How much does it cost to replace a heating element in a Kenmore dryer?
For a Kenmore Elite dryer like model 79671512210, heating-element replacement typically runs about $150 to $400 total (part plus labor). The exact cost depends on whether your dryer is electric or gas, and whether the real failure is the heater or a safety device like a high-limit thermostat.
Typical cost breakdown
- Heating element (electric dryers): commonly $60 to $200 for the part
- Service labor: commonly $100 to $200 (often 1 to 2 hours)
- Service call/diagnostic fee: commonly $75 to $125 (may be applied to the repair)
| Scenario | What you pay for | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY electric heater swap | Part only | $60 to $200 |
| Pro electric heater swap | Part + labor | $150 to $400 |
| “No heat” but heater is OK | Diagnosis + small part | $125 to $300 |
Before you buy a heating element: quick checks that often solve “no heat”
Many “Kenmore dryer not heating” calls end up being airflow or thermostat related. We recommend these checks first:
- Clean the lint screen and confirm the lint screen housing is clear.
- Inspect the vent run for crushing, kinks, or heavy lint buildup.
- Confirm strong airflow at the outside vent hood.
- If the dryer overheats or shuts off, suspect a restricted vent and a tripped safety thermostat.
- If the drum turns but heat is inconsistent, temperature sensing parts can be involved.
Parts that commonly affect heat on this model
If your diagnosis points away from the heater itself, these model-compatible parts are often involved:
- Dryer high-limit thermostat 6931EL3003C
- Dryer blower thermostat 6931EL3002M
- Dryer thermistor AGM30045804
Why it matters
Replacing the heating element when the real issue is restricted venting or a failed thermostat can lead to repeat failures. Correct diagnosis protects the new part and restores normal drying times.
For model-specific disassembly steps and access panels, use the 79671512210 owner's manual.
Last updated: February 2026
How to hard reset a Kenmore dryer?
To hard reset your Kenmore Elite dryer model 79671512210, disconnect power long enough to clear the control board, then restore power and try a normal cycle. This reset fixes many temporary glitches such as a frozen display or unresponsive buttons; it does not repair failed parts.
Hard reset steps (safe and effective)
- Turn the dryer OFF.
- Unplug the power cord from the outlet (preferred).
- Wait 1 to 5 minutes.
- Plug the dryer back in.
- Press Power, select a cycle, and press Start.
If you cannot reach the plug:
- Turn the dryer circuit breaker OFF, wait 1 to 5 minutes, then turn it ON.
What a hard reset does (and does not do)
| Situation | Hard reset helps? | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Control panel won’t respond | Yes | Reset, then retry cycle |
| Dryer stops mid-cycle once | Often | Reset, then check venting and load size |
| No heat or long dry times | Sometimes | Check airflow; then test heating components |
| Loud squeal or thump | No | Inspect drum support and belt drive parts |
If the problem comes right back
These checks solve the most common “reset didn’t fix it” issues:
- Clean the lint screen and confirm strong airflow at the outside vent.
- Avoid overloading; heavy loads can trigger overheating or poor drying.
- If the dryer runs but won’t heat consistently, suspect a temperature-sensing or thermostat issue.
- If the dryer won’t start, confirm the door closes firmly and the door switch clicks.
- If you see an error code, use our Kenmore elite dryer error codes guide to match the code to the likely cause.
Why it matters
A hard reset clears a stuck electronic state in the control. If the dryer repeatedly needs resets, the root cause is usually airflow restriction, a failing sensor, or a mechanical drag issue (belt, idler pulley, rollers) that the control cannot “reset away.” For model-specific operating details, follow the 79671512210 owner’s manual.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the codes for Kenmore Elite dryer?
Kenmore Elite dryer error codes are the fault codes your dryer displays to point to a specific problem area (power, controls, keypad, or heating temperature sensing). For Kenmore Elite model 79671512210, start by matching the exact code on the display to the list in the 79671512210 owner's manual.
Common Kenmore Elite dryer codes and what they mean
These are some of the most common codes you may see on Kenmore Elite dryers, along with the usual direction they point you toward:
- PF: Power failure (the cycle was interrupted by a loss of power)
- F:01: Main electronic control board problem
- F:02: Keypad or user interface problem
- F:20: Heater relay problem (heating circuit control)
- F:22 / F:23: Outlet thermistor problem (temperature sensing at the exhaust)
- F:24 / F:25: Inlet thermistor problem (temperature sensing at the intake)
What to do first when a code appears
Before replacing parts, we recommend these quick checks because they solve many code events:
- Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker) for 1 minute, then restore power and retry.
