How do I know if my dryer start switch is bad?
If your Kenmore dryer model 41788056700 has power but will not start when you press Start, the start switch is a top suspect. With the dryer unplugged, a multimeter continuity test should show the switch changes state when pressed; if it stays open, the switch is bad.
- Confirm the plug fits tightly in the outlet and the cord is fully seated.
- Check the house breaker or fuse; a tripped breaker or blown fuse can stop the dryer from starting.
- Make sure the door is fully closed and latching normally.
- If the drum was moving and then the dryer stopped, wait for it to stop completely before reaching inside.
- Unplug the dryer.
- Access the console area where the wiring diagram is typically located (inside the console or under the top panel); use the 41788056700 owner's manual for safe access guidance.
- Remove at least one wire from the start switch terminal so you are not reading through the rest of the circuit.
- Set your multimeter to continuity or the lowest ohms setting.
- Test the switch:
- Not pressed: meter should read open (no continuity).
- Pressed: meter should read closed (continuity, near 0 ohms).
| Test result | What it usually indicates | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| No change when pressed (always open) | Failed start switch | Replace the start switch |
| Always shows continuity | Stuck/shorted switch | Replace the start switch |
| Switch tests good | Problem elsewhere (door switch, thermal limiter, timer/control, wiring) | Continue troubleshooting |
The Use and Care information for this Kenmore dryer points to several frequent causes when a dryer does not start:
- Loose power cord connection at the outlet
- Blown fuse or tripped circuit breaker
- Thermal limiter tripped (requires correcting the overheating cause and replacing the limiter)
- Control or wiring issue (use the wiring diagram location noted in the documentation)
A bad start switch prevents the motor circuit from energizing, so the dryer can look normal (lights on, timer advances) but never begin tumbling. Testing the switch first helps you avoid replacing higher-cost parts unnecessarily.
Last updated: January 2026
How to hard reset a Kenmore dryer?
To hard reset a Kenmore dryer model 41788056700, unplug it (or switch off the breaker) for 1 to 5 minutes, then restore power and press START. This clears many temporary control glitches; if the dryer still will not run or heat, a safety device or airflow problem is usually the real cause.
- Turn the dryer OFF.
- Unplug the power cord (or turn OFF the circuit breaker).
- Wait 1 to 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Close the door firmly and press START.
- If the drum was running, wait for it to stop completely before reaching inside (door-open stops the dryer).
A hard reset will not correct a failed part or unsafe operating condition. These checks solve most “won’t start” and “won’t heat” complaints:
- Airflow restriction: clean the lint screen, check the vent duct for kinks, crushing, or heavy lint buildup.
- Overheating protection tripped: a blown limiter can stop heat; on this model, a common safety part is the dryer thermal limiter 134120900.
- Heating problem: if the dryer runs but does not heat, the heater circuit may be involved; the frigidaire dryer heating element assembly 131553900 is a common replacement item.
- Door not latching: if the door switch is not being engaged, the dryer may not start; inspect the latch area and strike.
- Drum not turning: if the motor runs but the drum does not, inspect the belt and idler; the frigidaire dryer drum belt 134503600 is a frequent wear item.
| What you see | What it usually means | What to check first |
|---|---|---|
| Dead, no lights | Power supply issue | Breaker, outlet, cord connections |
| Runs but no heat | Heater circuit or airflow | Venting, limiter, heating element |
| Hums but will not turn | Belt or drum support drag | Belt, idler, drum bearing |
| Stops mid-cycle | Overheating or airflow | Lint screen, vent duct, limiter |
Resetting clears a temporary control state, but dryers also have built-in safety protections that shut down heat or operation when airflow is poor or temperatures rise too high. Fixing venting and worn parts prevents repeat shutdowns and improves drying performance.
For model-specific operating and safety guidance, follow the 41788056700 owner's manual.
Last updated: January 2026
How much does it cost to replace a heating element in a Kenmore dryer?
For Kenmore dryer model 41788056700, the heating element part typically runs about $50 to $150, and the total installed cost is commonly $150 to $350 when you include labor. If the dryer is not heating, we also check airflow and safety cutoffs first using the 41788056700 owner's manual.
- Heating element assembly (part only): usually $50 to $150
- Service call and labor: usually $100 to $250
- Related parts sometimes needed: thermal limiter, high-limit thermostat, wiring repair
- DIY cost: usually the part cost only (plus basic tools)
| Scenario | What you pay for | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY element replacement | Part only | $50 to $150 |
| Pro replacement (straightforward) | Part + labor | $150 to $350 |
| Pro repair with extra diagnosis/parts | Part + labor + additional parts | $250 to $450 |
On this Kenmore dryer, “runs but won’t heat” is often caused by more than just the element. The manual’s troubleshooting checklist calls out items like a tripped thermal limiter and household power issues (for example, one blown fuse can let the drum run while heat stays off). Use the checks in the 41788056700 owner's manual before ordering parts.
- Confirm the dryer has full power (electric models often use two fuses/breakers)
- Clean the lint screen and verify strong vent airflow
- Check for an overheat condition that could trip a limiter
- Inspect wiring connections for heat damage
If testing shows the safety cutoff opened due to overheating, replacing the cutoff without fixing airflow can cause repeat failures.
- Dryer thermal limiter 134120900 (common “no heat” cause when tripped)
- Kelvinator dryer high-limit thermostat 3204267 (can open on overheating)
- Dryer thermistor 134587700 (temperature sensing issues can affect heat control)
A dryer that tumbles but does not heat can be a simple element failure, but it is also a common symptom of restricted venting or a tripped safety device. Fixing the root cause helps prevent repeat breakdowns and overheating.
Last updated: January 2026





