Troubleshooting a Kenmore Dryer That Keeps Running

Open the dryer door to determine if there is heat in the dryer. If the air or laundry from the dryer is not warm, you are not getting heat to the dryer. In Kenmore dryers with a moisture sensor strip in the drum and no heat, the dryer keeps running because the sensor detects that the laundry is not dry. If you have heat, there may be a clog in the exhaust vent or a problem with an internal component.

Go to the household breaker box or fuse box in your home, if you have no heat. See if you have a blown fuse or tripped breaker for the dryer. The dryer will have two breakers or fuses and only one will be bad if there is power and no heat. Replace or reset it to get the dryer heating so that your laundry will dry and stop running.

Put your hand under the outside exhaust vent hood to feel for air movement when the dryer is running. If you feel no movement, you have a clog or obstruction that needs removal so the dryer can get your laundry dry and stop running. Unplug the machine and clean out the obstruction. You can put on gloves and reach up in the exhaust vent to clear it or use a long, slender tool, such as shovel handle, to clear it.

Watch the timer on your dryer to determine if the cause of the problem is internal, if your breakers or fuses are fine and the exhaust vent it clear. If you notice that the dryer stops temporarily once it reaches the “Off” position and then starts up again on the next setting, your problem points to a problem with the motor’s centrifugal switch. If the dryer keeps running right past the “Off” position or if the timer does not advance, you have a failure with the timer wiring.

Set up a service appointment if you have determined the cause of your problem to be an internal one. You can use a qualified local appliance repair person or arrange service through Kenmore.