Troubleshoot Kenmore Electric Dryers
We don't give the electric dryer we own a second thought -- unless it begins to malfunction. If one of these much-needed appliances quits working, it can bring a smooth running household to a stop. Follow these steps below to troubleshoot your Kenmore electric dryer yourself so you can decide whether to fix it yourself or call in a professional.
Instructions
1. Check for the simplest, easiest solution first. If your dryer won't operate at all, check for a tripped circuit breaker, blown fuse, failed electrical outlet or burnt cord. If none of these fix the problem, test the motor and start switch with a voltmeter.
2. Test the thermostats and heating element if the dryer is turning but not producing any heat. Use an ohmmeter for this and refer to the Kenmore specifications sheet in your owner's manual for the proper ohm readings.
3. Make sure the lint trap is clean and that there are no bends or kinks in the vent or exhaust hose if the dryer produces heat, but clothes take an excessive amount of time to dry. Test the heating element and thermostat for failure. The heating element and thermostat may be tested in the same way as above in step 2, with an ohmmeter and using the spec sheet as a guide.
4. Check both the idler pulley and the drum belt, then the motor if the dryer produces heat but the drum will not turn. The idler pulley and drum belt can be checked with a visual inspection for obvious wear or damage. The drum belt can also be checked for proper tension by testing the force it takes to pull it away from the drum, it should be similar in tension to that of a fan belt in a car engine.
5. Check that the dryer is level if it is excessively noisy. There are simple screw-in levelers at the bottom of each corner of the unit. Noise can signal other problems such as damage or failure of the drum belt, drum support rollers, idler pulley, glides, drum bearings and baffles. Look for any damage to these items and replace as necessary.
Tips Warnings
Avoid electrical shock by always disconnecting the electrical power to the dryer before doing any work.
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