Dryer repair guides

Our repair guides and videos provide step-by-step instructions for replacing thermal fuses, door switches, heating elements and gas valve coils on your gas or electric dryer. Our dryer repair help section has solutions to common symptoms, as well as troubleshooting tips that cover major brands like Whirlpool, GE, Samsung and Kenmore Elite. Our articles and guides describe diagnostic procedures, error code troubleshooting steps and repairs that are covered in Kenmore dryer repair manuals. Find out which parts need replacing to fix your dryer. Search your model number to find a complete list of replacement parts for your dryer, then order the parts you need.

dryer

Repair guides common to all dryers

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your dryer.

How to replace a heating element in an electric dryer

The heating element in an electric dryer generates the dryer's heat—it's one of the first things to check if the air in the dryer doesn't get warm. If it's damaged, this repair guide will show you how to replace the heating element.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer drum support roller

If your dryer thumps or squeals, replace the drum support roller to restore quiet to your home.

Repair difficulty
Time required
90 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer thermistor

The thermistor senses the air temperature in the dryer. If your dryer overheats or doesn't heat at all, the thermistor could be the problem.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer idler pulley

The idler pulley exerts pressure keeps the drive belt tight so it can rotate the drum. A worn idler pulley squeals or squeaks when the dryer is running. Follow these instructions to replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
90 minutes or less
How to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in an electric dryer

The thermal cut-off fuse shuts off the heat if the dryer overheats when the high-limit thermostat fails. Install a thermal cut-off fuse kit to replace both parts.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in a gas dryer

The thermal cut-off fuse shuts off the heat if the dryer overheats when the high-limit thermostat fails. The thermal cut-off fuse kit includes both parts.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a thermal fuse in a gas dryer

When the air in a gas dryer overheats—usually because the vent is clogged—the thermal fuse blows, stopping the dryer from heating. You can't reset the fuse; you must replace it.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a flame sensor in a gas dryer

If your gas dryer won't heat, a broken flame sensor is one possible cause. This guide and video explain how to replace a dryer flame sensor.

Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer door switch

The dryer won't start if the door switch isn't working correctly. You can install a replacement dryer door switch in less than half an hour, following these steps.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to install a dryer gas valve coil kit

If the dryer heats initially but then stops heating, the problem is usually the gas valve coils. This step-by-step guide explains how to replace the gas valve coils in a gas dryer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
90 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer blower wheel

A rattling noise or lack of air flow through the dryer could indicate that the blower wheel is damaged. Follow the steps in this repair guide to replace the blower wheel in your dryer.

Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer drive belt

If the drive belt breaks, the motor runs but the drum won't rotate. These step-by-step instructions guide you through the repair process.

Repair difficulty
Time required
90 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer drive motor

A defective drive motor struggles to rotate the drum or might not turn the drum at all. Follow the steps in this dryer repair guide to replace a drive motor.

Repair difficulty
Time required
90 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer timer

It's time for a new timer if the timer doesn't move during the cycle or doesn't shut off the dryer when time runs out. Follow these steps to replace it yourself.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
August 1, 2014
Lyle Weischwill
How to replace a dryer push-to-start switch

If the dryer doesn't start when you push the button, or starts even if you don't push the button, replace the push-to-start switch.

Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less

Symptoms common to all dryers

Choose a symptom to see related dryer repairs.

Main causes: bad drum support roller, damaged idler pulley, broken blower fan blade, worn drum glide bearing, bad drive motor
Main causes: bad gas valve coils, broken heating element, tripped safety thermostat or fuse, bad operating thermostat, control failure
Main causes: bad timer or electronic control board, door switch failure
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power cord, wiring failure, bad control board, blown thermal fuse, bad door switch
Main causes: clogged exhaust vent, bad motor relay, loose dryer door catch, bad door switch, control system failure, faulty drive motor
Main causes: damaged door strike, worn door catch
Main causes: door switch failure, lack of power, broken belt, blown thermal fuse, bad drive motor, control system failure
Main causes: clogged exhaust system, heating system failure, deposits on moisture sensor, control system failure

Articles and videos common to all dryers

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your dryer.

October 24, 2022

Easy DIY appliance repairs that anyone can do

Lyle Weischwill

Get advice on simple DIY fixes for appliances that you can safely do on your own.

January 4, 2022

How to replace a Maytag dryer heating element

Lyle Weischwill

Learn how to replace a Maytag dryer heating element

August 17, 2021

How to read a wiring schematic video

Lyle Weischwill

Learn how to decipher symbols so you can buy the right part for your problem.