How to tell if a dryer heating coil is bad?
A bad heating coil (heating element) in your Kenmore electric dryer model 11068133414 usually causes no heat, weak heat, or very long dry times. The sure way to confirm is a multimeter continuity test on the element after disconnecting power; use the owner's manual for access and safety steps.
Signs the heating coil is failing
- Dryer tumbles but clothes stay cold or damp
- Heat is intermittent (warms briefly, then goes cool)
- Dry times suddenly get much longer on the same cycle
- Burning smell or visible scorching near the heater area (stop using until inspected)
- “L2” diagnostic code can appear when low line voltage keeps the heater from turning on
How we test the heating coil (continuity)
- Unplug the dryer; for a hardwired unit, switch off both breakers.
- Access the heater housing (panel locations vary by design).
- Pull at least one wire off the element terminal.
- Set a multimeter to ohms (Ω) and test terminal to terminal.
- Test each terminal to the metal heater housing.
| Meter result | What it means | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance reading (not OL) | Element has continuity | Check airflow and heat safety parts next |
| OL or infinite | Element is open (failed) | Replace the element |
| Continuity to metal housing | Element is shorted to ground | Replace the element |
Rule out common “no heat” causes first
- Check both house breakers or fuses; electric dryers use two
- Run a Timed Dry heated cycle (not Air Only)
- Clear lint screen and inspect venting for kinks, crushing, or heavy lint buildup
Parts that often relate to no-heat
Why it matters
Restricted airflow can overheat the heater circuit and repeatedly blow a thermal fuse; fixing venting helps the new heating element last.
You can order replacement parts from the parts list for model 11068133414, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
Is it worth replacing the heating element in a dryer?
Yes, it’s usually worth replacing the heating element in your Kenmore electric dryer model 11068133414 when the dryer still runs, tumbles normally, and is otherwise in good condition. A failed heater is a common, fixable problem, and replacing it often restores normal drying performance for far less than replacing the dryer.
When replacing the heating element makes sense
We recommend replacing the heater when the symptoms point to a heat-only failure (not a major mechanical or control issue):
- The drum turns but clothes stay cold or take much longer to dry
- You have proper airflow and a clean lint screen, but there’s still no heat
- The dryer is getting the correct power supply (electric dryers need 240V or 208V)
- The rest of the dryer is quiet and stable (no loud squealing, grinding, or heavy thumping)
- You want to extend the life of the dryer with a targeted repair
For this model, the correct replacement heater is the dryer heating element WP3387747.
Check these first (it can look like a bad heater)
Your manual notes that an electric dryer can tumble with no heat if a breaker trips or a fuse opens because electric dryers use two fuses or two breakers. Use the owner's manual troubleshooting checks before ordering parts.
- Reset both dryer breakers (or replace both fuses if your home uses fuses)
- Confirm the dryer is on a heated cycle (not “Air Only”)
- Verify the dryer is plugged in and the door fully closes
- Inspect and clear the venting for restrictions (poor airflow can trigger overheating protection)
Common “no heat” parts and what they do
If power and airflow are good, heat problems are typically in the heater circuit. Here’s a quick guide for this Kenmore 11068133414:
| Symptom | Likely area | Example part for this model |
|---|---|---|
| Tumbles, no heat | Heater circuit | Dryer heating element WP3387747 |
| Heats briefly, then stops | Overheat protection | Thermal fuse W10909685 |
| Overheats or cycles heat oddly | Temperature sensing/control | Dryer thermistor WP8577274 |
Why it matters
A dryer that tumbles but doesn’t heat wastes time and energy, and repeated overheating from blocked venting can blow a thermal fuse again. Fixing the root cause (airflow, power, and the failed part) helps the repair last.
You can order replacement parts for Kenmore 11068133414 from 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 electric dryer model 11068133414 can often run longer when airflow is kept strong (clean lint, clear venting) and common wear parts are replaced as needed; see the owner's manual.
Typical lifespan and what affects it
Most dryers fail early from heat and airflow stress, not from the drum itself. These factors have the biggest impact:
- Loads per week (heavy daily use shortens life)
- Restricted venting (overheats the heater and safety fuses)
- Lint buildup inside the cabinet or blower housing
- Worn drum support parts (rollers, idler pulley, belt)
- Electrical issues (loose power cord, weak outlet, tripped breaker)
Parts that commonly extend dryer life
If your dryer is noisy, squealing, thumping, or taking longer to dry, replacing wear parts early prevents bigger damage.
| Symptom | Common cause | Example part for 11068133414 |
|---|---|---|
| Thumping or rumbling | Worn drum rollers | Dryer drum support roller WPW10314173 |
| Squealing | Worn idler pulley | Dryer idler pulley W10837240 |
| Long dry times, weak airflow | Damaged blower wheel or lint blockage | Dryer blower wheel WP697772 |
| No heat or overheating shutdown | Heater or heat safety parts failing | Dryer heating element WP3387747 |
Maintenance checklist (best return for the effort)
We recommend these habits to keep a Kenmore electric dryer running at full heat and safe airflow:
- Clean the lint screen every load; wash it with mild soap monthly if you use dryer sheets
- Check the vent hood outside; make sure the flap opens strongly during a cycle
- Keep the vent run short and smooth; avoid crushed or kinked ducting
- Vacuum lint around the dryer and behind it regularly
- If drying slows down, stop using it until you correct airflow (this prevents blown fuses)
Why it matters
A dryer that runs hot because of poor venting can trip safety devices and shorten the life of the heating system. Keeping airflow strong and replacing wear parts on time is the most reliable way to push lifespan past the typical 10 to 13 years.
For replacement parts for model 11068133414, use the parts list for this model or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026





