Why Won’t My Kenmore 80 Series Dryer Start? Solutions Guide

Are you having trouble starting your Kenmore 80 Series dryer? If your dryer won’t start, there are several potential culprits, ranging from a faulty power supply to a malfunctioning control board. However, with our solutions guide, you can quickly identify and resolve the issue, getting your dryer up and running in no time.

In this section, we will explore the common reasons why your Kenmore 80 Series dryer may not be starting and provide you with effective solutions to resolve the issue. We’ve also included step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot your dryer and check key components such as the thermal fuse, start switch, door switch, drive motor, belt, control board, and timer.

Key Takeaways

• There are several potential reasons why your Kenmore 80 Series dryer may not be starting.
• By following our solutions guide and troubleshooting process, you can quickly identify and address the issue.
• Be sure to check key components such as the thermal fuse, start switch, door switch, drive motor, belt, control board, and timer.
• Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure about performing any of the troubleshooting steps.
• Maintaining your dryer regularly can help prevent future issues from arising.

Troubleshooting Kenmore Dryer Won’t Start

Are you tired of pressing the dryer start button without any response from your Kenmore 80 Series dryer? If you’re experiencing this problem, you might be wondering what’s going on with your appliance. However, before you decide to call a repair technician, try not to panic and follow these simple troubleshooting steps.

Note: Please make sure to unplug the dryer from the power source before proceeding with any of the following steps.

Step 1: Check the Power Supply

The first thing you should do is make sure the dryer is properly connected to the power source and that the outlet is receiving electricity. You can test this by plugging another appliance into the same outlet to see if it works. If the outlet is not receiving any power, you may need to check your circuit breaker or call an electrician to fix the issue.

Step 2: Test the Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device that can cause your Kenmore dryer to not start if it’s faulty. To test the thermal fuse, you’ll need a multimeter. First, disconnect the dryer from the power source and remove the back panel. Locate the thermal fuse near the heating element and use the multimeter to test it for continuity. If the multimeter doesn’t show any continuity, it means the thermal fuse is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 3: Verify the Start Switch

The start switch is responsible for initiating the drying cycle. To verify if the start switch is faulty, you can use a multimeter to test it for continuity. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, remove the back panel, and locate the start switch near the motor. Test the switch for continuity using the multimeter. If the multimeter doesn’t show any continuity when the start switch is pressed, it means the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 4: Check the Door Switch

The door switch ensures that the dryer only operates when the door is closed. To check the door switch, you’ll need a multimeter. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, locate the door switch near the opening, and test it for continuity. If the multimeter doesn’t show any continuity when the door switch is pressed, it means the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 5: Inspect the Drive Motor

A faulty drive motor can prevent your Kenmore 80 Series dryer from starting. To inspect the drive motor, you’ll need to remove the front panel of the dryer. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, remove the front panel, and locate the drive motor near the bottom of the dryer. Test the motor for continuity using a multimeter. If the multimeter doesn’t show any continuity, it means the motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 6: Examine the Belt

The dryer belt plays a crucial role in powering the drum. To examine the belt, you’ll need to remove the front panel of the dryer. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, remove the front panel, and locate the belt near the top of the drum. Check the belt for any signs of wear and tear or if it’s broken. If the belt is damaged, you’ll need to replace it.

Step 7: Check the Control Board

The control board controls various functions of the dryer. To check the control board, you’ll need to remove the top panel of the dryer. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, remove the top panel, and locate the control board near the top of the dryer. Check the control board for any signs of damage or burning. If the control board is faulty, it needs to be replaced.

Step 8: Inspect the Timer

The timer regulates the duration of the drying cycle. To inspect the timer, you’ll need to remove the back panel of the dryer. Disconnect the dryer from the power source, remove the back panel, and locate the timer near the control board. Check the timer for any signs of damage or burning. If the timer is faulty, it needs to be replaced.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue of your Kenmore 80 Series dryer not starting. If you’re still experiencing problems after trying these solutions, it’s best to call a professional repair technician to take a closer look.

