Kenmore Dryer Won't Stop

Gas dryers have two or more gas valve solenoid coils. The gas valve solenoids open the gas valve ports to allow gas to flow into the burner assembly. If a solenoid fails, the burner may run intermittently. If the burner keeps shutting off, the dryer won’t heat properly and may not stop. To determine if one or more of the gas valve solenoids has failed, check the igniter. If the igniter glows and goes out but does not ignite the gas, the gas valve solenoid is defective. If one or more of the gas valve coils are defective, we recommend that you replace them as a set.

A dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If there's no obstruction in the dryer's venting and the dryer is heating to the proper temperature, it's possible the control board is defective and allowing the appliance to run longer than it should. 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 dryer's wiring diagram.

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If there's no obstruction in the dryer's venting and the dryer is heating to the proper temperature, it's possible the control board is defective and allowing the appliance to run longer than it should. You can inspect the board for signs of damage or a shorted component.

The heating element warms the air before the air enters the dryer drum. If the heating element assembly isn’t working, the drying time will be substantially increased. To determine if the heating element has burned out, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the heating element does not have continuity, replace it.

A dryer door switch will allow voltage to be sent from the control board to the drive motor once the door is closed and interrupt that voltage when the door is opened. If the dryer is not stopping when the door is opened, the door switch has likely shorted closed. You can use a multimeter to test the door switch for electrical continuity. If the switch tests positive for continuity both before and after actuation, the component is defective and will need to be replaced.

The control board uses the moisture sensor bars to sense the dampness of the clothes. Over time the sensor bars can become coated, expecially from dryer sheet residue. Try cleaning off the bars with warm soap and water. If the sensor bars are damaged they will need to be replaced.

The lint filter might be clogged. Dryer sheets and fabric softener can leave a residue on the lint filter, reducing the air flow. If the lint filter is clogged, clean it.

The moisture sensor monitors the clothing’s moisture level and sends a signal to the control board when the clothes are dry. If the moisture sensor is malfunctioning, it could inaccurately report that the clothing is still moist, causing the dryer to keep running even though the clothes are dry. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the moisture sensor check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the moisture sensor.

The cycling thermostat cycles the heat on and off to regulate the air temperature. If the cycling thermostat is defective, the dryer will not heat. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the cycling thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to test for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it.

The high-limit thermostat monitors the dryer temperature and shuts off the burner if the dryer overheats. If the high-limit thermostat is malfunctioning, it may shut off the burner even if the dryer is not overheating. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the high limit thermostat check all the more commonly defective parts. If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, test the thermostat by using a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it..