Incoming Power Problem
If a Kenmore dryer’s start switch button is constantly engaged but the machine won’t turn on, it may be an indication of either a defective power cord or a defective control panel. The most common reason for such problems is an overloaded outlet or circuit. The first step in troubleshooting is to unplug the unit and check the outlet to ensure that it’s supplying electricity.
If your dryer control panel isn’t lighting up, it usually means that something is wrong with the dryer’s electrical wiring. Before you begin troubleshooting, make sure that the power switch on the outlet box is in the “on” position and that there’s power coming through the outlet by plugging in a lamp or other electrical device. If the light works, then you likely have a problem with your dryer.
You forgot to plug in the dryer: Make sure that the dryer’s electrical cord is connected to a working outlet on the wall or in the back of the dryer.
We do not recommend using an extension cord to operate your dryer. The high voltage required for the operation of the dryer cannot be transmitted safely through a standard extension cord. This is a safety hazard, and can result in the dryer cutting off power, which is why we don’t recommend it.
When your home’s wiring trips a breaker, the resulting power outage can be inconvenient in more ways than you expected. Here’s what to do: (If you have multiple breakers on a single circuit, check every one.) If a breaker trips while an appliance is on, an overload has occurred. Remove the appliance and reconnect it. If the breaker trips again, too many devices are plugged into that circuit.
Door is Not Properly Latched
If your Dryer Door Won’t Close, it could be a variety of issues, but luckily there are a few simple fixes you can try before calling your service provider. Check the door latch that keeps the dryer door from opening during operation. The latch should be closed completely when the dryer is operating and laundry is drying. If it is not, close the latch and then re-open the dryer door to ensure it opens freely.
The door latch is the main thing that prevents the door from opening during a drying cycle. If the door latch isn’t engaged and your dryer won’t start, it’s likely that the problem is in the door latch assembly or spring.
If your clothes dryer door failed to close, check the latch for mechanical or electrical damage. If the door’s closure switch is damaged or if it fails continuity testing with a multimeter, you need to replace the latch.
Defective Dryer Start Switch
If your dryer isn’t starting at all, it’s likely there’s something wrong with the switch. We do recommend that you test the switch by pressing it. The dryer’s motor turns on when it gets power from the start switch. If the switch is faulty, the dryer will still have power but won’t run — even if it gets proper voltage.
If the motor is making a humming sound but the dryer doesn’t start, then probably the start switch is not bad. Check the wiring and make sure the connections are tight. If they are damaged, then you will need to replace them.
If you press the start button and don’t hear any noise, if there is no movement in the dryer, and you do not get any lights or sounds from the dryer, then it is likely that the start switch has gone bad. To troubleshoot this issue, you can use a multimeter to test the start switch. If your multimeter reads no continuity when connected to this switch, it is likely that the door switch needs to be replaced.
FAQ
When I press the start button on my dryer nothing happens?
Why won’t my dryer start all of a sudden?
Where is the fuse on a Kenmore Elite dryer?