Checking Power Supply

If your Kenmore 80 Series dryer won’t start, the first thing to check is the power supply. Follow these steps to eliminate power supply as the culprit:

1. Make sure that the dryer is plugged in and the circuit breaker has not tripped.
2. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the dryer outlet. You should get a reading of 240 volts between the two flat prongs of the outlet.
3. If there is no voltage, check the circuit breaker to see if it has tripped or if the fuse has blown. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse if necessary.
4. If there is still no voltage, it could indicate a problem with the wiring. Call a licensed electrician to handle any electrical wiring or outlet repairs.

Once you’ve confirmed that the power supply is not the issue, move on to the next section to troubleshoot other possible causes why your Kenmore 80 Series dryer won’t start.

Testing the Thermal Fuse

If your Kenmore 80 Series dryer won’t start, there’s a chance that the thermal fuse is faulty. This safety device prevents the dryer from overheating and catching fire. When it blows, the dryer will stop working altogether.

To test the thermal fuse, follow these simple steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet and ensure it’s disconnected from the gas supply if you have a gas dryer.
2. Locate the thermal fuse, which is typically found on the blower housing, behind the back panel.
3. Disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse.
4. Using a multimeter set to the Rx1 setting, touch the probes to the thermal fuse’s terminals. If the multimeter shows a reading of infinity, the thermal fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
5. If the thermal fuse tests positive, reconnect it and move on to the next step in the troubleshooting process.

If the thermal fuse needs replacement, here are the steps to follow:

1. Order a replacement thermal fuse that matches your dryer’s model number from a reliable supplier.
2. Unplug the dryer and disconnect it from the gas supply, if applicable.
3. Remove the back panel from the dryer.
4. Locate the blown thermal fuse and remove it by gently prying it off the blower housing.
5. Install the new thermal fuse by aligning it with the blower housing and pushing it into place until it snaps securely into position.
6. Replace the back panel.
7. Reconnect the power supply and gas line, if applicable.
8. Turn on the dryer to test if it’s starting now.

If the thermal fuse continues to blow, there may be an underlying issue that’s causing it to malfunction, such as a clogged vent or a faulty thermostat. In this case, it’s best to contact a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Verifying the Start Switch

If you hear a clicking sound when attempting to start your Kenmore 80 Series dryer, the start switch may be the culprit. Follow these steps to verify if the start switch is causing your dryer to not start:

1. Unplug your dryer from the power source.
2. Remove the back panel using a screwdriver.
3. Locate the start switch, which is typically a small button located near the motor.
4. Use a multimeter to test the start switch for continuity. Place one probe on each terminal of the switch and press the button. If the multimeter reads continuity, the start switch is functional. If there is no continuity, the switch needs to be replaced.
5. Consult your dryer’s manual for instructions on how to replace the start switch or hire a technician to do it for you.

By following these steps, you can determine if the start switch is causing your Kenmore 80 Series dryer to not start and take the necessary steps to address the issue.

Checking the Door Switch

If your Kenmore 80 Series dryer won’t start and you’ve ruled out power supply, thermal fuse, start switch, drive motor, and the belt, the issue may be with the door switch. The door switch ensures that the dryer only operates when the door is closed. If the switch is faulty or the door is not properly closed, the dryer won’t start.

To check the door switch, follow these steps:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power source.
2. Locate the door switch, which is usually located near the dryer door frame.
3. Remove the wires connected to the door switch.
4. Using a multimeter, set it to the ohms setting, then connect the leads to the switch’s terminals. The multimeter should read zero ohms when the switch is closed and infinity ohms when it’s open.
5. If the multimeter reads infinity ohms when the switch is closed, the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

If the door switch is not the problem or you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s best to call a professional technician to inspect and repair your Kenmore 80 Series dryer.

