Kenmore Gas Dryer Repair Manual Videos

This resource provides comprehensive video guides for repairing Kenmore gas dryers. Below are key sections covering safety precautions, common issues, step-by-step repair procedures, troubleshooting, and maintenance tips to help you diagnose and fix your dryer efficiently and safely.

Safety First

Before starting any repair, ensure your safety and prevent damage to the appliance.

Precaution	Description
Disconnect Power	Unplug dryer from electrical outlet or turn off circuit breaker.
Gas Supply	Shut off gas valve at the supply line before working on gas components.
Ventilation	Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid gas accumulation.
Personal Protective Equipment	Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect against sharp edges.
Capacitor Discharge	Discharge the start capacitor (if present) to avoid electrical shock.
Fire Safety	Keep a fire extinguisher nearby when testing gas ignition.
Stable Surface	Place dryer on a stable, flat surface to prevent tipping.
Check for Leaks	After reconnecting gas, use soapy water to check for leaks before use.

Tools & Parts Needed

Gather these tools and common replacement parts before beginning repairs.

1. Basic Tools: Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, nut drivers, adjustable wrench, pliers.
2. Multimeter: For testing electrical continuity, voltage, and resistance.
3. Vacuum & Brush: For cleaning lint from internal components.
4. Common Parts: Thermal fuse, heating element (for electric models), igniter, flame sensor, gas valve coils, drive belt, idler pulley, rollers, door switch.
5. Sealant: High-temperature sealant for vent connections.

WARNING! Use only manufacturer-approved replacement parts. Incorrect parts can cause safety hazards.

Common Problems & Diagnosis

Identify symptoms to pinpoint the faulty component.

1. Dryer Won't Start: Check power supply, door switch, thermal fuse, start switch, and timer.
2. No Heat (Gas): Test igniter, flame sensor, gas valve coils, gas supply, and thermostats.
3. Drum Not Turning: Inspect drive belt, idler pulley, motor, and drum rollers.
4. Overheating: Clean lint filter and venting; check cycling thermostat and vent restrictor.
5. Unusual Noises: Look for worn rollers, blower wheel issues, or foreign objects in drum.
6. Gas Smell: Immediately shut off gas and check for leaks at connections and valve.

CAUTION! If you smell gas strongly, evacuate and call your gas company. Do not operate switches or create sparks.

Disassembly Guide

• Accessing Interior: Remove top panel by releasing clips or screws at the rear.
• Front Panel: Open door, remove screws from inside the door frame, lift panel off.
• Console/Control Panel: Remove screws, gently pry up, disconnect wire harnesses.
• Drum Removal: Remove front panel, loosen belt tension, slide belt off motor pulley, lift drum out.
• Rear Panel: Remove screws to access motor, blower, and heating assembly.
• Gas Valve Access: Located at the rear bottom; may require removal of rear or bottom panel.
• Video Tip: Take photos during disassembly to aid reassembly. Keep screws organized.

Heating System Repair

Gas dryers use an igniter and gas valve to produce heat. Key components: igniter, flame sensor, gas valve coils, thermostats, thermal fuse.

Testing Igniter: Use multimeter on ohms setting; should show continuity (20-50 ohms). No continuity means replace.

Testing Flame Sensor: Located near burner; should show continuity. Clean with emery cloth if dirty.

Testing Gas Valve Coils: Check each coil for continuity (approx. 500-1000 ohms).

Thermal Fuse: Located on blower housing or heating assembly. Test for continuity; if open, replace.

Video Procedure: Shows step-by-step testing and replacement of each component.

Drum & Belt Replacement

Common issues: squeaking, thumping, or drum not turning.

1. Unplug dryer and remove front panel.
2. Release belt tension by pushing idler pulley.
3. Slide belt off motor pulley and drum.
4. Inspect belt for cracks or wear; replace if damaged.
5. Check drum rollers and idler pulley for smooth rotation; replace if noisy or seized.
6. Lift drum out to inspect rear glides and bearing.
7. Reinstall new belt, ensuring proper routing per diagram.
8. Reassemble and test run without heat to ensure smooth operation.

Tip: Apply a small amount of dryer drum roller lubricant to new rollers for quiet operation.

Ignition System Fix

If dryer runs but no heat, focus on ignition system.

1. Remove rear panel to access igniter and gas valve.
2. Visually inspect igniter for cracks or breaks.
3. Test igniter resistance (should glow orange when powered).
4. Check flame sensor for proper positioning and cleanliness.
5. Test gas valve solenoid coils for continuity.
6. Ensure gas supply valve is fully open.
7. Reassemble, restore power and gas, and start a cycle to observe ignition sequence.
8. If igniter glows but no gas flows, faulty gas valve or control board likely.

WARNING! Never bypass safety components. Always test with a multimeter.

Timer & Control Panel

Timer or electronic control board issues can cause no start, no heat, or cycle problems.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Dryer won't start	Faulty timer motor or contacts	Test timer for continuity in each mode; replace if defective.
Cycle doesn't advance	Stuck timer knob or bad motor	Manually advance knob; if still stuck, replace timer.
No heat (controls)	Faulty thermostat or control board	Test thermostats for continuity; inspect board for burnt traces.
Buttons unresponsive	Worn membrane or bad control board	Check for continuity on membrane switches; replace control panel if needed.

Note: On electronic models, error codes may display; refer to manual for code meaning.

Venting & Airflow

Proper venting is critical for efficiency and safety.

Cleaning Vent System: Disconnect vent hose from dryer and wall. Use vacuum and vent brush to remove lint from hose, dryer exhaust port, and external vent.

Inspecting Vent Hose: Use rigid metal ducting, not plastic or foil, which can trap lint and is a fire hazard.

Checking Airflow: With dryer running, feel for strong airflow at external vent. Weak airflow indicates a blockage.

Vent Restrictor: Some models have a switch to sense blocked vent; test if faulty.

CAUTION! Never operate dryer without lint filter or with a blocked vent. This can cause overheating and fire.

Reassembly & Testing

After repairs, reassemble carefully and perform safety checks.

1. Reverse disassembly steps, ensuring all panels are securely fastened.
2. Reconnect all wire harnesses and ground wires.
3. Reconnect vent hose securely with clamp.
4. Plug in dryer and turn on gas supply.
5. Test for gas leaks at connections with soapy water solution (bubbles indicate leak).
6. Run a heat cycle without clothes to verify ignition, heating, and drum rotation.
7. Listen for unusual noises and monitor for proper shutdown.
8. If issues persist, re-check your work against the video guide.

Final Check: Ensure no tools or parts are left inside the dryer cabinet.

Troubleshooting Flowchart

Use this quick guide to diagnose common Kenmore gas dryer issues.

Dryer Won't Start: Check power → Door switch → Thermal fuse → Start switch → Timer/Motor.

Dryer Runs, No Heat: Check igniter glow → Flame sensor → Gas valve coils → Gas supply → Thermostats → Control board.

Drum Not Turning: Check drive belt → Idler pulley → Motor → Drum rollers.

Overheating: Clean lint filter and vent → Check cycling thermostat → Verify proper installation.

Unusual Noise: Identify source (front/rear) → Inspect rollers, blower wheel, belt, foreign objects.

Gas Odor: Shut off gas immediately → Check all connections for leaks → Replace faulty valve if needed.

Reset: Unplug for 5 minutes to reset electronic controls.

Service: For complex issues or if uncomfortable with gas repairs, contact a qualified technician.