Troubleshooting Tips: Kenmore 70 Series Dryer Not Heating

Are you facing issues with your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer not heating up? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Several users encounter this problem, and fortunately, most of them are easy to fix. In this section, we’ll explore common issues that cause your dryer to stop heating and provide troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue.

Before we get started, it’s essential to identify the problem. If your dryer is not generating heat, it could be a result of various issues. The dryer may not be working at all, or it may be running, but not producing any heat. Always unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply (if applicable) before attempting any troubleshooting.

Here are some troubleshooting tips for resolving a Kenmore 70 Series Dryer not heating:

Key Takeaways

• Several issues can cause a Kenmore 70 Series Dryer to stop heating up.
• Always unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply before attempting any troubleshooting.
• In the following sections, we will explore the different components of the dryer that could cause heating issues and provide solutions to fix them.

Understanding the Heating Element

If your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer is not generating heat, one of the most common culprits is a faulty heating element. Understanding how this component works can help you diagnose and fix the issue.

The heating element is responsible for generating heat that dries your clothes. It is typically a coil of wire that heats up when electricity passes through it. The heated coil is then used to warm up the air that is circulated inside the dryer to dry your clothes.

If your dryer is not heating up, it could mean that the heating element has malfunctioned. There are several reasons why this can happen:

• The heating element can become damaged over time due to wear and tear
• Frequent power surges can cause the heating element to burn out
• Excessive lint buildup around the heating element can cause it to overheat and fail

To check if the heating element is the issue, you can use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the reading is zero, it means that the heating element has burned out and needs to be replaced.

Replacing the heating element can be a straightforward process, but it’s important to ensure that you have the correct replacement part. Consult your dryer’s manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance on finding the correct heating element for your model.

Common Signs of Heating Element Problems

If your Kenmore dryer is experiencing heating element problems, you may notice the following signs:

• Clothes taking longer to dry than usual or not drying at all
• Unpleasant burning smell when the dryer is operating
• Dryer becoming excessively hot to the touch
• Dryer shutting off mid-cycle

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to address the issue promptly to prevent further damage to your dryer. In the next section, we’ll explore how to check the thermal fuse, another common cause of heating issues in Kenmore 70 Series Dryers.

Checking the Thermal Fuse

If your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer is not producing heat or is not drying clothes, it may be due to a faulty thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to cut off power to the heating element if the dryer overheats, preventing a fire hazard. Here are the steps to check and replace the thermal fuse:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source and turn off the gas supply if you have a gas dryer.
2. Locate the thermal fuse on the blower housing at the back of the dryer.
3. Disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse.
4. Use a multimeter to test the thermal fuse for continuity. A reading of infinity means the fuse is faulty and needs to be replaced.
5. If the thermal fuse is faulty, remove it and replace it with a new one.
6. Reconnect the wires and reassemble the dryer.

Checking and replacing the thermal fuse is a simple process that can resolve heating problems in your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer. If the issue persists, proceed to the next section to learn about inspecting the heating element coils.

Inspecting the Heating Element Coils

If your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer is not getting hot or not heating up, the heating element coils may be damaged or faulty. Over time, the coils can become brittle, break or wear out, causing heating issues.

To inspect the heating element coils, you will need to access them. Before performing any maintenance on your dryer, make sure to disconnect it from the power source.

Next, remove the back or front panel of the dryer, depending on the model you have. Locate the heating element assembly, which is usually located at the rear of the dryer. The heating element coils are inside a metal housing and can be identified as a series of wires that look like springs.

Check each coil for signs of damage, such as breaks or signs of wear. If you notice any damage, you will need to replace the heating element. You can purchase a replacement heating element from a local home appliance store or online.

Note: Make sure to check the user manual or contact Kenmore customer service to identify the correct replacement part for your specific dryer model.

If the heating element coils appear to be intact, use a multimeter to check the continuity of each coil. To do this, set the multimeter to the continuity setting and touch one probe to each end of each heating element coil. If the multimeter beeps, the coil has continuity and is functioning properly. If the multimeter doesn’t beep, the coil has no continuity and needs to be replaced.

Once you have checked the heating element coils and determined the issue, it’s time to either replace the part or reassemble your dryer. Don’t forget to connect your dryer to the power source and test it to ensure that it is heating up properly.

Cleaning the Dryer Vent

A clogged dryer vent can cause your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer to not heat up properly. If your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry your clothes or isn’t generating enough heat, it’s time to clean the dryer vent. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
2. Disconnect the vent hose from the dryer and remove any lint or debris.
3. Inspect the vent hose for any damage. Replace the hose if necessary.
4. Use a vent cleaning brush to clean the vent pipe. Insert the brush into the pipe and twist it to remove any lint or debris.
5. Reconnect the vent hose to the dryer and secure it with a clamp.
6. Plug the dryer back in and turn it on to make sure it’s heating properly.

Note: If you have a long vent pipe or can’t reach the vent pipe to clean it, consider hiring a professional appliance repair technician to clean it for you.

