How to hard reset a Kenmore dryer?
To hard reset your Kenmore Elite dryer model 11087872100, disconnect power to clear the control for a fresh restart. Unplug the dryer (or switch off the breaker) for 1 to 5 minutes, then restore power and try a normal cycle.
- Turn the dryer OFF.
- Unplug the power cord; if it’s hardwired, turn OFF the dryer circuit breaker.
- Wait 1 to 5 minutes.
- Restore power.
- Select a Timed Dry cycle and press Start.
- If the display is still unresponsive, check the home breaker panel for a tripped breaker.
A reset helps when the control is “stuck”, but it won’t fix a failed safety switch or drive issue. These are the most common next checks:
- Confirm the door fully closes; a bad door switch can prevent starting.
- Listen for a click when closing the door; no click often points to the switch.
- Check for a broken belt; some dryers won’t run if the belt is snapped.
- If the motor hums but the drum won’t turn, inspect the idler pulley and belt path.
- For gas models, a no-heat complaint after reset can point to ignition components.
| Symptom after reset | Most likely area to check | Related part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| No response, won’t start | Door switch, power supply | Dryer door switch W10820036 |
| Runs but drum won’t turn | Belt, idler pulley | Belt 341241, dryer idler pulley WP691366 |
A hard reset clears temporary control glitches and can restore normal operation quickly. If the problem returns, focusing on the door switch, belt, and drive system helps you move from “resetting” to a lasting repair.
Related help: Kenmore elite dryer error codes
Last updated: January 2026
How do I find the cubic feet of my dryer?
For your Kenmore Elite dryer model 11087872100, cubic feet (capacity) is the volume of the dryer drum. The most reliable way is to measure the drum’s inside diameter and depth, then calculate volume; most full-size dryers land around 6.0 to 7.5 cu. ft.
Unplug the dryer first. Open the door and measure the drum interior as best you can.
- Diameter (D): straight across the drum, inside wall to inside wall
- Depth (L): from the inside front lip to the back wall (not the door)
- Measure in inches for an easy conversion
- Take 2 diameter measurements at different angles and average them
- Avoid measuring over baffles (drum fins); measure the smooth drum wall
A dryer drum is close to a cylinder.
| What you have | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter (D) and depth (L) in inches | Volume (cu in) = π × (D/2)² × L | Use π ≈ 3.1416 |
| Volume in cubic inches | Cubic feet = (cu in) ÷ 1728 | 1728 cu in = 1 cu ft |
Example setup (use your numbers):
- D = 27 in, L = 22 in
- cu in = 3.1416 × (13.5)² × 22
- cu ft = cu in ÷ 1728
These ranges help confirm your measurements are reasonable.
- Compact dryers: about 3.5 to 4.5 cu. ft.
- Most full-size dryers: about 6.0 to 7.5 cu. ft.
- Extra-large models: about 7.5 to 9.0 cu. ft.
Knowing cubic feet helps us match the right drum load size, compare replacement options, and troubleshoot performance issues like long dry times (often tied to airflow, lint buildup, or drive issues such as a worn belt 341241).
If your dryer shows an error code while you’re diagnosing performance, use our Kenmore elite dryer error codes guide to narrow down the cause.
Last updated: January 2026
Where is the model number on Kenmore Elite dryer?
On a Kenmore Elite dryer, the model number is typically printed on a rating label on the cabinet frame around the door opening; for model 11087872100, check just inside the door first, then check the back panel near the top.
- Inside the dryer door opening on the cabinet frame (most common)
- On the back of the dryer cabinet near the top edge
- Along the side panel edge near the door opening
- On the lower front frame area behind the door
- Open the dryer door and look for a white or silver sticker on the cabinet frame (not the door itself).
- Wipe dust off the label so you can read the full number.
- Write down the entire model number exactly as shown (for example, 11087872100).
- If the label is missing or unreadable, use a part already confirmed for your dryer to help match the correct parts list.
Once you locate the model number, we use it to match the correct diagrams and parts for your Kenmore Elite dryer, including common wear items like the belt 341241.
| Label location | What you’ll usually see | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Door opening (cabinet frame) | Model and serial number | Best for accurate parts matching |
| Back panel (near top) | Model and electrical/gas info | Helpful if the door label is damaged |
Kenmore model numbers can look similar across different series; using the exact model number ensures you get the right fit for parts like the drum belt, idler pulley, door switch, and gas ignition components.
Last updated: January 2026
How do I get my dryer out of lock mode?
On the Kenmore Elite dryer model 11087872100, lock mode (control lock) is usually turned off by pressing and holding the Control Lock button for about 3 to 5 seconds until the lock indicator turns off or you hear a beep.
- Press Power/Cancel once to wake the control panel.
- Find the button labeled Control Lock (sometimes it is a secondary function printed near another key).
- Press and hold that button for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Confirm the lock light/icon turns off.
- Try selecting a cycle and pressing Start.
Some Kenmore 110-series dryers use a different key for lock (for example, a button like End of Cycle Signal or Dryness Level). Use this process:
| What you see on the console | What to do |
|---|---|
| A lock icon or “LOC” stays on | Press and hold the button that has “Control Lock” printed near it for 3 to 5 seconds |
| No lock label anywhere | Press and hold the most likely “secondary function” key for 3 to 5 seconds, one at a time, until the lock clears |
| Dryer will not start and door feels “unlatched” | Check the door closes firmly and the latch engages |
When control lock is on, the dryer can look “dead” even though it has power; unlocking restores normal cycle selection and prevents unnecessary part replacement.
If the lock clears but the dryer still will not run, these are common next checks:
- Door not fully closed or a failed door switch
- Blown thermal fuse or restricted venting
- Failed drive motor or broken belt
If the door is shutting but the dryer still will not start, the door switch is a common suspect on this model; see the dryer door switch W10820036.
Last updated: January 2026





