram and reconnect wires to proper terminals.
- Check for gas leaks by spraying soapy water on connections. Bubbles indicate a leak.
- Turn on gas supply and plug in KitchenAid dryer power cord.
- Verify ignition and heat function on a test cycle before drying clothes.
15Incorrect cycle settings
Repair Instructions:
Make sure the KitchenAid dryer is set to the right heat setting. The setting may have accidentally been changed to no heat. Check that it's on a heating option, not air fluff or air dry. That should allow the KitchenAid dryer to heat up again.
16Incoming Power Problem
Repair Instructions:
An electric KitchenAid dryer heater needs 220 volts to work right. If the voltage is wrong, the KitchenAid dryer can run but not heat up. Check that the KitchenAid dryer is getting the proper 220 volt power supply. This will allow the heating element to heat the air so the KitchenAid dryer can dry properly.