Unlock the Right Part
for Your Repair
Find the exact part you need
Enter your model number to see parts that fit your machine.
Choose Product
Identify Problem
03
Find Solutions
HomeRepair HelpKenmore Dryer RepairKenmore Dryer not heating Repair
My Kenmore Dryer is not heating
If your Kenmore dryer is not heating, the most likely causes start with a blown thermal fuse, which often means a restricted exhaust vent and will stop the heating circuit, followed by a faulty drive motor or its centrifugal switch that can run the drum but prevent heat, then gas-specific failures like bad gas valve solenoids or a burned-out igniter, and finally simple user issues such as an incorrect cycle or heat setting. A blown thermal fuse or a bad igniter can be checked with a multimeter, and a failed gas valve solenoid is often diagnosed when the igniter glows but the burner does not light. Before you buy parts, clean and inspect the venting and double-check your cycle selection. Repair Clinic carries the parts you need and shows how to replace them, and you can enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement part that fits your dryer.
01 - Kenmore Dryer Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check t...
Enter model number to search for the required part specific to your product
Top Solution
02 - Kenmore Dryer Drive Motor
Most dryer drive motors have a centrifugal switch that energizes a start winding when the motor is first started and closes a heat cycle contact to allow the heat source to work. If the motor's centrifugal switch is faulty, either the motor won’t run or the motor will run but the dryer won’t heat. Since most centrifugal switches are not sold separately, the entire motor will need to be replaced if the switch is defective.
Top Solution
03 - Kenmore Dryer Gas Valve Solenoid
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 gas valve solenoid fails, the dryer won’t heat. 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.
Highly Likely
04 - Incorrect cycle settings
Ensure the dryer is set to the appropriate heat setting. The setting may have been inadvertently changed to a non-heat option.
Highly Likely
05 - Incorrect cycle selected
The dryer setting may have been inadvertently changed to a non-heat option. Confirm the dryer is set to a proper heating option such as "Regular" or "Heavy" to see if that improves drying performance.
Highly Likely
06 - Kenmore Dryer Igniter
The igniter uses heat to ignite the gas in the burner assembly. If the igniter is not working, the gas will not ignite, preventing the dryer from heating. To determine if the igniter has burned out, use a multimeter to test the igniter for continuity. If the igniter does not have continuity, replace it.
Highly Likely
07 - Kenmore Dryer Heating Element
The heating element warms the air before it enters the dryer drum. Over time, the heating element can burn out, causing the dryer not to heat. 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.
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Kenmore dryer not heating?
How do I test the thermal fuse if my dryer is not heating?
My gas dryer igniter glows but the dryer still won't heat — is the gas valve solenoid bad?
Why does my dryer overheat and shut off or keep blowing the thermal fuse?
How do I enter my model number or part number on RepairClinic.com to find the correct replacement part?