10 replies to this topic

[Troglodad 1]

I have a 13 year old Kenmore stackable unit; model 417.99680210

I have done a number of repairs on it over the years and really don't want to give up now...

this past weekend, the dryer stopped working- drum wouldn't turn. I thought it was the dryer start switch and replaced that. Still won't start.

Instead, when I have the door shut, and turn the start switch, the dryer timer makes a clicking sound. I assume this is the mechanism trying to work.

I don't see any openings on the timer, where lint could have come in and clogged things (the washer controls suffered that fate two years ago, but I was able to clean and rebuild them). When I went to a local repair shop, they suggested I check the thermal fuse. Problem is, I can't find it. I could pull the drum and look, but I don't see anywhere on the back of the dryer where mounting screws would be. I also checked online at Sears for schematic drawings, and again, I don't see any thermal fuse.

If the dryer timer is getting power and clicking, that tells me the start switch works.

But before dropping almost $100 on a new timer switch, I'm looking for other ideas. I already spent $50 this week on the start switch (overnighted) to no avail.

Any ideas are greatly welcomed.

[RegUS_PatOff]

# 36 in diagram
134120900
http://www.repaircli...R=154&N=1489053

 

and check & clean your Vent System

[Troglodad 1]

Thanks! I was looking for something that looks totally different!!!

[Troglodad 1]

Sure enough it was the thermal fuse. $10 part, located behind the drum. Major work to pull the drum to get to it, then put the whole frickin' thing back together, but it seems to be working now. And I was able to vacuum out several pocketfuls of lint from inside the dryer in the process.

[RegUS_PatOff]

check and clean your Venting System, or it'll happen again

Dryer Vent

Vent should be rigid metal.
Short lengths of flexible metal may be OK, if not crimped when moving the Dryer into place.
NO plastic
NO PVC
NO screws
Foil Duct Tape is OK
Check the Vent air temperature at the back of the Dryer
With an empty load, Timed Dry, High Heat, the vent temperature should cycle somewhere between 135F and 160F
Disconnect the Dryer Vent and check for good air-flow there and where it exits the house.
 

[Troglodad 1]

Wish I'd read your reply sooner...

Got it all back together, did one load, and nothing. worse, my meter has magically stopped working too, so I can't be sure it's the thermal fuse.

Checked the exhaust line. Cold air coming in from outside, and it is lined with a thick coating of lint...

1. Can a thermal fuse be defective?

2. Are there ANY fuses like on a car that get hot, stop working then cool and resume working?

3. What on earth could have happened to my meter?! It's like 20 years old, had a new battery and worked fine this morning!

[SANTA]

I think it's aliens You'll have to clean your vent and replace that fuse again. Good training.

[RegUS_PatOff]

1. Can a thermal fuse be defective?
2. Are there ANY fuses like on a car that get hot, stop working then cool and resume working?
3. What on earth could have happened to my meter?! It's like 20 years old, had a new battery and worked fine this morning!

1) could be, but not likely
2) there is one, but still seems to be a Vent issue.
3) maybe had it set for OHMs, then used it for voltage

[KurtiusInterupptus]

Hmmm 13 years old... I'd be replacing that front felt glide and rear bearing asm. While I had that beeotch apart again...