Where is the model number on a Kenmore Elite dryer?
On a Kenmore Elite dryer like model 11096742702, the model number is printed on the model/serial number plate. We typically find it inside the door opening on the cabinet frame; open the door and check the rim around the opening.
Where to look first (fast checklist)
- Open the dryer door and inspect the cabinet frame around the opening
- Check the top edge of the door opening
- Check the left and right side edges of the opening
- Look for a sticker or metal plate labeled Model and Serial
- Wipe lint and residue off the area so the print is readable
Other common label locations
If you do not see it in the door opening, these are the next most common places to check:
- On the inside surface of the door
- On the rear panel of the dryer cabinet
- Near the lower front area behind the toe panel (on some builds)
What the label is used for (and why it matters)
The model/serial plate is the reference for the exact configuration of your dryer. We use it to match the correct Kenmore parts and procedures, especially for gas components and service specs.
| What you need | Where it’s found | Why we ask for it |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (example: 11096742702) | Model/serial number plate | Ensures correct part fit and diagrams |
| Serial number | Same plate | Helps confirm production version |
Tips if the label is hard to read
- Shine a flashlight across the label at an angle
- Take a close-up photo and zoom in
- If the sticker is worn, copy down every character you can and compare to the format shown in the 11096742702 owner’s manual
Last updated: February 2026
How do I know if my Kenmore dryer thermal fuse is blown?
A blown thermal fuse on your Kenmore Elite dryer model 11096742702 typically shows up as a dryer that will not run at all, or a dryer that tumbles but has no heat. The sure way to confirm is a continuity test with a multimeter after unplugging the dryer.
Quick symptoms to look for
- Dryer won’t start (no motor run, no tumble)
- Drum turns but there’s no heat (clothes stay damp)
- Dryer stops mid-cycle and won’t restart until it cools (often tied to overheating)
- You recently noticed restricted airflow (long dry times, very hot cabinet)
How we confirm a blown thermal fuse (basic continuity test)
- Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker).
- Access the thermal fuse (location varies by design; follow the access steps in the 11096742702 owner’s manual).
- Remove at least one wire from the fuse terminal.
- Set a multimeter to continuity or ohms.
- Touch probes to the fuse terminals:
- Good fuse: continuity (beep) or near 0 ohms
- Blown fuse: no beep or OL/infinite resistance
Don’t miss these common “no heat” look-alikes
Your manual notes that a tripped breaker or blown house fuse can leave the drum turning with no heat. Before replacing parts, check these items first:
| What you see | Common cause | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Tumbles, no heat | One leg of power lost (electric) or supply issue | House fuses/breaker, terminal block, cord |
| No heat (gas model) | Gas supply issue | Gas shutoff valve open, gas supply present |
| Won’t run | Door not latching or start not held | Door fully closed, press/hold Start 2 to 5 seconds |
Why it matters
The thermal fuse is a safety device that opens when the dryer overheats. If it’s blown, replacing it without fixing the airflow problem (crushed vent, lint blockage, failed blower) can lead to repeat failures and poor drying performance.
Helpful related DIY content
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes Kenmore Elite dryers?
Kenmore Elite dryers (including model 11096742702) are sold under the Kenmore brand, but they are built for Kenmore by major appliance manufacturers. For many Kenmore Elite dryers, the actual manufacturer varies by model and production run, so the most reliable way to identify yours is by checking the model’s documentation and ID label.
How to identify who built your specific Kenmore Elite 11096742702
Use these quick checks to confirm the manufacturer behind your dryer:
- Look for the model and serial tag (commonly on the door opening or cabinet) and note any manufacturer codes.
- Check the parts list and diagrams in the 11096742702 owner's manual; the platform family and service info often align with a specific manufacturer.
- Compare common platform parts used on this model, such as the dryer drum support roller WPW10314173 or dryer repair kit 4392067, which are frequently associated with Whirlpool-built designs.
- If you are troubleshooting, match symptoms to the correct platform style before ordering parts.
- When in doubt, use the model number 11096742702 when searching parts to ensure fit.
