Troubleshooting Kenmore 80 Series Gas Dryer Not Heating – Guide

If you’ve noticed that your Kenmore 80 series gas dryer is not heating up like it used to, you may be left with a pile of damp clothes. Not to worry, though. This common issue can usually be resolved with a few simple troubleshooting steps. In this guide, we’ll take you through each step to help you identify and resolve the problem.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t panic if your Kenmore 80 series gas dryer is not heating up, as this is a common issue.
• Before diving into specific components, it’s important to check the gas supply to ensure it is properly connected and functioning.
• The igniter, thermal fuse, gas valve solenoids, gas burner assembly, and flame sensor are all potential culprits of a gas dryer not heating up.
• Cleaning the dryer vent can also improve its performance.
• If the problem persists, it is recommended to consult a professional dryer repair technician.

Check the Gas Supply

If your Kenmore 80 series gas dryer is not heating up, the first thing you should do is check the gas supply. The gas supply should be connected and functioning properly for the dryer to produce heat. Follow the steps below to verify the gas supply to the dryer:

1. Make sure that the gas valve is open. You can check this by looking at the valve itself, which is located behind the dryer. If the valve is perpendicular to the gas line, it is closed. If it is parallel, it is open.
2. Next, check the gas line leading to the dryer. Make sure that it is not kinked, bent, or damaged in any way. If there is damage, you may need to replace the gas line.
3. If you’ve recently moved your dryer, make sure that the gas line has not been disconnected. Check that the gas line is firmly attached to both the dryer and the wall.
4. Finally, check the gas meter to make sure that it is not turned off or that the gas company has not shut off your service.

If you’ve followed these steps and the gas supply is not the issue, it may be necessary to move on to other troubleshooting methods.

Verify the Igniter

After checking the gas supply and finding no issues, the next step in troubleshooting a Kenmore 80 series gas dryer not heating is to examine the igniter.

Here’s how to verify the igniter:

1. Turn off the gas supply to the dryer.
2. Locate the igniter in the dryer. It is usually found near the gas valve assembly.
3. Inspect the igniter for any visible signs of damage such as cracks or breaks.
4. If the igniter appears to be in good condition, use a multimeter to test it for continuity.
5. If the igniter does not have continuity, it needs to be replaced.

Replacing the igniter involves disconnecting the wires and removing the mounting screws. For a visual guide, refer to this diagram:

If the igniter is functioning correctly, the next step is to check the thermal fuse. Move on to the next section for instructions.

Inspect the Thermal Fuse

If your Kenmore 80 series gas dryer is still not heating up, it’s time to inspect the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that can prevent the dryer from heating up, and it is often the culprit in cases where the dryer is not producing heat.

To begin, unplug the dryer and locate the thermal fuse, which is typically located on the blower housing or exhaust duct. Once you’ve found it, use a multimeter to check its continuity. If the multimeter shows no continuity, the thermal fuse is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.

Replacing the thermal fuse is a relatively simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. First, disconnect the wiring connectors from the old thermal fuse and remove it from the dryer. Next, connect the wiring connectors to the new thermal fuse and attach it to the dryer.

It’s important to note that a faulty thermal fuse is often a symptom of another problem, such as a clogged dryer vent. Before replacing the thermal fuse, be sure to check the dryer vent for any obstructions and clean it out if necessary.

Test the Gas Valve Solenoids

If the gas supply and igniter are in good condition, the next component to check is the gas valve solenoids. These solenoids are responsible for opening the gas valves to allow the dryer to heat up.

To test the gas valve solenoids, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the dryer from the power source.
2. Locate the gas valve solenoids on the gas valve assembly. They are usually two black cylinders with wires connected to them.
3. Using a multimeter, set it to the Rx1 setting.
4. Touch one multimeter probe to each of the gas valve solenoid terminals, and check the reading on the meter. If the reading is between 200 and 500 ohms, the gas valve solenoids are functioning correctly. If the reading is outside of this range, the solenoids need to be replaced.

