My Kenmore Dryer's Push-To-Start Is Broken

Push-To-Start Button

• The push-to-start button is located on the control panel of a Kenmore dryer. It’s commonly a round button that’s a bit larger than a quarter, which you press to begin a drying cycle once you’ve selected a drying setting. You must choose a setting before you push the button, or the button won’t work. After you’ve pressed the button, the dryer should buzz to let you know that the drying cycle has begun. If you don’t hear it buzz or the dryer doesn’t start, the button or its wiring might be faulty. Contact a Kenmore repair technician to test its connectivity.

Power Supply

• Any time there’s a problem with a dryer starting, you should confirm that a power failure isn’t to blame. Ensure that the dryer is plugged into the electrical outlet and its power cord isn’t worn or damaged. Replace the cord if needed. Also, check that the dryer’s circuit breaker hasn’t tripped or a fuse hasn’t blown. A gas dryer has one breaker or fuse, whereas an electric dryer has two breakers or fuses. Resetting the breaker or replacing a blown fuse should restore the push-to start button’s function.

Digital Display

• If your Kenmore dryer has a digital display, press “Stop” to clear it after a power outage then press the push-to-start button to start the dryer. Sometimes a power failure can interfere with the dryer’s operation. If an error code of E1, E2 or E3 appears on the display, Kenmore recommends that you set up an appointment to have the dryer serviced as the dryer may have sustained electrical damage from the outage.

Thermal Cutoff

• Many Kenmore dryers have a thermal cutoff or fuse that shuts off the heater or the dryer itself if the appliance gets too hot, depending on the model you own. If the cutoff stops the dryer, pressing the push-to-start button won’t restart it. The only way to reinstate the dryer’s function is to replace the cutoff fuse; it can only activate once before it must be replaced. Refer to your owner's manual to find the location for the cutoff fuse. It’s typically accessible from the rear of the dryer once the main panel is removed. After you’ve located the cutoff, check to see if the component appears gray or black, which typically confirms that it has blown. Contact Kenmore to change out the faulty component.