Kenmore Dryer 417 Repair Manual

The Kenmore Dryer 417 is a gas or electric dryer model known for its reliability and common repair needs. This manual provides essential information for troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair procedures. Below are key sections covering safety, identification, common issues, step-by-step repair guides, parts replacement, and testing procedures.

1. Model Identification & Specifications 2. Safety Precautions 3. Tools Required 4. Common Symptoms & Diagnostics 5. Step-by-Step Repair Procedures 6. Parts Replacement Guide 7. Testing Electrical Components 8. Reassembly & Final Checks 9. Maintenance Schedule 10. Parts List & Ordering 11. Troubleshooting Flowchart

Model Identification & Specifications

Locate the model number on the serial plate inside the door or on the rear panel. Key specifications for the 417 series.

Feature	Description
Type	Gas or Electric Dryer
Voltage (Electric)	240V AC, 60Hz
Gas Type (Gas Models)	Natural Gas or LP (Propane)
Drum Capacity	7.0 cu. ft.
Heating Element (Electric)	5400 Watts
Igniter (Gas)	Silicon Nitride
Thermal Fuse	Cycling, 194°F (90°C)
Motor	1/3 HP, 120V
Timer	Mechanical or Electronic
Belt	Multi-Rib, 89.5 inches

Safety Precautions

Always disconnect power and gas supply before servicing.

Unplug dryer or turn off circuit breaker.
For gas dryers, shut off gas supply valve.
Allow dryer to cool completely before disassembly.
Wear safety glasses and gloves when handling parts.

WARNING! Risk of electric shock, fire, and gas leaks. Follow all safety procedures. If unsure, contact a qualified technician.

Tools Required

Basic tools needed for most repairs.

Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers.
Nut drivers (1/4" and 5/16").
Putty knife or trim tool.
Multimeter for continuity and voltage tests.
Socket set (including deep sockets).
Needle-nose pliers and wire strippers.

CAUTION! Use proper tools to avoid damage to components or injury.

Common Symptoms & Diagnostics

No Heat (Electric): Check heating element, thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, timer, and cycling thermostat.
No Heat (Gas): Check igniter, flame sensor, gas valve coils, thermal fuse, and high-limit thermostat.
No Start / No Power: Check door switch, start switch, thermal fuse, power cord, and motor.
Not Tumbling: Check drive belt, idler pulley, motor, and blower wheel.
Overheating: Check cycling thermostat, venting, and high-limit thermostat.
Excessive Noise: Check rollers, idler pulley, blower wheel, and drum support.

Step-by-Step Repair Procedures

Access internal components by removing the top panel, front panel, or rear panel as needed.

Top Panel Removal: Insert putty knife at front corners, release clips, lift panel. Front Panel Removal: Remove top panel, disconnect door switch wires, remove screws at sides. Rear Panel Removal: Remove screws around perimeter.

Common repairs: Replacing heating element, thermal fuse, drive belt, rollers, idler pulley, and motor.

Parts Replacement Guide

Heating Element (Electric): Disconnect wires, remove mounting screws, install new element. Thermal Fuse: Located on heater housing or exhaust duct; test for continuity; replace if open. Drive Belt: Remove front panel, release tension from idler pulley, route new belt around drum, motor pulley, and idler. Rollers: Remove front panel and drum; replace worn rollers and lubricate shaft if needed.

Always note wire locations before disconnecting.
Ensure new parts match original specifications.
Test component operation before full reassembly.

Tip: Take photos during disassembly for reference during reassembly.

Testing Electrical Components

Use a multimeter set to ohms (Ω) for continuity tests.

Heating Element: Should show 10-50 Ω; infinite resistance indicates failure.
Thermal Fuse: Should show 0 Ω (continuity); infinite resistance indicates blown.
Thermostats (Cycling/High-Limit): Should show continuity at room temperature.
Motor Windings: Check between common, start, and run terminals for specified resistance.
Igniter (Gas): Should show 50-400 Ω; if cracked or open, replace.
Gas Valve Coils: Typically 500-2000 Ω each.

WARNING! Ensure power is disconnected before testing. Do not bypass safety components.

Accessibility Features

Timer Bypass: For diagnostic purposes, jumper timer contacts to test heating circuit. Manual Start: Bypass door switch to test motor operation (temporary only).

Care & Cleaning

Clean lint filter after every load. Regularly vacuum lint from interior, exhaust duct, and around motor. Inspect and clean venting system annually to prevent fire hazard.

CAUTION! Do not operate dryer without lint filter. Ensure venting is clear and unobstructed.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed. Complies with ANSI Z21.5.1 (Gas Dryers) and UL 2158 (Electric Dryers). Copyright © Sears Brands, LLC. Kenmore is a registered trademark. For genuine parts, visit www.searspartsdirect.com or contact 1-800-469-4663.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Dryer runs but no heat	Heating element, thermal fuse, thermostat	Test and replace faulty heating element, thermal fuse, or thermostat.
Dryer won't start	Door switch, start switch, thermal fuse, power	Check door switch continuity; test start switch; verify power at outlet.
Drum not turning	Broken drive belt, seized idler, motor	Inspect belt; replace if broken. Check idler pulley and motor.
Overheating / shutting off	Blocked vent, faulty cycling thermostat	Clean vent system thoroughly. Test and replace cycling thermostat.
Unusual noise	Worn rollers, idler pulley, foreign object	Inspect rollers and idler; replace if worn. Check for objects in drum.

Reset: Unplug dryer for 2 minutes to reset electronic controls if applicable.

Service: 1-800-469-4663; www.searspartsdirect.com