Kenmore Dryer heats for short time
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Kenmore Dryer heats for short time
Hello,
I have a 4-year old Kenmore dryer that heats for only about 10 minutes and then will not re-ignite. The ignitor is working and the thermal fuse is good (checked continuity). Any suggestions for further troubleshooting?
Thanks for your help
I have a 4-year old Kenmore dryer that heats for only about 10 minutes and then will not re-ignite. The ignitor is working and the thermal fuse is good (checked continuity). Any suggestions for further troubleshooting?
Thanks for your help
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Hello audiotechjeff. Welcome to my Gas Appliances topic and the Do-It-Yourself Web Site.
First check the dryers venting system. If the vent is restricted and or plugged up anywhere, the dryer will over heat and the burner will shut down.
Many Additional Possible Causes: (Some May Or May not Apply)
Based on the fact that the dryer is heating but the dryers burner shuts down too soon, chances are the venting system is restricted. Very common problem when the condition you're describing happens. The test is to remove the entire vent from the dryer and dry a normal load of clothes.
If the same problem does not occur, the venting system is restricted. Cleaning and clearing the venting system is required. Do not forget to check the vent hoods flapper door. Flapper must be freely able to move.
If the same problem happens, the problem is elsewhere within the dryer. Best bet before attempting to replace parts, is to do the testing suggested above. It is the most common problem and least costly to resolve the problem.
If that does not resolve the problem, read the existing questions on the subject of dryers that do not provide heat or provide much heat. Doing so will quickly provide you with additional information on how to resolve the problem.
It's also possible one or both of the solenoids could be defective and or the gas valve could be defective. There are two solenoids...both are on top of the gas valve. All terminals on both solenoids must have continuity. If not, you'll need to remove them from the top of the gas valve by removing the entire gas valve assembly first.
Remove both solenoids off the gas valve body by removing the hold down cover plate and replace them both if defective. They are sold only in pairs. Or take the entire gas valve unit to your local appliance parts store and have the entire assembly and all the parts tested individually and as an assembly.
Defective Gas Valve could be the problem. Remove entire unit as an assembly. Take the entire assembly to your local appliance parts store for testing.
CAUTION: Do Not attempt to repair the gas valve! This is a non repairable item. Replacement is the only option, if found to be defective.
Flame Sensor could be the problem. This part is located on the burner housing. If it's defective, it will cause the glow igniter to not function or cause the problem your describing. Premature shut down. You can test the sensor with a continuity tester or an ohm meter. Should Be fully continuity.
Below is almost all the likely causes for the problem causes, possible solutions & help links.
Defective Solenoids:
There are two...both are on top of the gas valve. Solenoids also supply voltage to the glow coil and are part of the electrical loop.
You'll need to remove them from the top of the gas valve by removing the entire gas valve assembly first. Take them off the gas valve body by removing the hold down cover plate or take the entire gas valve unit to your local appliance parts store and have the entire assembly and parts tested.
Timer:
Control center for all functions. The timer has internal contacts and as it advances through the cycles, one of those contacts can become burned out, stuck opened or closed for any one of several reasons.
Timers also have cams that open and close those contact points. If the timer or any other selection switch, on the front control panel, is suspected of causing the existing problem you're having with the appliance, be sure all selections are correctly set.
If they are, the timer or other function selected switch may be defective. Timers are a non repairable item. Any or all of the control panels switches can be removed and taken to the local appliance retail parts store for testing.
Timers and switches can also be checked for continuity using an ohm meter or continuity tester. However, do not rely solely on a continuity test for proper timer functioning. Timers and switches are a non repairable items.
Fuse-able Link:
Check for continuity across this part. It will be located in the exhausts venting system prior to the discharge outlet. If there is no continuity, replace the part. Not all dryers have this part.
Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the most likely possible problem may be. Take with you the make, model and serial numbers.
Appliance parts dealers are an excellent source for original replacement parts. Dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances. Be sure the electrical power to the appliance is turned off, before attempting any repairs.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or ask additional questions. Doing so will automatically keep your question at the top of the forum list.
Regards & Good Luck.
