How much does it cost to replace a heating element in a Kenmore dryer?
For Kenmore Elite dryer model 11086747701, replacing the heating element typically costs about $100 to $350+ total: roughly $50 to $120 for the part (depending on whether you replace just the element or related wiring) plus labor if you hire service. Confirm your exact procedure in the 11086747701 owner's manual.
- DIY parts only: about $50 to $150
- Professional repair (parts + labor): about $150 to $350+
- Extra parts sometimes needed: wire terminals, thermal cutoffs, or thermostats if heat damage occurred
| Scenario | What you pay for | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| DIY element swap | Heating element (and possibly wire kit) | $50 to $150 |
| Pro repair | Diagnostic + labor + parts | $150 to $350+ |
| Heat issue plus safety parts | Element + thermostat/thermal parts | $200 to $450+ |
If your dryer overheated, short-cycled, or had a burnt connection, the repair often includes more than the element.
- Dryer heating element WP8544771 (the heater itself)
- Dryer heating element wire kit 279457 (helps when terminals are heat-damaged)
- Dryer high-limit thermostat WP8557403 (can open if the dryer overheats)
Heating elements usually fail faster when airflow is restricted. A crushed or blocked vent can also trigger airflow-related symptoms and longer dry times, which increases heat stress on the heater circuit.
- Clean the lint screen and confirm it is seated correctly
- Check that the exhaust duct is not kinked or crushed
- Make sure the dryer is on the correct power supply (electric dryers need full 240V)
- If the dryer runs but does not heat, plan on testing the heater circuit components together
Last updated: February 2026
How to reset a Kenmore Elite dryer?
To reset your Kenmore Elite dryer model 11086747701, we recommend doing a simple power reset: turn the dryer off, disconnect power for 1 minute, then restore power and start a new cycle. This clears most control glitches and restores normal operation.
- Press STOP twice to end the current cycle.
- Unplug the dryer (or switch the breaker OFF).
- Wait 1 minute.
- Restore power.
- Close the door firmly.
- Select a cycle, then press and hold START for about 3 seconds.
For the exact stop, restart, and control lock behavior on this model, follow the steps in the 11086747701 owner's manual.
These checks solve the most common “dead control” or “won’t start” complaints after a reset:
- Confirm the door is fully closed and latched.
- Press and hold START for 2 to 5 seconds (large loads can require a longer press).
- Check household power: electric dryers typically need two breakers/fuses; one tripped breaker can let the drum run but prevent heat.
- If Control locked is on, press and hold CYCLE SIGNAL for 3 seconds to unlock.
- If the dryer shut off after sitting, reselect the cycle; the control can power down if START is not pressed within about 5 minutes.
A reset is usually one of the actions below; it depends on what you are trying to clear.
| What you want to fix | What to do | What it affects |
|---|---|---|
| Glitchy display or unresponsive keys | Unplug 1 minute, restore power | Control electronics reboot |
| Wrong cycle running | Press STOP twice, pick a new cycle, hold START | Ends current cycle and restarts selection |
| Buttons not working due to lock | Hold CYCLE SIGNAL 3 seconds | Unlocks the control panel |
Resetting the control is the fastest safe first step before replacing parts. If the dryer still will not run after a proper reset, the issue is usually power supply, a door switch/latch problem, or a control-related fault.
Last updated: February 2026
How to take off the front panel of a Kenmore dryer?
For the Kenmore Elite 11086747701 dryer, we remove the front panel by disconnecting power first, then taking off the dryer door (hinge screws on the front panel) and removing the front-panel mounting screws so the panel can lift off and expose internal parts like the drum, belt, and blower housing. See the 11086747701 owner’s manual for the exact screw locations.
- Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker) before servicing.
- If the dryer is hard-wired, disconnect power before touching any wiring.
- Wear cut-resistant gloves; cabinet edges can be sharp.
- Use a container for screws so none fall into the cabinet.
- If you need to move the dryer, use two people to prevent injury.
- Disconnect power.
- Open the door and remove the 5 hinge screws that secure the door hinge to the front panel.
- Lift the door off and set it on a protected surface.
- Remove any remaining screws that secure the front panel to the cabinet (commonly along the top edge and/or inside the door opening).
- Pull the front panel slightly forward, then lift it up and off the lower retaining tabs/clips.
- If your model has any wiring attached to the front panel (such as a door switch harness), disconnect the wire connector before fully removing the panel.
| Area you’re trying to reach | Common parts involved | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Squealing or thumping drum | Rollers, idler pulley, belt path | Support WPW10314173, dryer idler pulley 279640 |
| Poor airflow or rumbling | Blower housing and wheel | Dryer blower wheel WP697772 |
| No heat or overheating symptoms | Heating circuit components | Dryer heating element WP8544771 |
Removing the front panel the right way prevents bent cabinet panels, stripped screw holes, and broken door-switch wiring. It also gives you the access you need to inspect wear items (rollers, idler pulley, blower wheel) that commonly cause noise and performance problems.
Last updated: February 2026
What does F70 mean on a Kenmore dryer?
On Kenmore Elite dryer model 11086747701, an F70 code is an electronic service code that indicates the dryer needs diagnosis of the control system. Start with a power reset and basic power and connection checks, then follow the service-code guidance in the 11086747701 manual.
- Unplug the dryer or switch both breakers off for 2 minutes.
- Restore power; then press and hold START to restart the cycle.
- If the display shows PF (power failure), restart the cycle after power is stable.
- Confirm the dryer is fully plugged in and the cord is secure.
- Verify the door is fully closed and the controls are set to a running cycle.
F70 is handled as a control-related service condition. The most productive checks focus on the control path between the console and main control:
- Loose wire harness plugs at the console or main control
- Power supply issues that interrupt the control electronics
- A failed electronic control component (main control or user interface)
| When the code appears | Most likely area to check first | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Immediately when starting | Console to control connections | Reset; reseat harness connections |
| After a power flicker | Home power supply | Check breakers, outlet, cord |
| Returns right after reset | Control electronics | Schedule service-level diagnosis |
An F70 service code stops normal operation; checking power and connections first prevents repeat shutdowns and helps avoid replacing parts that are not actually causing the fault.
For additional Kenmore code definitions and patterns, use our Kenmore elite dryer error codes reference alongside the model manual.
Last updated: February 2026





