Kenmore 11078522700 dryer Parts

A Kenmore dryer like model 11078522700 typically lasts 10 to 13 years with normal household use. Regular lint and vent cleaning, correct installation, and replacing wear items (like belts and rollers) on time can push service life closer to 15 to 20 years.

Typical lifespan and what changes it

Most dryers fail early from heat and airflow problems (restricted venting) or from normal wear in the drum drive system.

• Usage volume: multiple loads daily shortens life faster than a few loads weekly
• Airflow: clogged lint screen or vent overheats thermostats and the burner/heater
• Load size: chronic overloading strains the belt, idler pulley, and motor
• Maintenance: periodic internal lint removal reduces fire risk and component stress
• Repair timing: replacing worn parts early prevents secondary damage

Maintenance schedule we recommend

Your 11078522700 manual calls out deeper lint cleaning intervals that matter for longevity; see the 11078522700 owner’s manual.

Task	How often	Why it matters
Clean lint screen	Every load	Keeps airflow strong and drying times normal
Clean exhaust vent run	About every 2 years (more with heavy use)	Prevents overheating and long dry times
Clean inside dryer cabinet (qualified service)	About every 2 years (more with heavy use)	Reduces lint buildup around motor and burner/heater
Check leveling and stability	At install and after moves	Reduces vibration and wear

Parts that commonly limit dryer life

If the dryer runs but squeals, thumps, or stops tumbling, the drum drive parts are often the first wear items to address.

• Drum not turning or slipping: belt 341241
• Loud squeal or poor tension: idler pulley (common wear item)
• Rumbling or scraping: drum support components (rollers/bearings, depending on build)
• No heat or intermittent heat (gas models): igniter, coils, thermostats, airflow restrictions

Why it matters

A dryer that takes longer to dry runs hotter and longer each cycle; that extra heat and runtime accelerates wear on thermostats, the drive motor, and the drum support system.

Last updated: January 2026

For Kenmore dryer model 11078522700, replacing a dryer door switch typically costs about $50 to $150 when you include parts and labor. The switch is a small safety part that tells the dryer the door is closed; if it fails, the dryer often will not start.

What affects the total cost?

• DIY vs. service call: labor is usually the biggest cost driver
• Correct diagnosis: a blown fuse, tripped breaker, or an unlatched door can look like a bad switch
• Part price: door switches are usually inexpensive compared to timers or motors
• Access time: some dryers require more disassembly to reach the switch
• Related wear: a loose latch or strike can cause repeat switch problems

Quick checks before you buy a switch

We recommend these simple checks first because they are common “no start” causes listed for this model.

• Confirm the door is firmly closed
• Press Start firmly and make sure a cycle is selected
• Check the home breaker/fuses (some dryers use two)
• If electric, confirm you have the correct 240V supply
• If the dryer was left in an “off” area, rotate the cycle selector and try again

Common symptoms: bad door switch vs. something else

What you notice	More likely cause	What to do next
Dryer will not run and door feels closed	Door switch not closing electrically	Test switch for continuity; replace if open
Drum light stays on with door shut (if equipped)	Door switch stuck	Inspect switch actuator; replace if sticking
Dryer dead or intermittent	Power supply issue, loose connection	Check breaker/fuses and cord/terminal block
Dryer runs only when you hold the door	Door switch or strike alignment	Inspect latch/strike alignment and switch

Parts that may be involved

If you confirm the switch is the issue, the correct replacement for this model is the dryer door switch WP3406107.

Why it matters

A working door switch helps prevent the dryer from running with the door open and is a key “no start” checkpoint. Replacing it promptly restores normal starting and avoids unnecessary replacement of higher-cost parts like a timer or drive motor.

For model-specific operating and troubleshooting steps, use the 11078522700 owner's manual.

Last updated: January 2026

To test the dryer temperature switch (thermostat) on Kenmore model 11078522700, we unplug the dryer, access the thermostat, and use a multimeter to check for continuity across its terminals at room temperature; a good switch typically reads closed (near 0 ohms). Use the 11078522700 owner's manual for access details and safety notes.

