How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore Elite Electric Dryer

There are issues, however, you may still experience with your Kenmore Elite electric dryer. What follows are some ways to troubleshoot potential problems.

How to Troubleshoot Problems with a Kenmore Elite Electric Dryer

1. Check to see if the lint screen is clogged if you notice that your clothes are not drying well enough. If this does not solve your problem, check to see if the exhaust vent is also clogged with lint. Do the same with the outside exhaust hood. If you do not feel air movement when you put your hand underneath the outside exhaust hood, clean the exhaust system of all lint. If you have a blown fuse or the circuit breaker has tripped, that will also cause your dryer drum to turn, but not blow heat onto your clothes. Finally, check to make sure that you have not selected the “air dry” cycle.

2. Check to see if the power cord is unplugged if your dryer will not run. Make sure, also, that there is not a blown fuse or the circuit breaker has not tripped. The dryer door has to be firmly closed in order for the dryer to run, so check that, too. Ensure that you press the "start" button firmly for at least one second and that a cycle was selected to start the dryer.

3. Clean the lint screen if you find lint on your load of laundry. If this does not solve your problem, make sure that you are sorting your loads correctly, with the “lint givers” (chenille, towels) and “lint takers” (synthetics, corduroy) in separate loads. Lint will be carried to the lint screen easier if you dry smaller loads. Overdrying can also cause static electricity which attracts lint.

4. Dry smaller loads that can tumble freely if you find that your items are shrinking. Make sure to check the manufacturer’s care label always on all your clothing so that you don’t overdry your clothing items. Make sure to match the dryer setting to the particular load you are drying.

5. Remove your load of laundry from the dryer immediately to avoid wrinkles. Larger loads can also cause more wrinkles because the clothing cannot tumble freely. Overdrying can also cause more wrinkles.

6. Ventilate the area where your dryer is located if you have been painting, staining or varnishing in this particular area. This will help avoid odors in your clothing as it goes through the dryer. When your dryer is new, the electric heating element may have an odor. This smell should be gone after the first dryer cycle.