How to Test the Coil on a Kenmore Gas Dryer

Kenmore gas dryers manufactured by Whirlpool use solenoid coils to send electrical pulses that open and close the gas valve. The coils are wired to the control board to activate when the dryer starts. A bad coil will prevent the gas valve from opening, so the Kenmore will not produce heat, although it may still tumble since the electric motor is on a different circuit. Testing the coil takes less than an hour using an ohmmeter.

Screwdriver set
Putty knife
Ohmmeter

Instructions

- 1
  Close the gas valve behind the Kenmore and unplug the electrical cord that provides power for the motor and other systems.
- 2
  Remove the lint screen on the top right-rear corner and take out the two screws underneath, using a screwdriver.
- 3
  Release the clip in the front left and right corners below the top of the Kenmore using a putty knife to pry up the top. Raise the top of the Kenmore toward the back of the appliance.
- 4
  Remove the screws inside the cabinet holding the front panel to the sides.
- 5
  Unplug the door switch wiring harness at the upper left corner inside the front panel. Pull off the panel and set aside. The coil for the dryer is in the lower left corner. It is a black cylinder with two electric contacts on top.
- 6
  Unscrew and remove the Y-shaped bracket on top of the coil.
- 7
  Pull off the two wires from the two coil contacts. The wires are connected to slip-on clips. Slide the coil off the metal shaft.
- 8
  Clip the test probes on the ohmmeter to the two contacts on the coil. If the ohmmeter registers infinity or zero, the coil is defective and must be replaced.

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