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  1. Repair
  2. Kenmore Elite
  3. Kenmore Elite Dryer
  4. Dryer will not heat up

Kenmore Elite dryer won't heat up

Common reasons your Kenmore Elite dryer won't heat up

The most common reasons your Kenmore Elite dryer won't heat up are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a defective electronic control board.

  • 32%

    32% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Thermal Cut-off Fuse

  • 16%

    16% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Kenmore Elite dryer

    Heating Element Replacement

    An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer won't heat up. “Open” means that the heating element is broken and current isn’t flowing through the element to produce heat. You may not see physical damage on the heating element for it to be electrically open. An interior break in the continuity of the element can prevent it from heating. When your dryer isn’t heating, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer.


    Thermal Cut-off Fuse Replacement

    A failed thermal cut-off fuse will prevent your dryer from heating. This fuse is a safety device that helps keep the dryer from overheating. Overheating is often caused by a clogged exhaust vent system in the dryer. Once the thermal cut-off fuse trips, it won’t reset. You’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and replace the blown thermal cut-off fuse. The technician will check for the cause of the blown fuse and correct any additional problems so the dryer will heat and run properly after replacing the fuse.

    Electronic Control Board Replacement

    When your dryer won’t heat up, a defective control board could be causing the problem. The electronic control board monitors temperature through a sensor and sends electrical current to the heating element or gas burner to heat the dryer and maintain drying temperature inside the drum. When the dryer won’t heat, a relay on the electronic control board may have failed. To fix the problem, have a Sears Home Services Technician diagnose and repair the heating failure.

    What to expect when you experience a Kenmore Elite dryer won't heat up issue

    How is the won't heat up problem fixed?

    Correcting most won't heat up problems usually involves replacing the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse or electronic control board. 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 won't heat up

    When the dryer won't heat up 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 won't heat up 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.

    When you’re unable to fix a failure yourself, set up Kenmore Elite dryer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to fix the problem.

    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 French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.

    A furnace is a major appliance that heats air distributed throughout a home or building via a ductwork system.

    Additional possible Kenmore Elite dryer symptoms you may experience