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  1. Repair
  2. Kenmore
  3. Dryer stopped working

Kenmore dryer stopped working

Common reasons your Kenmore dryer stopped working

The most common reasons your Kenmore dryer stopped working are an open heating element, faulty thermal fuse or a worn drum bearing.

  • 61%

    61% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 10%

    10% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 9%

    9% of the time it's the
    Drum Bearing

  • 20%

    20% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore dryer

    Heating Element Replacement

    If your dryer stopped working, an open heating element could be causing the problem. An open (or broken) heating element can short against metal inside the dryer cabinet and cause the house circuit breaker for the dryer to trip. If you reset the tripped breaker and tips right away when you start a heated cycle in the dryer, then you should have a Sears Home Services Technician check the dryer. The technician will replace the heating element if it’s open.


    Thermal Fuse Replacement

    A faulty or blown thermal fuse can keep the dryer from starting. The thermal fuse is a safety device mounted on the blower housing that trips when the dryer overheats. The thermal fuse in most electric dryers prevents the motor from running. In some gas dryers, a blown thermal fuse will also prevent the motor from running. A clogged exhaust vent system often causes the dryer to overheat and the thermal fuse to blow. When the dryer won’t run, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer. The technician will replace the thermal fuse if it’s blown.

    Drum Bearing Replacement

    A worn drum bearing can stop the dryer from working by overheating the dryer drive motor. Friction caused by a worn drum bearing will cause the drive motor to overheat and trip the overload that protects the motor from damage. A worn drum bearing can also slow the rotation of the drum and blower wheel so the thermal fuse blows. When your dryer stops working, have a Sears Home Services Technician examine the dryer and replace the drum bearing if it’s worn.

    What to expect when you experience a Kenmore dryer stopped working issue

    How is the stopped working problem fixed?

    Correcting most stopped working problems usually involves replacing the heating element, thermal fuse or drum bearing. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that has stopped working

    When the dryer has stopped working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

    What to look out for with a dryer stopped working diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A furnace limit switch is a safety device in a furnace that monitors the temperature of the air passing over the heat exchanger. It shuts off the burner if the air becomes too hot, preventing overheating and potential damage to the furnace or your home.

    A humidifier is a device designed to increase humidity levels in a single room or an entire building, improving air quality and comfort.

    Additional possible Kenmore dryer symptoms you may experience

    • Kenmore dryer won't turn off
    • Kenmore dryer not working
    • Kenmore dryer not turning on
    • Kenmore dryer not starting
    • Kenmore dryer not spinning
    • Kenmore dryer not heating
    • Kenmore dryer not drying
    • Kenmore dryer noisy
    • Kenmore dryer no power
    • Kenmore dryer no heat
    • Kenmore dryer light not working
    • Kenmore dryer drum roller replacement
    • Kenmore dryer burning smell