- Confirm the door closes firmly and the latch engages.
- Clean the lint screen and check airflow (restricted venting can trigger heat and sensor-related codes).
- Run a timed dry cycle to see if the code returns under steady conditions.
- If the code is heat or temperature related, stop using the dryer until airflow is corrected.
Parts that commonly relate to heat and sensor codes
If you are seeing thermistor or overheating-related codes repeatedly, these parts are commonly involved on this model:
| Symptom or code family | Most likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| F:22, F:23 (outlet temp sensing) | Exhaust temperature sensing | Dryer thermistor AGM30045804 |
| Overheating, heat cycling issues | Safety temperature limit | Dryer high-limit thermostat 6931EL3003C |
| Heat shuts off too soon or runs hot | Blower housing temperature control | Dryer blower thermostat 6931EL3002M |
Why it matters
Using the correct error code meaning helps you avoid replacing the wrong Kenmore parts and speeds up troubleshooting. It also helps protect key components like the control board, heater circuit, and temperature sensors from repeated overheating or power-interruption stress.
Last updated: February 2026
Where is the model number on Kenmore Elite dryer?
On the Kenmore Elite dryer model 79671512210, the model number is printed on the appliance’s rating label. You’ll usually find that label when you open the dryer door and look around the door opening on the cabinet frame; some units also place it on the back near the top.
Most common places to check
- Open the door and check the cabinet frame around the door opening (left or right side)
- Look just inside the door opening near the lint screen housing area
- Check the back of the dryer cabinet near the top edge
- If your dryer is stacked, check the visible side of the door opening first before pulling it out
What the label looks like (and what to copy)
The rating label typically includes several identifiers. For ordering parts and using documentation, we recommend copying these exactly:
| Item on label | What it’s used for | Example for this dryer |
|---|---|---|
| Model number | Ensures parts fit your exact dryer | 79671512210 |
| Serial number | Helps date and track production | Varies by unit |
| Electrical or gas info | Confirms power or fuel requirements | Varies by unit |
Why it matters
Kenmore Elite dryers often share similar styling across multiple series, but parts like a dryer drum belt, idler pulley, thermistor, or door switch can vary by model. Using the exact model number prevents ordering the wrong replacement part.
Helpful next steps
- Match the label’s model number to your parts list and diagrams in the 79671512210 owner's manual
- If you’re ordering a common wear item, confirm fit by model first (for example, the dryer drum belt 4400EL2001F)
- If the label is hard to read, take a clear photo and zoom in to capture the full model and serial
Last updated: February 2026
Why won't my Kenmore Elite dryer start but has power?
If your Kenmore Elite dryer model 79671512210 has power but will not start, the most common causes are a door not fully latched, a failed door switch, a blown thermal fuse from restricted venting, or a control not seeing the Start command. We start with the door switch and airflow checks because they are fast and high-impact.
Quick checks (fastest fixes first)
- Confirm the door closes firmly; press the door in and try Start again.
- Make sure the cycle is actually selected (not paused) and press and hold Start for 1 to 3 seconds.
- Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker) for 2 minutes, then restore power and retry.
- Check the lint screen and the exhaust vent for heavy lint buildup or a crushed hose.
- If the drum light stays on when the door is shut, the door switch is not closing.
Parts that commonly stop a powered dryer from starting
A “has power” dryer can still refuse to run if a safety circuit is open.
| Symptom you notice | Most likely area | What to check next |
|---|---|---|
| Display lights up, nothing happens when you press Start | Door switch circuit | Test/replace the door switch |
| Starts sometimes, then won’t start again until it cools | Overheat protection | Clean venting; check thermostats/fuse |
| Runs but stops quickly, clothes stay damp | Airflow restriction | Clear venting; inspect blower area |
| No click at all from the door area | Door not latching or switch failed | Inspect latch strike and switch |
When to suspect the door switch
On model 79671512210, a failed door switch is a top cause when the dryer has power but will not run. If the switch does not change state when the door closes, the motor circuit stays open.
- Listen for a distinct “click” when closing the door
- Check for a loose or broken door strike
- If the switch tests open with the door shut, replace it with the correct part
Helpful part: dryer door switch EBF61496102
Why it matters
A no-start condition is often a safety lockout. Fixing the root cause (especially blocked venting) helps prevent repeat failures and reduces overheating stress on components like thermostats and the motor.
Model-specific references
- Use the 79671512210 owner’s manual for the exact Start procedure, cycle selection behavior, and any diagnostic or indicator details.
- If you see an error code, match it using Kenmore elite dryer error codes to narrow the failure to a specific circuit.
Last updated: February 2026