Tips:

Regularly clean the lint filter after each use to minimize the amount of lint that builds up in the dryer vent.

Make sure the vent pipe is not kinked or crushed, as this can also restrict airflow and cause heating issues.

Checking the Thermostat

If your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer is still not generating heat after checking the heating element and thermal fuse, it’s time to inspect the thermostat. The thermostat regulates the temperature inside the dryer, and if it’s not working correctly, your dryer may not heat up properly.

To check the thermostat, you will need a multimeter. Begin by unplugging your dryer and locating the thermostat, which is usually found on the blower housing or somewhere near the heating element. Remove the wires connected to the thermostat and set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting. Touch the probes to the thermostat’s terminals and check the reading. If your multimeter does not show a reading, then your thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If you need to replace the thermostat, you can purchase a new one online or from your local appliance store. Before installing the new part, make sure to clean any debris or buildup from the area around the thermostat. Use the screws to attach the new thermostat to the dryer, and then reconnect the wires to the appropriate terminals. Finally, plug in your dryer and test it to ensure that it is heating up properly.

Important Note:

Always remember to unplug your dryer before attempting any repairs or inspections. Safety should always be your top priority when working with electrical appliances.

By following these steps, you should be able to identify and repair any issues with the thermostat in your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer. However, if you are still experiencing problems with your dryer not heating up properly, it may be time to seek professional assistance.

• Unplug your dryer before attempting any repairs or inspections.
• Use a multimeter to check the thermostat’s terminals for a reading.
• If the multimeter does not show a reading, replace the thermostat.
• Before installing the new thermostat, clean any debris or buildup from the area.
• Test your dryer to ensure it is heating up properly.

Testing the Igniter

If you have a gas dryer, the igniter is a crucial component that helps ignite the gas to generate heat. If your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer is not heating up, testing the igniter is an essential step towards resolving the issue.

The first step to testing the igniter is to unplug your dryer and locate the igniter attached to the burner assembly. The igniter is a small device that glows red-hot when current flows through it. Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the igniter. If there is no continuity, it means the igniter is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the igniter has continuity, the next step is to check its resistance. Set your multimeter to the resistance setting and measure the resistance of the igniter. If the resistance is outside the specified range, it may be an indication that the igniter is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the igniter passes both the continuity and resistance tests, the issue may be with the gas valve solenoids, which control the flow of gas to the burner. Refer to Section 8 for troubleshooting tips on gas valve solenoids.

“Testing the igniter is an essential step towards resolving the issue.”

Troubleshooting the Gas Valve Solenoids

If your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer is not heating up, another potential culprit could be the gas valve solenoids. These solenoids control the flow of gas to the burner and can become faulty over time, leading to heating issues.

To troubleshoot the solenoids, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the gas supply to the dryer.
2. Remove the front panel of the dryer.
3. Locate the gas valve solenoids near the gas valve.
4. Remove the wires from the solenoids using pliers.
5. Test the solenoids for continuity using a multimeter. If the solenoids do not have continuity, they need to be replaced.
6. Replace the faulty solenoids with new ones.
7. Reconnect the wires to the solenoids.
8. Replace the front panel of the dryer.
9. Turn on the gas supply and test the dryer for heating.

If replacing the gas valve solenoids does not solve the issue of your Kenmore dryer not heating up, it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

“Gas valve solenoids control the flow of gas to the burner and can become faulty over time, leading to heating issues.”

Checking the Power Supply

If your Kenmore 70 Series Dryer is not drying clothes or working properly, it’s possible that the power supply is to blame. Follow these steps to check the power supply:

1. Make sure the dryer is plugged in and the circuit breaker is not tripped. If the circuit breaker has tripped, reset it and try running the dryer again.
2. Check the voltage at the outlet using a multimeter. The voltage should be between 208-240 volts for electric dryers and 120 volts for gas dryers.
3. Inspect the power cord for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed wires or a loose connection. If you notice any damage, replace the power cord.
4. Test the power cord using a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the continuity setting and touch one probe to each of the power cord’s prongs. If the multimeter doesn’t show continuity, the power cord needs replacement.

Once you have checked the power supply and addressed any issues, try running the dryer again to see if it heats up properly. If the problem persists, it’s possible that another component of the dryer is malfunctioning and requires further troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Having a Kenmore 70 Series Dryer not heating up can be frustrating, but with the help of this troubleshooting guide, you can identify and fix the problem. Remember to check the heating element, thermal fuse, heating element coils, dryer vent, thermostat, igniter, gas valve solenoids, and power supply. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this article, you can resolve the issue and get back to enjoying perfectly dried clothes.

If you have tried all of these troubleshooting tips and your Kenmore dryer still isn’t working properly, it’s time to call in a professional. They can diagnose the issue and provide a solution that is best suited to your needs. Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to perform regular maintenance on your dryer to avoid future problems.

Remember, a Kenmore dryer not working or heating properly is not the end of the world. By following the tips in this article, you can have your dryer up and running again in no time!