Kenmore dryer overheating. If you notice that your Kenmore dryer isn’t drying your clothes and is drying everything at one speed or temperature, the heating element may have shorted out and is in need of being replaced.
Some dryers have this particular part in the rear behind a panel where it cannot be reached officially. Replace the element with an unmodified high-quality replacement valve from a parts store online so that you can repair your dryer instead of having to buy a new appliance sooner than later.
When a heating element breaks, the user gets unwanted heat irrespective of the settings chosen on a control panel. This ensures your clothes will not emerge at all any time soon. Avoid some of these common causes:
Kenmore dryer overheating
There are lots of reasons why the Kenmore dryer overheating, however, so if you’re having problems with yours, stay tuned for more information about what might have gone wrong.
The Heating Element is shorted out
To determine if the heating element is faulty, check whether it opens or closes a circuit by using a multimeter on each of the terminals to see if there is continuity to the case.
If there is continuity to the case, then its thermal fuse will close and cause the dryer circuit to open its disconnect after 115 degrees for over 10 minutes which in turn will stop your dryer from heating. If this happens, replace it.
Heating Element Assembly replacement
When the heating element fails to heat the air, the dryer will be unable to take away moisture from the clothing and clothes may not dry.
To determine if a heating element is at fault and needs to be replaced either use a multimeter to test for continuity or electronically short out the terminals of the heating elements to see if heat comes on or not.
Defective Blower Wheel
A blower wheel attached to the motor shaft blows air into the dryer drum. Airflow into the vent ducting can be disrupted by lint accumulation or ill-fitting installation.
In addition, the blower wheel can wear out, causing a wobbling motion as it turns on its shaft. When the blower wheel fails completely, the dryer will overheat.
To determine if your blower wheel is working properly you need to remove and turn it slowly by hand. If it doesn’t turn freely but makes no squealing or grinding noises, or if it appears cracked or damaged in any way, replace it with a new one.
Air Flow Issues
The dryer works by pushing warm air across the coils, which could get clogged or partially clogged if not cleaned completely. This will reduce airflow through the whole system and increase drying time.
If you want your appliances to work as expected every time, it’s essential that you remember to clean them at least once per year.
Faulty Felt Seal
A faulty drum seal is a household appliance’s worst nightmare. If a dryer’s seal is worn out or missing, there will be a draft in the drum that prevents it from operating optimally.
Test the temperature of the air inside the drum and make sure it isn’t fluctuating dramatically or that it isn’t really hot while the machine should be off (the temperature can be gauged using an oven thermometer).
Before replacing the felt seal, check all other components as they too might be causing the issue. If none of them are malfunctioning, replace the felt seal.
The thermostat does not work
The cycling thermostat cycles the heat on and off to maintain the proper air temperature. A defective thermostat will not allow the dryer to reach the preferred temperature of 140 degrees Celsius, causing lint to accumulate.
The sensor does not run properly at certain temperatures and may be set too low or high. Before replacing the cycling thermostat, check more commonly defective parts like the door switch, which allows you to open and close the dryer door safely, or a defective belt that regulates the mechanical spinning motion of either drum.
If all other components appear to be functioning well, test whether your cycling thermostat is broken by using a multimeter to ensure it has continuity.
When testing your new cycling thermostat or prior to installation, remember electrical wiring must comply with local electrical codes as well.
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