How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Dryer Motor Switch

If your Kenmore dryer is experiencing problems with the motor switch, you may be ready to call an appliance technician. However, there are a few simple troubleshooting techniques you can try on your own to determine if your motor switch is defective and needs to be replaced. Or, you may discover that your problem comes from another source, such as a faulty electrical outlet.

Screwdriver
Masking tape
Needle-nose pliers
Ohmmeter

Instructions

- 1
  Check to make sure your dryer is plugged in.
- 2
  Check that the outlet is working by plugging a lamp or small appliance into the outlet. If the lamp does not work, check the circuit breaker located in the fuse box. Once you have ruled out any electrical problems, proceed with checking the switch.
- 3
  Unplug the dryer from the wall. Remove the screws from the control panel using a screwdriver. The control panel is located at the top of the dryer.
- 4
  Use needle-nose pliers to gently disconnect the two wires leading to the start switch. Use masking tape to label the wires for later when you will reattach them.
- 5
  Set your ohmmeter to measure resistance at a scale of R x 1.
- 6
  Touch one tester probe to each of the switch's terminals, and check that you are receiving a reading of infinity.
- 7
  Press the switch and hold it down. The reading should now change to zero. If it does not change to zero, your switch needs to be replaced. If it does change to zero, the problem is with a different part of the dryer, and you will need to troubleshoot other parts or consult an appliance technician.

How to Test an AP3094138 Dryer Ignitor

How to Replace the Gasket in a Bosch Nexxt WFMC3200

Washer & Dryers