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Why does my dryer stop working when I release the start switch

Kenmore 110.72822101 gas dryer

The dryer stops working when I release the start button. It will run when the start button is pressed, and will heat after about 10 seconds (although it will stop heating after about another 10 seconds). It behaves the same if the small removable control board in the console is removed. I am thinking it is the control board, but could it be the ignitor/coils and/or the motor/relay(not sure if this dryer has a motor relay?). If I change from timed dryer to air dry, it will not heat, making me think the timer switch is good? I am thinking the control board is bad and the timer is putting it into test mode or something? So in theory a new control board (which I found at sears parts for 17 bucks) and I should be good to go? I did accidently spray some water under the console a while ago while trying to clean it (won't do that again), and it didn't work for a short time after that, but then the water dried up and it started working again? I tried to clean the control board contacts and reinsert it, but that does not seem to change its behavior. It only has a few resistors and a cap and a diode or two, which all look good and a small IC? Just wondering if I am on the right path or if I am missing something, first time trying to repair a dryer by myself. Had a repair person come out to fix a broken fridge, $200 and one small swapped out part later and it was working. I figure if it is just a matter of finding the small broken part, I can do that and save some money.

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Well stated question with model number given.

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'''Most Frequent Causes for Dryer not heating

Cause 1

http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp/H...

Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown out. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check the dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse.

Part Testing

Thermal Fuse for your Kenmore Dryer

Thermal Fuse - Part # 2986 Mfg Part # WP3392519

RepairClinic Item #2986

Dryer thermal fuse. Located on the blower housing. If the dryer overheats, the thermal fuse blows to cut off power to the dryer. If the thermal fuse has blown, the dryer won't start. The thermal fuse cannot be reset—if the fuse has blown, replace it. Thermal fuses often blow due to a clogged vent.

$9.04

Quantity:

Suggested tools

Multimeter

RepairClinic Item #964740 $26.00

Multi Screwdriver

RepairClinic Item #3527472 $14.95

Total: $9.04

Cause 2

Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating. The fuse is located on the blower housing or at the dryer’s heat source such as the heating element on electric dryers or at the burner on gas models. The fuse should be closed for continuity meaning it has a continuous electrical path through it when good. If overheated the fuse will have no continuity meaning the electrical path is broken and the fuse has blown out. A multimeter can be used to test it for continuity. Be aware that a blown thermal fuse is an indication of a restricted exhaust vent from the dryer to the outside. Always check the dryer venting when replacing a blown thermal fuse.

Part Testing

Thermal Fuse for your Kenmore Dryer

Thermal Fuse - Part # 2312681 Mfg Part # W10480709

RepairClinic Item #2312681

Dryer gas burner high limit thermostat and thermal fuse kit. If the dryer does not heat the most common cause is a blown thermal fuse. Both the thermostat and fuse can be tested to determine if either is defective.

$39.75

Suggested tools

Multimeter

RepairClinic Item #964740 $26.00

Total: $39.75

Cause 3

Flame Sensor

On a gas dryer, the flame sensor detects the heat emitted by the flame. If the flame sensor isn’t working, the dryer won’t heat. Before checking the flame sensor, first make sure that the igniter and thermal fuse are not at fault. To determine if the flame sensor is defective, use a multimeter to test the sensor for continuity at room temperature. If the flame sensor does not have continuity at room temperature, replace it.

Parts

Flame Sensor for your Kenmore Dryer

Flame Sensor - Part # 2681 Mfg Part # WP338906

RepairClinic Item #2681

Gas dryer sensor for igniter and flame. The sensor is located across from the gas igniter at the dryer’s burner assembly. This flame sensor should be closed for continuity at room temperature. Check for continuity with a multi-meter before replacing.

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I guess these responses are posted by a bot or equally inattentive automaton. Geez. I have a similar problem and found the above response se less than helpful. Good luck.

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1 Comment:

Hi @bertorma,

What is the make and model number of the dryer?

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