If the gas valve solenoids need to be replaced, follow these steps:

1. Disconnect the dryer from the power source and turn off the gas supply.
2. Remove the front panel and the drum from the dryer.
3. Locate the gas valve assembly and remove it from the dryer.
4. Disconnect the wires from the gas valve solenoids and remove the solenoids from the gas valve assembly.
5. Install the new gas valve solenoids onto the gas valve assembly and reattach the wires.
6. Reinstall the gas valve assembly, the drum, and the front panel.
7. Restore the power and gas supply before testing the dryer.

Testing the gas valve solenoids is a crucial step in troubleshooting a Kenmore 80 series gas dryer not heating. By following these steps, you can identify the issue and resolve the problem effectively.

Check the Gas Burner Assembly

If none of the previous troubleshooting steps have resolved the issue of a Kenmore 80 series gas dryer not heating up, it’s time to check the gas burner assembly. This component is responsible for heating the air that dries the clothes in the drum.

Start by unplugging the dryer and removing the front panel. Locate the gas burner assembly, which is typically located at the bottom of the dryer. It consists of the burner tube, the igniter, and the gas valve.

Inspect the burner tube for any signs of damage, such as cracks or holes. If you notice any damage, the tube will need to be replaced. Next, check the igniter for any visible defects, such as cracks or breaks. The igniter should also be cleaned with a soft cloth or brush to remove any dirt or debris that may be blocking it.

Use a multimeter to test the gas valve coils. If the coils are not functioning correctly, they will need to be replaced. You can also test the gas valve itself to ensure it is not defective.

Refer to the dryer’s manual for specific instructions on how to remove and replace the gas burner assembly. If you are not comfortable performing these tasks, consider hiring a professional Kenmore dryer repair technician.

Gas Burner Assembly Troubleshooting Table

Examine the Flame Sensor

If all the previous steps have been checked and the gas dryer is still not producing heat, it’s time to examine the flame sensor. The flame sensor is responsible for detecting the presence of a flame in the gas dryer. If the sensor is faulty, it will cause the dryer to not produce heat, or it may shut off the gas valve, resulting in the dryer not working at all.

To examine the flame sensor:

1. Unplug the gas dryer from the electrical outlet.
2. Locate the flame sensor, which is usually found near the igniter and has two wires attached to it.
3. Remove the wires from the flame sensor by pulling on the connectors, not the wires themselves.
4. Using a multimeter, set it to the Ohms setting and touch one lead to each of the flame sensor’s terminals. The reading should be between 0 and infinity. If the reading is zero, the sensor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the flame sensor needs to be replaced, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model of the Kenmore 80 series gas dryer. In general, the process involves removing the old sensor and attaching the new one in its place.

Remember to plug the gas dryer back in and test it to ensure it is producing heat.

Check the Gas Burner Assembly

If the gas burner assembly is not functioning properly, it could cause your Kenmore 80 Series gas dryer to not produce heat. Follow these steps to troubleshoot the gas burner assembly:

1. Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply
2. Remove the front panel of the dryer
3. Locate the gas burner assembly, which is usually at the bottom of the dryer
4. Inspect the gas burner assembly for signs of damage, such as cracks or breaks
5. Remove any debris or lint that may have accumulated on the gas burner assembly
6. Check the gas valve to ensure it is not clogged or malfunctioning
7. If the gas burner assembly appears to be damaged, contact a professional dryer repair technician to replace it

Regular cleaning of the gas burner assembly can help prevent future malfunctions. It’s recommended to clean the assembly at least once a year or more often if you use your dryer frequently.

Conclusion

Congratulations on troubleshooting your Kenmore 80 series gas dryer! By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to identify and fix the issue causing the dryer to not produce heat.

However, if you’re still having problems, it might be time to call in a professional dryer repair technician. They have the necessary experience and tools to diagnose and fix complex issues.

Remember, regular maintenance and cleaning can help prevent future problems with your dryer. Be sure to clean the lint filter after each use and periodically inspect and clean the dryer vent.

Thank you for using our troubleshooting guide. We hope it has been helpful in resolving your Kenmore 80 series gas dryer not heating issue.