Kenmore Dryer Won't Start

A dryer's control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. If the board is defective, it may not allow the dryer to start. 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.

The door switch activates when the dryer door is closed. On most dryers, the door switch makes an audible clicking sound when it activates. To determine if the door switch is working, try starting your dryer and then listen for the “click.” If the door switch makes a clicking sound, it is probably not defective. If you don’t hear a click, use a multimeter to use the door switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.

A dryer's idler pulley puts tension on the belt to rotate the drum. If the idler pulley is worn out or damaged, the belt can break or fall off, and actuate a belt switch which can prevent the dryer from starting.

The drive motor turns the drum and the blower wheel to exhaust the air. Before replacing the motor, first check the thermal fuse, start switch, and door switch. If all of these parts are working properly, but the motor is making a humming noise, remove the belt from the motor and check the blower wheel for obstructions. If the blower wheel is clear of obstructions, the dryer motor might be at fault. If you suspect the motor is defective, replace it.

A dryer's heating element is the component that heats the air being circulated through the dryer drum. If the heating element has shorted, it may have tripped the thermal fuse which is often installed on the element. This will cause the dryer not to start.

Timer Knob

On most dryers, when the dryer belt breaks, the motor will still run, but the drum will not turn. However, some dryers have a switch that shuts off power to the dryer if the drive belt is broken. Check the dryer belt to determine if it is broken. If the belt is broken, replace it.

On most dryers, when the dryer belt breaks, the motor will still run, but the drum won’t turn. However, some dryers have a switch that shuts off power to the dryer if the drive belt is broken. If this switch fails, it could shut off power to the dryer even when the belt is not broken. First, start the dryer and then listen for a humming noise. If the dryer makes a humming noise when you try to start it, this indicates that the belt switch is not defective. Next, search for your model number to determine if your dryer has a belt switch. If your dryer has a belt switch, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If the switch does not have continuity, replace it.

High Limit Thermostat

An electric dryer heater requires 220 volts to operate properly. If the incoming voltage is incorrect the dryer can run and not heat.

The main control board might be defective. However, this is rarely the case. Before replacing the main control board, check all of the more commonly defective parts.If you have determined that all of the other components are working properly, replace the main control board. (The control board cannot be easily tested, but you can try to inspect it for signs of burning or a shorted-out component.)