How to tell if a dryer start switch is bad?
A bad start switch on your Kenmore 11067442600 often shows up as a dryer that will not run even though a cycle is selected and you press the PUSH TO START button firmly. The most reliable confirmation is a continuity test of the push-to-start switch with a multimeter; it should change state when pressed (see the owner's manual).
- Dryer does nothing when you press PUSH TO START (no motor sound)
- Dryer only runs while you keep the button pressed (won’t latch into running)
- Intermittent starting; you have to press multiple times
- Button feels loose, sticks, or does not “click” normally
- You smell a faint electrical odor near the console (stop using and unplug)
Before blaming the start switch, we check the basics called out for “dryer will not run”:
- Confirm the dryer door is fully closed and latching
- Make sure a cycle is selected (not sitting in an Off area)
- Press the Start button firmly
- Verify power: electric dryers typically need full 240V; a tripped breaker or blown fuse can prevent starting
- If the drum light works but the motor will not run, keep troubleshooting; power can still be partially lost
- Unplug the dryer (or shut off power at the breaker).
- Access the console and locate the push-to-start switch.
- Label and remove the wires from the switch terminals.
- Set a multimeter to continuity or lowest ohms.
- Test the switch:
- Not pressed: typically shows no continuity
- Pressed: should show continuity (near 0 ohms)
If the readings do not change when pressed, replace the switch. For this model, the matching part is the dryer push-to-start switch WP3977456.
| Test result | What it points to | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Continuity changes correctly when pressed | Start switch is likely OK | Check door switch, timer, thermal cut-off, motor circuit |
| No change in continuity | Start switch failed | Replace dryer push-to-start switch WP3977456 |
| Intermittent continuity | Worn contacts | Replace the switch |
The start switch is the “momentary” command that tells the timer/control circuit to energize the drive motor. When it fails, the dryer can look completely dead even though the rest of the controls appear normal.
If you’re ordering parts for Kenmore 11067442600, we list model-matched parts on this page; you can also search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What are common problems with Kenmore dryers?
Common problems on the Kenmore 11067442600 dryer include no heat or long dry times, won’t start, won’t tumble, and unusual noises. Most of these issues trace back to airflow restrictions (lint or venting), normal wear items (belt, rollers), or a failed safety/control part.
- No heat or weak heat: tripped breaker or blown fuse (electric dryers often use 2), failed heating circuit parts, or restricted venting that overheats the dryer
- Long dry times: clogged lint screen, crushed/blocked vent (airflow problem), or a partially failing heater
- Dryer won’t start: door not fully closed, Start not pressed firmly, incorrect cycle position, or a failed switch
- Drum won’t spin (motor runs or hums): broken belt or worn drum support components
- Loud thumping/squealing/grinding: worn drum support parts, foreign objects at drum edges, or blower wheel issues
- Confirm the dryer is getting the correct power; electric dryers need 240V and often have two fuses/breakers.
- Make sure a cycle is selected and the Start button is pressed firmly.
- Verify the door closes fully; a bad door switch can prevent starting.
- Clean the lint screen and check the vent path for crushing or blockage.
- Listen for the type of noise (thump vs squeal vs scraping) to narrow the likely wear item.
| Symptom | Common fix part | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Drum won’t tumble | Dryer drum belt 341241 | Turns the drum using the motor pulley and drum |
| No heat | Dryer element 279838 | Produces heat for drying |
| Won’t start when door is shut | Dryer door switch WP3406107 | Confirms the door is closed so the dryer can run |
| Overheats or stops heating | Dryer thermal cut-off fuse kit 279816 | Safety cutout for overheating conditions |
| Rumbling or thumping | Dryer repair kit 4392065 | Common wear items often replaced together |
Airflow problems (lint buildup, blocked venting) can cause long dry times, overheating, and repeated failures of heat safety parts. Fixing venting and replacing the correct wear part usually restores normal drying and prevents repeat breakdowns.
- Use the 11067442600 owner's manual for troubleshooting steps like power checks, start conditions, and unusual sound guidance.
- Use the 11067442600 installation guide for venting and installation checks that directly affect drying performance.
- For ordering, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the life expectancy of a Kenmore dryer?
A Kenmore dryer typically lasts 10 to 13 years with normal household use. Your Kenmore 11067442600 can often run longer when airflow is kept strong (clean lint screen and venting) and common wear parts are replaced as needed; see the owner's manual for the maintenance schedule.
Most dryers fail early due to heat and airflow stress, not age alone. These factors have the biggest impact:
- Loads per week (heavy use shortens life)
- Restricted venting (overheats the heater and safety thermostats)
- Lint buildup inside the cabinet
- Worn drum support parts (belt, rollers, idler style parts)
- Power supply issues (especially on electric dryers)
Your manual calls out periodic lint removal inside the cabinet and exhaust vent. We recommend this routine:
- Clean the lint screen every load
- Check airflow at the outside vent hood; strong, steady flow matters
- Clean the exhaust vent run about every 2 years (more often with heavy use)
- Have lint removed inside the dryer cabinet about every 2 years (more often with heavy use)
- Stop using the dryer if you smell overheating; correct venting before running again
When a dryer is otherwise in good shape, replacing wear parts is often the difference between a quick fix and a noisy, unreliable machine.
| Symptom | Common wear item | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Drum will not turn, motor runs | Drum belt | Dryer drum belt 341241 |
| Long dry times, overheating | Heater or airflow-related parts | Dryer element 279838 |
| Squealing, thumping, rumbling | Drum support components | Dryer repair kit 4392065 |
A dryer that runs hot or takes too long to dry clothes wears out the heating system, thermostats, and motor faster. Keeping airflow clear and replacing a belt or drum support parts on time helps your Kenmore 11067442600 reach its full service life.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 11067442600 from the parts list for this model, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