Web Site Host & Gas Appliances Forum Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
DRYER SERVICE TIP:
It's always adviseable to clean the entire exhaust venting system every 2 years. Or during any dryer maintenance, connection and or repairs.
First check the dryers venting system. If the vent is restricted and or plugged up anywhere, the dryer will over heat and the burner will shut down.
Many Additional Possible Causes: (Some May Or May not Apply)
Based on the fact that the dryer is heating but the dryers burner shuts down too soon, chances are the venting system is restricted. Very common problem when the condition you're describing happens. The test is to remove the entire vent from the dryer and dry a normal load of clothes.
If the same problem does not occur, the venting system is restricted. Cleaning and clearing the venting system is required. Do not forget to check the vent hoods flapper door. Flapper must be freely able to move.
If the same problem happens, the problem is elsewhere within the dryer. Best bet before attempting to replace parts, is to do the testing suggested above. It is the most common problem and least costly to resolve the problem.
If that does not resolve the problem, read the existing questions on the subject of dryers that do not provide heat or provide much heat. Doing so will quickly provide you with additional information on how to resolve the problem.
It's also possible one or both of the solenoids could be defective and or the gas valve could be defective. There are two solenoids...both are on top of the gas valve. All terminals on both solenoids must have continuity. If not, you'll need to remove them from the top of the gas valve by removing the entire gas valve assembly first.
Remove both solenoids off the gas valve body by removing the hold down cover plate and replace them both if defective. They are sold only in pairs. Or take the entire gas valve unit to your local appliance parts store and have the entire assembly and all the parts tested individually and as an assembly.
Defective Gas Valve could be the problem. Remove entire unit as an assembly. Take the entire assembly to your local appliance parts store for testing.
CAUTION: Do Not attempt to repair the gas valve! This is a non repairable item. Replacement is the only option, if found to be defective.
Flame Sensor could be the problem. This part is located on the burner housing. If it's defective, it will cause the glow igniter to not function or cause the problem your describing. Premature shut down. You can test the sensor with a continuity tester or an ohm meter. Should Be fully continuity.
Below is almost all the likely causes for the problem causes, possible solutions & help links.
Defective Solenoids:
There are two...both are on top of the gas valve. Solenoids also supply voltage to the glow coil and are part of the electrical loop.
You'll need to remove them from the top of the gas valve by removing the entire gas valve assembly first. Take them off the gas valve body by removing the hold down cover plate or take the entire gas valve unit to your local appliance parts store and have the entire assembly and parts tested.
Timer:
Control center for all functions. The timer has internal contacts and as it advances through the cycles, one of those contacts can become burned out, stuck opened or closed for any one of several reasons.
Timers also have cams that open and close those contact points. If the timer or any other selection switch, on the front control panel, is suspected of causing the existing problem you're having with the appliance, be sure all selections are correctly set.
If they are, the timer or other function selected switch may be defective. Timers are a non repairable item. Any or all of the control panels switches can be removed and taken to the local appliance retail parts store for testing.
Timers and switches can also be checked for continuity using an ohm meter or continuity tester. However, do not rely solely on a continuity test for proper timer functioning. Timers and switches are a non repairable items.
Fuse-able Link:
Check for continuity across this part. It will be located in the exhausts venting system prior to the discharge outlet. If there is no continuity, replace the part. Not all dryers have this part.
Retail appliance parts dealers can also help determine what the most likely possible problem may be. Take with you the make, model and serial numbers.
Appliance parts dealers are an excellent source for original replacement parts. Dealers are listed in the phone book under appliances. Be sure the electrical power to the appliance is turned off, before attempting any repairs.
If you need further assistance, use the REPLY button to add any additional information or ask additional questions. Doing so will automatically keep your question at the top of the forum list.
Regards & Good Luck.
Web Site Host & Gas Appliances Forum Moderator. Energy Conservation Consultant & Natural Gas Appliance Diagnostics Technician.
DRYER SERVICE TIP:
It's always adviseable to clean the entire exhaust venting system every 2 years. Or during any dryer maintenance, connection and or repairs.