Sears Kenmore Dryer Button Will Not Stay Pushed In

Physical Imposition

• On some models of Kenmore dryer, the start button cover is not covered or protected by a rim. This leaves the button itself open to physical imposition such as buildup. Even broken pieces of plastic from the button itself can cause a jam that keeps the dryer start button from remaining pushed in. In this case, remove the button cap and remove any physical imposition before replacing it.

Cycle Settings

• Another reason the button might not stay pushed in is the cycle setting. The dryer activates when the cycle setting knob is set to one of the various dry cycles available on Kenmore dryers. Between each of these cycles is a buffer that ensures the dryer stops at the end of the dry cycle and does not begin on the next setting. This means turning the knob too far back or forward can stop the dryer from beginning properly. Solve this problem by setting the start of the dry cycle further into the activity area indicated around the dial.

Door Latch

• Kenmore dryers feature a safety measure that stops the dryer when the door is opened. This protects you from damaging your hand during a cycle and protects clothes from flying onto the floor. If the door latch is broken, the safety measure also could prevent the start button from activating the dryer. A broken door latch is not repairable and requires replacement. Contact a service professional for options.

Thermostat

• The dryer operates by warming the wet clothes with a heating element and circulating the warm air as it evaporates the moisture. A thermostat that regulates the temperature in the drying chamber controls the heating element. A malfunction in this thermostat can send a false reading, telling the dryer that it is overheating and requires immediate shutdown and preventing the start button from staying activated. Replacing the thermostat resolves this issue.

Safety Fuse

• Like most dryers, Kenmore models are equipped with a safety fuse that shuts down the dryer automatically in the event of a power surge or wiring malfunction. If the safety fuse is tripped, the dryer shuts down and the start button will not activate the unit. Replacing the fuse restores power not only to the start button but to the whole unit.