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The Kenmore Elite HE3 is 7.2 cu. ft. capacity electric dryer by Kenmore.

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Smell fire in dryer

I was doing laundry the other day...when I noticed my clothes were not drying I put them on another cycle but again damp and I could smell popcorn type burning. We had the ducts cleaned but it is still smelling like burnt...any idea why

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It's a gas dryer...we disconnected it.

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Thanks Geoff I added a comment below

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My husband is thinking he doesn't want to touch the gas..he found black like silt or ash near the screen inside the dryer

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2 Answers

Chosen Solution

Cause 1

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. 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.

Cause 2

Gas Valve Solenoid

Gas dryers have two or more gas valve solenoid coils. The gas valve solenoids open the gas valve ports to allow gas to flow into the burner assembly. If a gas valve solenoid fails, the dryer won’t heat. To determine if one or more of the gas valve solenoids has failed, check the igniter. If the igniter glows and goes out but does not ignite the gas, the gas valve solenoid is defective. If one or more of the gas valve coils are defective, we recommend that you replace them as a set.

Cause 3

Igniter

The igniter uses heat to ignite the gas in the burner assembly. If the igniter is not working, the gas will not ignite, preventing the dryer from heating. To determine if the igniter has burned out, use a multimeter to test the igniter for continuity. If the igniter does not have continuity, replace it.

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It's almost definitely a lint buildup causing poor airflow. I am actually surprised that a thermal fuse didn't break. Even if the ducts are cleaned, the fan blades will hold onto a fair amount of lint. I would suggest checking there first. Most dryers I have disassembled have a cover plate over the fan assembly in the rear of the appliance, but some require a little more disassembly to get to the fan. If you can give us an exact model number, we might be able to help diagnose further.

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1 Comment:

My husband doesn't want to get in there due to gas hookup...it's a kenmore 592-99327. There was like black ash near the dryer screen at the back of the drum...sounds like your right...

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lisamf1978 will be eternally grateful.
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