Kenmore Electric Dryer...Will only work if I hold the start button down, and even then it will not get hot.?

Question

Does anyone know how/if this can be fixed? It is a Kenmore King Size Capacity dryer purchased a little over 4 years ago. Thanks for looking.

Answer 1

hey Steve,,obviously mimi and tc know jack -hit nothing about dryers and neither can they read!!! there is nothing wrong with the button as you said it works if you hold it down,, which means your circuit breaker is fine!! your problem is the timer,,, this switch tells the machine what to do and when to do it... the time no longer works so it has not reset the on-off switch and also the heat will not come on because the timer tells this what to do also,, if you wish to try to replace this yourself,,, go to this site:

www.repairclinic.com

they have articles on every appliance and problem known,, also they have people there who will answer your questions,,, they are professionals... not bozo's with ignorant answers....

Answer 2

Your problem most likely lies in the centrifugal switch on the motor. When you press the start button you bypass a set of contacts on the motor switch and the motor starts to run. Once the motor is running at normal speed the contacts that were bypassed are closed and should keep the motor running. Another set of contacts also are supposed to close to provide power to one side of the heating element.

Lint can build up in and around the motor switch and make it not close the contacts that are supposed to close when the motor starts.

Answer 3

Check your breaker box for the dryer. If it is an old breaker, it is possible that one side tripped, leaving you with 120 v that will turn the motor while you are forcing the switch. but it needs 240 v to run correctly and get hot.

Answer 4

well first your button can be gone, as for the heat, I'm sure its the heating element... i'd go get a new dryer!