What you’ll need

• Multimeter with continuity or ohms setting
• Phillips or 1/4-in nut driver (common for dryer panels)
• Work gloves
• Vacuum or brush (to clean lint while you’re inside)

Step-by-step: how we test it

1. Disconnect power: Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker).
2. Access the thermostat: Remove the appropriate panel to reach the blower housing or heater/burner area (location varies by design).
3. Label and remove wires: Pull the wire connectors off the thermostat terminals (grab the connector, not the wire).
4. Meter setup: Set the multimeter to continuity (beep) or the lowest ohms range.
5. Test across the thermostat terminals:
   • Touch one probe to each thermostat terminal.
   • At room temperature, most operating thermostats should show continuity (closed circuit).
6. Interpret the reading:
   • 0 to a few ohms (or a beep): thermostat is closed, which is typical when cool.
   • OL / infinite resistance: thermostat is open; if it stays open when cool, it is typically failed.

What the results mean (quick guide)

Meter result (room temp)	What it usually indicates	What to check next
Beep or ~0 ohms	Switch is closed (normal)	Airflow restrictions, cycling behavior, heat source
OL / no beep	Switch is open (often failed)	Confirm correct part, inspect wiring, replace if appropriate
Intermittent readings	Loose terminal or failing switch	Tighten connectors, inspect harness, retest

Why it matters

The temperature switch helps regulate dryer heat. If it fails open, the dryer may run but not heat; if airflow is restricted, the switch can cycle abnormally and cause long dry times.

Related checks we recommend

• Clean the lint screen and inspect the vent for restrictions.
• Confirm the dryer is level and installed correctly using the 11078522700 installation guide.
• If your dryer tumbles but has weak airflow, inspect the blower area; a damaged blower can contribute to overheating or poor drying.

Last updated: January 2026

Common problems with the Kenmore dryer model 11078522700 include no heat, not starting, long dry times from poor airflow, and unusual noises from items in the drum area or worn drive components. Many fixes start with basic checks in the 11078522700 owner's manual and vent cleaning.

Most common symptoms and what usually causes them

• Dryer will not run: tripped breaker or blown fuse, door not fully closed, start button not pressed firmly, or a failed door switch
• No heat (drum turns but clothes stay wet): one side of the 240V supply is out (electric), gas supply valve closed (gas), or a failed thermostat or heat system component
• Takes too long to dry: restricted venting, lint buildup, crushed or long vent run, or clogged lint screen
• Loud or unusual noises: small objects (coins, buttons) between drum and cabinet, dryer not level, or worn drum support parts
• Burning smell or overheating: restricted airflow from lint buildup in the exhaust path

Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)

1. Clean the lint screen before every load (this is one of the biggest airflow and dry-time drivers).
2. Check power correctly: many dryers use two fuses/breakers; the motor can run with no heat if one trips.
3. Confirm the door closes and latches firmly; a bad switch can prevent starting.
4. Inspect venting: use the straightest path possible, seal joints with clamps (not duct tape), and avoid screws that protrude into the duct.
5. Clean the exhaust vent at least every 2 years (more often with heavy use or long vent runs).

Parts that commonly fix these problems on model 11078522700

Symptom	Common part to check	Example part for this model
Won’t start when door is closed	Door switch	Dryer door switch WP3406107
Drum won’t tumble	Drum belt	Belt 341241
Poor airflow or rumbling	Blower wheel	Dryer blower wheel WP694089
Overheats or shuts down	High-limit thermostat kit	Dryer high-limit thermostat W11050897

Why it matters

Most “dryer problems” are really airflow problems. Restricted venting can cause long dry times, overheating, and repeated thermostat or fuse failures. Keeping the lint screen and vent system clean protects the heater/burner, improves performance, and reduces wear on the drive motor.

Last updated: January 2026