Molly Ayala
If your Kenmore dryer won't start, there are a few things you can try before resorting to a reset. First, check the power source by inspecting the outlet and power cord for any damage. If everything looks fine, check your home's electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker. If your dryer has electronic controls, a failed electronic control board could be the issue, which can be fixed by unplugging the power cord for 2 minutes and then plugging it back in to reset the control board. If your dryer has a faulty thermal fuse, you may be able to reset it by slamming it against your palm, but it's recommended to replace it as soon as possible. If these steps don't work, you may need to consult an electrician or a dryer repair service.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| First Step | Check the power source and outlet |
| Second Step | Inspect the circuit breaker |
| Third Step | Check the door switch |
| Fourth Step | Reset the electronic control board |
| Fifth Step | Check the thermal fuse |
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What You'll Learn
Check the power source
If your Kenmore dryer is not starting, the first thing to check is the power source. Begin by opening the dryer door and checking if the light inside turns on. If it doesn't, there may be an electrical power issue.
First, check the power outlet. Inspect the outlet to ensure that the plug is secure and the power cord is not damaged. Try plugging a different device into the outlet to confirm that it is functional. If your dryer uses a GFCI outlet (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter), press the reset button on the outlet to restore power.
If the outlet appears to be functioning properly, move on to checking your home's electrical panel. This is usually located in the basement, hallway, or garage. Inspect the panel for a tripped circuit breaker. If you're unsure which breaker corresponds to your dryer, look for one that is in a different position from the others. Flip the breaker back to the "on" position, then return to your dryer and test if it has started working.
If your dryer frequently trips the circuit breaker, this could indicate a more serious electrical problem. Ensure that there aren't too many appliances plugged into the same circuit. If the issue persists, consult an electrician to identify the root cause of the problem.
If your dryer has electronic controls, a failed electronic control board could be the issue. In this case, you can try resetting the control board by unplugging the power cord for at least two minutes and then plugging it back in to restore power.
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Reset the circuit breaker
If your Kenmore dryer won't start, the first thing to do is check the power source. If the dryer is plugged in and the power cord isn't damaged, you should check your home's electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker.
Your electrical panel is usually located in your basement, hallway, or garage. Inspect the panel for a tripped circuit breaker. If you’re unsure which breaker corresponds to your dryer, look for one that is in a different position from the others. Flip the breaker back to the “on” position, then return to your dryer and test if this has fixed the problem.
If your Kenmore dryer is frequently tripping the circuit breaker, this could indicate a more serious electrical problem. Check that there aren’t too many appliances plugged into the same circuit, or consult an electrician to get to the root of the problem.
If your dryer has experienced a technical glitch or power surge, it can freeze, meaning you won’t be able to start it. Try resetting your dryer by unplugging it or tripping the circuit breaker. Leave your dryer disconnected from the power source for at least two minutes, then restore power to your dryer. Test to see if the dryer starts.
If your dryer has a faulty or blown thermal fuse, this could keep the dryer from starting. The thermal fuse is a safety device mounted on the blower housing that trips when the dryer overheats. A clogged exhaust vent system often causes the dryer to overheat and the thermal fuse to blow. If the thermal fuse is faulty, you will need to replace it.
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Reset the electronic control board
If your Kenmore Elite dryer has electronic controls, a failed electronic control board could be the reason why it's not starting. To reset the electronic control board, follow these steps:
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet.
- Leave the dryer unplugged for at least two minutes. This step is crucial, as it gives the electronic control board time to reset and reboot.
- After two minutes have passed, plug the power cord back into the outlet to restore power to the dryer.
- Test the dryer to see if it starts.
If your dryer still doesn't start after resetting the electronic control board, the issue may lie elsewhere. You may need to check the door switch, the push-to-start switch, the wiring, or the home electrical panel for any issues. If basic troubleshooting doesn't work, you may need to schedule a dryer repair service to have a technician diagnose and fix the problem.
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Check the thermal fuse
If your Kenmore dryer is not starting, it is recommended to first check the power source. If the power source is working, the next step is to check the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that trips when the dryer overheats to prevent the dryer from possibly catching fire.
To check the thermal fuse, first locate it. The thermal fuse is typically found behind the lower back panel of the dryer and has two wires connected to it. Once you have located the thermal fuse, pull the two wires off and hook them together. If the dryer starts after you have connected the two wires, this indicates that the thermal fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.
If the thermal fuse has blown, you can attempt to reset it. One method of resetting a thermal fuse is to put it in the palm of your hand and slam it against the ground. This action may cause the fuse to start working again, but it is important to note that these fuses are non-resettable and may blow again soon. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the thermal fuse if it has blown.
If your dryer is frequently tripping the circuit breaker, this could indicate a more serious electrical problem. In this case, it is advised to check if too many appliances are plugged into the same circuit or consult an electrician to identify the root of the problem.
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Check the door switch
If your Kenmore dryer won't start, the first thing to check is the power source. If the dryer is receiving power, the next step is to check the door switch.
To do this, open the dryer door and check if the light inside turns on. If the light doesn't turn on, this could indicate an issue with the power supply. In this case, you should check your home's electrical panel for a tripped circuit breaker. If you locate a tripped breaker, simply flip it back to the "on" position and return to your dryer to test if this has fixed the problem.
If the light inside the dryer does turn on, with the dryer door closed, set a Timed Drying cycle and listen for the faint sound of the timer motor running inside the console. If the timer motor runs and the light comes on when you open the door, you know that the door switch is functioning correctly.
However, if you don't hear the timer motor running, a faulty door switch could be the issue. In this case, you may need to replace the door switch or consult a dryer repair service for further assistance.
It's important to note that the door switches on Kenmore dryers are designed to prevent the dryer from running while the door is open. So, if your door is not closed properly, it may prevent the dryer from starting.
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