My Kenmore Dryer Stopped Automatic Drying

Control Panel

• Once you select “Automatic Dry,” you must also choose the heat setting, such as heavy-duty, normal or delicate, to run the dryer. The setting determines the temperature of the hot air pumped into the dryer. Once the dryer reaches a certain temperature, a timer on the panel begins to run for a set period that corresponds with the heat setting and the general amount of time it takes to dry certain fabrics. However, if the control panel is faulty, it might not direct the heater to come on, and consequently the dryer will continue to tumble until you stop it even though no heat is supplied. Contact Kenmore to schedule an appointment for a repair technician to test the control panel’s continuity. If the technician discovers that the panel’s continuity is weak, he may recommend that you replace the panel or repair wires that are damaged.

Timer

• Although you don’t manually set the timer to begin an automatic drying cycle, the timer will start and advance automatically once the temperature in the drum is a certain level. The timer should start soon after the dryer starts and advance as the cycle progresses. If the timer doesn’t come on or stalls mid-way through the drying cycle, one of its wires has probably come loose or encountered a short. Contact Kenmore to have a repair technician evaluate the timer, and replace it if the component is broken.

Cycling Thermostat

• The automatic cycle on a Kenmore dryer relies on a thermostat to tell the heater when to cycle on and off and the timer to start. If a cycling thermostat that corresponds to the heat setting for an automatic drying cycle malfunctions, the cycle feature won’t perform properly. Review the dryer manual for a diagram showing where the cycling thermostats are located on your dryer model. They’re usually clustered together and attached to the drum wall near the opening where air cycles out.
  You can often access the thermostats through the main opening of your dryer where you load laundry. However, on certain Kenmore models you may need to open the dryer's main access panel in the rear of the dryer to view each thermostat. Instructions for removing the access panel should be in the dryer's manual. Inspect each thermostat for damage. If a thermostat is broken, replace it. Once it’s replaced, the automatic drying cycle should be restored for a particular heating setting.

Clogged Vent

• If lint is obstructing the vent of your Kenmore dryer, the dryer won’t heat to the temperature required to dry clothes on an automatic drying cycle, according to a manual for a Kenmore dryer. Locate the dryer vent on the outside exterior of your home. Run the dryer for five to 10 minutes and place your hand over the vent. You should feel air blowing from the vent. If you don’t feel any air movement, the vent is blocked. View the installation instructions section of your Kenmore manual for vent cleaning instructions.