Common Kenmore manufacturing partners (what “Kenmore” means)
Kenmore is a brand, not a single factory. Over the years, Kenmore appliances have been produced by multiple manufacturers. For dryers, the most common builders include:
| Kenmore brand line | Who builds it | What changes for you |
|---|---|---|
| Kenmore / Kenmore Elite | Varies by model | Parts, wiring, and diagnostics depend on the platform |
| Same-looking models | Not always the same builder | Controls and heating systems can differ |
Why it matters
Knowing who built your Kenmore Elite dryer helps you choose the right troubleshooting steps and the correct replacement parts (for example, drum support components, idler pulley parts, or gas ignition parts). Ordering by the exact model number 11096742702 is the best way to stay accurate.
Last updated: February 2026
What year is my Kenmore dryer model?
For Kenmore Elite dryer model 11096742702, the model number by itself does not identify the exact year it was built. To get the manufacturing year, we use the serial number from the rating label and decode it using the format shown in the 11096742702 owner's manual.
How to find the information you need
Look for the rating label (model and serial tag) and write down:
- The full serial number (letters and numbers)
- The full model number: 11096742702
- The fuel type (this model family is shown as a gas dryer in the manual)
- Any suffixes or color codes shown on the label
How the year is determined (what to decode)
For Kenmore 110-series dryers, the serial number is what ties to a production date. Once you have it, decode:
- Year code (often a letter or digit in a specific serial position)
- Week or month code (used to narrow the date within the year)
- Plant code (helps confirm the correct decoding chart)
If you are comparing multiple Kenmore dryer date charts online, use the one that matches Whirlpool-built Kenmore 110 models (many Kenmore dryers were built by different manufacturers, and the serial formats differ).
Quick check: model family vs. exact build year
The manual shows this dryer in the 110.9674* model family (with a color code placeholder), which helps confirm you are looking at the right documentation, but it still does not pinpoint the build year without the serial.
| What you have | What it tells you | What it does not tell you |
|---|---|---|
| Model number (11096742702) | Series/family and parts compatibility | Exact manufacturing year |
| Serial number | Manufacturing date (year and week/month) | Nothing, if it is missing/illegible |
Why it matters
Knowing the manufacturing year helps us match the correct parts (like a drum support roller, idler pulley, or thermistor) and avoid ordering a look-alike part that fits a different production run.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with Kenmore dryers?
Common problems on Kenmore dryers like model 11096742702 include no heat, long dry times from restricted airflow, the dryer not starting, the drum not turning, and unusual noises from worn drum support parts. Our 11096742702 owner's manual troubleshooting section covers several of these symptoms.
Most common symptoms and what they usually mean
- Dryer will not run: power supply issue, door not fully latched, or Start button not held long enough
- No heat (drum turns but clothes stay damp): tripped breaker or blown fuse, gas supply valve closed (gas models), or a failed heat-related component
- Long drying times: lint screen clogged, vent crushed/blocked, or blower airflow problem
- Drum not turning: belt or idler system problem, drum rollers binding, or motor issue
- Loud thumping/squealing: worn drum support rollers, idler pulley wear, or blower wheel damage
Quick checks we recommend first (fast, no parts)
- Confirm power: the manual notes checking the household fuse/circuit breaker and that the dryer is plugged into a grounded outlet.
- Check the door latch: if the door is not firmly closed, the control can beep and the dryer will not start.
- Hold Start 2 to 5 seconds: large loads can require a longer press.
- Clean airflow path: clean the lint screen every load and inspect the vent run for crushing or blockage.
- Watch for codes: the manual mentions AF (airflow/vent restriction) and L2 (home power supply issue affecting heat).
Parts that commonly fix noise or no-tumble complaints
If your 11096742702 is noisy or the drum movement feels rough, these model-compatible parts are common fixes:
- Support WPW10314173 (drum support roller)
- Dryer idler pulley 279640 (keeps belt tension correct)
- Dryer blower wheel WP697772 (restores airflow if cracked/stripped)
| Symptom | Most likely area | Typical result |
|---|---|---|
| No heat | Power supply, gas supply, heat sensors/ignition | Drum turns but no temperature rise |
| Long dry time | Venting, lint screen, blower airflow | Clothes take multiple cycles |
| Loud noise | Rollers, idler pulley, blower wheel | Thumping, squeal, rumble |
Why it matters
Airflow and drum support issues do more than cause inconvenience; restricted venting can trigger AF-type airflow problems and dramatically increase drying time, while worn rollers or an idler pulley can lead to belt wear and a no-tumble failure.
Last updated: February 2026





