Kenmore Elite HE3 Dryer Repair Manual

The Kenmore Elite HE3 is a high-efficiency electric or gas dryer known for its large capacity, multiple drying cycles, and advanced moisture sensing technology. This repair manual covers safety precautions, diagnostic procedures, common troubleshooting steps, and part replacement guides for models in the HE3 series. Below are key sections for safety, features, diagnostics, repair procedures, and maintenance.

1. Safety Precautions 2. Model Identification & Features 3. Tools & Test Equipment 4. Diagnostic Error Codes 5. Disassembly Instructions 6. Common Component Testing 7. Heating System Repair 8. Drum & Belt Replacement 9. Control Board Diagnostics 10. Reassembly & Testing 11. Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Safety Precautions

Before attempting any repair, disconnect power at the circuit breaker or unplug the dryer. Allow time for components to cool. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Hazard	Precaution
Electrical Shock	Verify power is disconnected with a multimeter before touching terminals.
High Temperature	Do not touch heating element, exhaust duct, or motor immediately after use.
Gas Leaks (Gas Models)	Check for leaks with soap solution after reconnecting gas line. Do not use open flame.
Moving Parts	Ensure drum is completely stopped before reaching inside.
Sharp Edges	Wear gloves when handling internal sheet metal or drum baffles.

Model Identification & Features

Locate the model and serial number tag on the dryer frame near the door opening or on the rear panel.

Key components: Electronic control board, moisture sensors, heating element (or gas burner assembly), drive motor, blower fan, belt, idler pulley, thermal fuses, thermistor.
Features: Sensor Dry cycles, Wrinkle Guard option, End of Cycle signal, adjustable temperature settings, large capacity drum.

WARNING! Verify you have the correct repair manual for your specific model number. Using incorrect procedures can cause damage or injury.

Tools & Test Equipment

Basic tools required for most repairs.

Multimeter: For continuity and voltage testing.
Nut Drivers & Sockets: 1/4" and 5/16" sizes common.
Putty Knife or Trim Tool: For prying open housing clips.
Long-Nose Pliers & Wire Cutters: For manipulating connectors.
Phillips Screwdriver: #2 size.
Vacuum: For cleaning lint from internal ducts.

Diagnostic Error Codes

The control panel may display error codes to aid troubleshooting.

Code	Description	Likely Cause
F1	Control Board Failure	Faulty main control or user interface board.
F2	Thermistor Open/Short	Failed temperature sensor or wiring.
F5	Blower Motor Issue	Obstructed airflow, faulty motor, or blocked vent.
F7	Heating Element Fault (Electric)	Open heating element or thermal fuse.
F9	Gas Ignition Failure (Gas Models)	Faulty igniter, gas valve, or flame sensor.

Disassembly Instructions

General steps to access internal components.

Unplug dryer and move away from wall.
Remove top panel: Insert putty knife under front edge near each corner to release spring clips, lift top and prop open.
Remove front panel: Open door, remove screws at inner door frame, lift panel up and off.
Access drum: Release tension on belt, slide belt off motor pulley, tilt drum forward to remove.

Tip: Take photos during disassembly to aid reassembly. Keep screws organized.

Common Component Testing

Use a multimeter set to Ohms (Ω) for continuity tests (power disconnected).

Thermal Fuse: Should show continuity (0-1 Ω). Infinite resistance means blown fuse.
Heating Element (Electric): Should show 10-50 Ω. Check for continuity to ground (should be infinite).
Drive Motor Windings: Check between common, start, and run terminals for expected resistance per manual.
Door Switch: Should show continuity when door is closed, open circuit when door is open.
Moisture Sensor Bars: Clean with rubbing alcohol; test for continuity.

Heating System Repair

Electric Models:

Locate heating element housing at rear of drum.
Disconnect wires and remove mounting screws.
Inspect element for breaks or blisters. Replace if faulty.
Test and replace thermal cut-offs and high-limit thermostat in series with the element.

Gas Models:

Access burner assembly at bottom front.
Test igniter for continuity (20-50 Ω). Replace if open.
Check flame sensor for proper positioning and cleanliness.
Verify gas valve solenoid coils have proper resistance.

CAUTION! On gas models, always perform a leak check after any repair involving gas lines.

Drum & Belt Replacement

For noisy operation or drum not turning.

Disassemble to access drum as in Section 6.
Inspect belt for wear, cracks, or glazing. Replace if damaged.
Check idler pulley for smooth rotation. Replace if squeaky or seized.
Inspect drum rollers and rear glides for wear. Replace if worn or cracked.
Lubricate roller axles with a light appliance grease if specified.
Reinstall belt, ensuring it is routed correctly around motor pulley and idler.

Control Board Diagnostics

Symptoms: No display, unresponsive buttons, cycles not starting.

Verify 120V AC to the main control board.
Check all wire harness connections for corrosion or looseness.
Inspect board for visible damage (burn marks, bulging capacitors).
If error codes point to board failure, consider replacement. Note: Control boards are often model-specific.

Reset: Unplug dryer for 5 minutes to perform a hard reset on the electronic controls.

Reassembly & Testing

After repair, reassemble in reverse order of disassembly.

Ensure all wires are routed away from moving parts and heat sources.
Verify all ground wires are securely attached.
Do not fully tighten screws until all panels are aligned.
Plug in dryer and run a no-heat (Air Fluff) cycle to test motor and drum rotation.
Run a timed dry cycle to test heating system. Monitor for proper operation.

Final Check: Ensure lint filter is clean and exterior vent is unobstructed.

Troubleshooting Flowcharts

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Dryer won't start	Power, door switch, start switch	Check circuit breaker, test door switch, test start switch on control panel.
No heat (Electric)	Element, thermal fuses, thermostat	Test heating element continuity, test thermal fuses and high-limit thermostat.
No heat (Gas)	Igniter, gas valve, flame sensor	Test igniter, verify gas supply, clean or replace flame sensor.
Drum not turning	Belt, motor, idler pulley	Inspect belt, test motor windings, check idler pulley for seizure.
Clothes remain damp	Moisture sensors, venting, heating	Clean moisture sensor bars, check for restricted venting, verify heat is produced.
Excessive noise	Rollers, glides, foreign objects	Inspect drum support rollers and rear glides, check for objects in blower fan.

Service Contact: For professional service or genuine Kenmore parts, call 1-800-422-1230 or visit www.searspartsdirect.com.