What is the life expectancy of a Kenmore dryer?
A Kenmore dryer typically lasts 10 to 13 years. For your Kenmore model 11068132413, good airflow and routine cleaning (especially lint and vent maintenance) are the biggest factors that help it reach or exceed that range; poor venting can shorten life.
We see the longest-lasting dryers are the ones that keep heat and airflow working efficiently. Follow the care steps in the 11068132413 use & care manual.
- Clean the lint screen before every load.
- Keep the area in front of the dryer clear so air can move.
- Use rigid, 4-inch metal venting (avoid plastic or foil-style vent).
- Keep the vent run short with as few elbows as possible.
- Remove lint from the entire vent system at least every 2 years.
| Task | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Clean lint screen | Every load | Prevents overheating and long dry times |
| Vacuum lint screen housing area | As needed | Reduces lint buildup inside the cabinet area |
| Clean full vent run to outside | Every 2 years | Maintains airflow and protects key components |
| Check vent material and routing | Anytime drying slows | Crushed/kinked venting strains the heater and motor |
These symptoms often point to wear in the drive system, heating system, or airflow path:
- Drying times keep getting longer even after vent cleaning
- Repeated “no heat” situations or overheating shutdowns
- Loud rumbling/squealing (often drum support or idler wear)
- Drum not turning consistently
- Frequent service codes or recurring electrical issues
A dryer’s lifespan is closely tied to airflow. When venting is restricted, the dryer runs hotter and longer, which increases wear on parts like the motor, heater, thermostats, and thermal cutoffs. The venting guidance in the 11068132413 installation instructions is the best baseline for protecting performance and longevity.
Last updated: January 2026
What does PF stand for on a Kenmore dryer?
On Kenmore dryer model 11068132413, PF stands for power failure. It means the drying cycle was interrupted because the dryer lost electrical power (even briefly), so the control displayed PF to let you know the cycle did not finish normally. See the 11068132413 use & care manual.
In most cases, you can clear the message and continue drying once power is stable:
- Touch START to clear the PF message.
- Press and hold START/PAUSE to resume the cycle.
- If the load cooled down, consider restarting the cycle from the beginning.
- If PF returns repeatedly, check the home power supply and the dryer connection.
PF is usually not a failed dryer part; it is a power interruption. Typical causes include:
- Brief outage or power flicker in your home
- Tripped breaker or blown fuse (electric dryers often use two fuses/breakers)
- Loose power cord at the outlet or loose terminal block connections
- Using an extension cord (not recommended for dryers)
- Power supply issues such as low line voltage
Use this checklist before scheduling service:
| What to check | What you are looking for |
|---|---|
| Breaker/fuses | Both dryer circuits are on and not tripped |
| Outlet/cord | Plug is fully seated; cord is not damaged |
| Terminal block area | No burning smell, melted wire, or loose connections |
| Cycle behavior | PF appears right after starting or mid-cycle |
If you suspect a cord issue, match the replacement to your outlet type (3-prong vs 4-prong). For example, a 4-prong option is dryer 4-prong power cord, 4-ft, 30-amp PT400L.
A PF message tells you the load may be left damp and the cycle settings may not have completed as intended. Repeated PF events can also point to a wiring or power-supply problem that can cause other symptoms like no heat or the dryer not starting.
For more Kenmore code help, use our Kenmore 110 series electronic control model dryer error codes guide.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I reset my Kenmore dryer?
To reset your Kenmore dryer model 11068132413, we recommend a simple power reset: turn the dryer off, unplug it (or switch off the breaker) for about 1 minute, then restore power and start a new cycle. This clears many control glitches and “PF” power-failure messages.
- Touch Power to turn the dryer off.
- Unplug the dryer (or turn off both dryer breakers if it’s hardwired).
- Wait 60 seconds.
- Restore power.
- Select a Timed Dry heated cycle and press and hold Start/Pause (up to 3 seconds) to begin.
For control-panel basics and cycle behavior, see the 11068132413 use & care manual.
On this model, a “reset” won’t fix an underlying power, door, or safety issue. Check these common causes:
- Door not fully closed: the door switch must close.
- Start/Pause not held long enough: hold Start/Pause up to 3 seconds.
- House power issue: electric dryers typically need two fuses/breakers working.
- Cycle knob not on a cycle: “--” can appear when the knob isn’t set to a cycle.
If the door feels closed but the dryer acts like it isn’t, inspect the dryer door switch W11036551.
Some messages clear with a reset, but they also point to what to check next.
| Display/message | What it usually means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| PF | Power failure interrupted the cycle | Press Start to clear, then restart the cycle |
| L2 | Low or no line voltage (heater may not heat) | Check both breakers, cord/terminal connections, then retry a heated cycle |
| Check Vent light | Restricted airflow | Clean lint screen and confirm vent is not crushed or clogged |
For more code help by dryer family, use our Kenmore 110 series electronic control model dryer error codes.
A power reset is great for clearing a temporary control lockup, but repeated “PF,” “L2,” or airflow warnings usually mean the dryer is protecting itself. Fixing the root cause prevents no-heat, long dry times, and nuisance shutdowns.
Last updated: January 2026





