Kenmore Dryer Won't Start

[Penniless9081]

Model Number: 110.87892602
Brand: Sears Kenmore
Age: More than 10 years

Hello - We have a Kenmore dryer that has started acting up. The lights and everything on the display seem fine. No error codes. But sometimes (starting to happen more frequently) when pressing the start button on the dryer, nothing happens. I don't hear any clicks, no button sounds, nothing.

From the research I've done, it seems like I should start with replacing the thermal fuse. I have recently cleaned the lint trap and duct to the outside.

The dryer isn't completely dead. I am eventually able to get it started after messing with it for a bit. Sometimes unplugging it for 10 minutes does the trick. Yesterday I messed with it for 10 minutes, pressing various buttons, nothing worked until I took the lint trap out, put it back in, then the thing started right up.

The dryer is old. Almost 20 years old at this point. It doesn't owe me anything and I'm not opposed to buying a new dryer. But if I can fix it for a few bucks to get a few more years out of it I'll go that route.

Any advice is much appreciated.

[Doc Ryan]

A blown thermal fuse would not act intermittently like you are describing. So, I think we can rule that out.

I would look closely at the Door Switch and the Start Button to make sure that one of those isn't failing. Also, the main control board the controls the dryer could be failing too.

[Penniless9081]

Hi Ryan - Thank you for ruling out the thermal fuse. That makes sense.

I honestly think it might be the start button. I'm not really sure how to know for sure though. I guess I would need to get a multimeter on the start button somewhow.

[Doc Ryan]

It looks like the control board that the start button is on is discontinued by the manufacturer. So, if this part is bad, you may not be able to repair it unless you find a used or refurbished part.

[Penniless9081]

I definitely think it's the control board behind the start button. After finicking with it this afternoon I found that gently finessing the start button from side to side will eventually start the dryer. Seems like there's a short in the board or something.

I think this is the part:

https://www.shopjimmy.com/whirlpool-...GjxAXA7sN59F5L

I've also found a few used on eBay. I'm willing to drop 50 bucks on it if it fixes the problem and the dyer lasts for a few more years. I need to do some more research and figure out how to get to the board. I assume if I take the top of the dryer off it should be pretty straightforward to get to.

[Doc Ryan]

Usually you have to remove the top panel by removing to some screws in the back, and then sliding the top cover off. From there you should see how to gain access to that area of the machine.