Kenmore Elite 11097729701 dryer Parts

If your Kenmore Elite dryer model 11097729701 won’t start or the drum turns but there’s no heat, a blown thermal fuse is a top suspect. We confirm it by doing a continuity test with a multimeter, then fixing the airflow problem that caused it.

What you’ll notice first

Common symptoms that point to a blown thermal fuse include:

• Dryer will not run at all (no motor operation)
• Drum turns but there is no heat (often confused with a tripped breaker)
• Cycle starts, then stops quickly
• Repeated “no heat” complaints even after cleaning the lint screen

How we confirm it (quick test)

1. Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker).
2. Access the thermal fuse (location varies by design; follow the disassembly steps in the 11097729701 owner’s manual).
3. Remove at least one wire from the fuse terminal.
4. Test with a multimeter on continuity/ohms.

Interpreting the meter reading

Meter result	What it means	What to do next
Beep or near 0 ohms	Fuse is good	Keep troubleshooting heat/run issues
No beep or OL/infinite	Fuse is blown	Replace the fuse and correct venting

Fix the root cause: airflow restriction

A thermal fuse usually opens because the dryer overheated from poor airflow. Before running the dryer again:

• Clean the lint screen and the lint screen housing
• Inspect the vent hose for kinks, crushing, or long runs
• Clear lint buildup in the wall duct to the outside
• Confirm the outside damper opens freely
• Make sure the dryer is not pushed tight against the vent

Why it matters

The thermal fuse is a safety device; replacing it without correcting venting often leads to another no-heat or no-start failure. The manual also notes that “no heat” can be caused by a blown household fuse or tripped breaker even while the drum turns, so checking power is part of the same diagnosis.

Last updated: January 2026

For Kenmore Elite dryer model 11097729701, a hard reset is simply removing power long enough to clear the electronic control; unplug the dryer (or switch the breaker off) for about 1 to 5 minutes, then restore power and try starting a cycle again. Use the 11097729701 owner's manual for the exact control steps for your panel.

Quick reset steps (works for most electronic Kenmore dryers)

• Unplug the dryer or turn the circuit breaker OFF.
• Wait 1 to 5 minutes.
• Restore power.
• Close the door fully.
• Press and hold START for about 3 seconds to begin a cycle.
• If you need to clear a running cycle first, press STOP twice.

If the dryer still will not start after a reset

A reset clears the control, but it will not fix a failed safety device or airflow problem. Check these common causes:

• Door not fully closed or latch not engaging.
• Control is locked (Control Locked feature enabled).
• Restricted venting causing overheating and shutdown.
• Failed drive system parts (belt, idler, rollers) preventing the drum from turning.
• Motor issue or a heat-related safety trip.

Common parts involved (when symptoms match)

Symptom	What it often points to	Example part for this model
Dryer runs but makes thumping/squealing	Worn drum support components	Support WPW10314173
Dryer hums but drum will not turn	Belt/idler problem	Dryer idler pulley 279640
Dryer runs but shuts down or dries poorly	Airflow restriction, lint buildup	(Clean venting and lint path)

Why it matters

Resetting is a fast way to clear a stuck control state, but repeated shutdowns usually mean the dryer is protecting itself. Fixing airflow and worn moving parts helps prevent overheating, long dry times, and repeat no-start problems.

Last updated: January 2026

For the Kenmore Elite dryer model 11097729701, the most common problems are no heat or weak heat, long dry times, squealing or thumping noises, and drum not turning. These issues usually trace to airflow restrictions, wear parts in the drum drive system, or gas-heat ignition components.

Most common symptoms and what typically causes them

• No heat (gas model): failed igniter, weak gas valve coils, or a safety device opening due to overheating
• Long dry times: clogged lint screen or venting, restricted blower housing, or poor airflow
• Squealing or grinding noise: worn idler pulley, drum support components, or belt-related wear
• Drum not turning: broken belt or a seized pulley, sometimes a failing drive motor
• Shuts off too soon or cycles oddly: temperature sensing issues (thermistor) or overheating from blocked venting

Parts that commonly fix these problems

If your symptoms match, these model-compatible parts are frequently involved:

Symptom	Common part to check	Example part on this model page
No heat / intermittent heat	Gas ignition and valve components	Igniter 279311, dryer gas valve coil kit 279834
Squealing / drum drag	Idler and drum drive wear parts	Dryer idler pulley 279640, dryer repair kit 4392067
Long dry times	Airflow and lint path components	Screen W10120998, dryer blower wheel WP697772
Overheating / no heat after overheating	Safety cut-off components	Dryer thermal cut-off kit WP8573713
Erratic temperature control	Temperature sensor	Dryer thermistor WP8577274

Quick checks we recommend before replacing parts

1. Clean the lint screen and confirm it is not torn or warped.
2. Inspect the exhaust duct for kinks, crushing, or heavy lint buildup.
3. Listen at startup: a click and glow with no flame often points to coils; loud squeal points to the idler.
4. Check drum movement by hand (power off): rough rotation suggests pulley or support wear.
5. Confirm strong airflow at the outside vent hood.

Why it matters

Dryer problems often stack; a restricted vent can cause overheating that trips safety cut-offs and shortens the life of ignition and drive components. Fixing airflow first helps the 11097729701 dry faster and protects parts like the motor, thermistor, and burner system.

For model-specific disassembly steps and diagrams, use the owner's manual.

Last updated: March 2026