Inspecting the Drive Motor

If your Kenmore 80 Series dryer won’t start, the drive motor may be the culprit. Here are some steps you can take to inspect the drive motor:

1. Unplug the dryer and locate the drive motor. It’s usually located at the bottom of the unit.
2. Visually inspect the motor for any signs of damage or wear and tear. Check for debris or obstructions that may be interfering with the motor’s operation.
3. Use a multimeter to test the motor’s windings. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and touch the probes to the motor’s terminals. If the multimeter reading is outside the range specified in the dryer’s manual, it’s likely that the motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
4. If the motor appears to be in good condition, test the start switch and thermal fuse, which can also cause the dryer to not start.

If the drive motor is the problem, it’s best to have a professional replace it. Attempting to replace the motor yourself can be dangerous and may result in further damage to your dryer.

Examining the Belt

If your Kenmore 80 Series dryer won’t start, it’s essential to check the dryer belt. The belt is responsible for rotating the drum, and if it’s damaged or broken, your dryer won’t start. Here are the steps to examine the belt:

1. Unplug the dryer: Safety should always come first. Ensure the dryer is unplugged from the power source before you start examining the belt.
2. Locate the belt: Depending on the model, the belt can be found either at the back or the front of the dryer.
3. Check the belt for signs of damage: Look for cracks, fraying, or signs of wear and tear. If the belt appears damaged, it needs to be replaced.
4. Check the tension of the belt: Pull the belt taut. An appropriately tightened belt should deflect around 1/2 inch. If the belt is too loose or too tight, it can cause the dryer not to start.
5. Replace the belt: If you find significant damage to the belt, it needs to be replaced. Refer to the dryer’s user manual or seek professional help for belt replacement.

By examining the belt, you can determine if it’s responsible for your Kenmore 80 Series dryer not starting. If the belt is damaged, replacing it should resolve the issue.

Checking the Control Board

If none of the above solutions has solved the problem, your Kenmore 80 Series dryer’s control board may be the culprit. The control board is responsible for sending signals to the different components of the dryer. A faulty control board can cause the dryer not to start.

To check the control board, you’ll need to:

1. Unplug your dryer from the power source.
2. Locate the control board at the top of the dryer’s control panel.
3. Inspect the control board for any visible signs of damage, such as burnt spots or corrosion.
4. Check the wiring connections to the control board to ensure that they are secure and not loose.
5. Use a multimeter to test the control board for continuity. Refer to the dryer’s wiring diagram for the correct testing procedures and values.

If the control board is damaged or not functioning correctly, it will need to be replaced. Refer to your dryer’s user manual for instructions on how to order and install a new control board.

Remember to always unplug your dryer from the power source before attempting to check or replace any electrical components.

Inspecting the Timer

If your Kenmore 80 Series dryer is still not starting, even after checking the power supply and other components, it’s time to inspect the timer. The timer regulates the duration of the drying cycle and may have malfunctioned, causing the dryer not to start.

To inspect the timer:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet to prevent any electrical accidents.
2. Locate the timer on the control panel.
3. Use a multimeter to test the timer for continuity.
4. If the timer shows no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
5. Consult your Kenmore 80 Series dryer’s user manual to find the correct replacement timer.

Replacing the timer is a straightforward process, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to hire a professional to do it for you.

Remember to always unplug your dryer before attempting any inspections or repairs to prevent any electrical accidents.

By following these steps to inspect your Kenmore 80 Series dryer’s timer, you can identify and fix any timer-related issues that may have been preventing your dryer from starting.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in troubleshooting and fixing your Kenmore 80 Series dryer when it won’t start. Remember to always unplug your dryer before conducting any repairs or inspections.

If you’ve followed the steps outlined in this guide and your dryer still won’t start, it may be time to call a professional. They can safely diagnose and repair any more complicated issues.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of your dryer can also help prevent future problems. Be sure to clean the lint filter after each use and periodically check the vent and ducts for blockages.

Thank you for choosing Kenmore for your appliance needs. We hope this guide has helped you get your Kenmore 80 Series dryer back up and running.