Why Is My Kenmore 80 Series Dryer Not Heating?

When your Kenmore 80 Series dryer runs but doesn’t produce heat, you’re left with damp clothes and mounting frustration. Fortunately, many heating issues can be resolved without calling a professional.

This guide will walk you through the most common reasons why your Kenmore 80 Series dryer isn’t heating properly and how to fix them.

How to Troubleshoot a Kenmore 80 Series Dryer Not Heating

Here are the top reasons your Kenmore 80 Series dryer isn’t heating and what you can do about them.

1. Blown Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents overheating by cutting power to the heating element if temperatures get too high. Once blown, it must be replaced.

A blown thermal fuse is often caused by restricted airflow, usually from a clogged dryer vent. Before replacing the fuse, clean your dryer’s ventilation system to prevent the new fuse from blowing again.

Here’s how to check and replace the thermal fuse:

1. Unplug the dryer.
2. Remove the back panel to access the thermal fuse (usually located on the blower housing or exhaust duct).
3. Disconnect the wires from the fuse terminals.
4. Test the fuse with a multimeter set to continuity mode. No continuity means the fuse is blown.
5. Install a compatible replacement fuse and reconnect the wires.
6. Reassemble the dryer.

2. Faulty Heating Element

The heating element generates heat in electric dryers. If it burns out or breaks, your dryer will tumble but won’t produce heat.

To check and replace the heating element:

1. Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel.
2. Visually inspect the coiled wire element for breaks or burn marks.
3. Test for continuity across the heating element terminals. A reading between 5-50 ohms indicates it’s good.
4. If faulty, disconnect the wires, remove the mounting brackets, and replace with a compatible element.
5. Reassemble the dryer.

3. Tripped Circuit Breaker or Power Issues

Your Kenmore 80 Series electric dryer requires 240 volts to operate properly. If one leg of power is out, the dryer will run but won’t heat.

To check your power supply:

1. Verify the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. If it has, reset it.
2. If you have a multimeter, check the outlet voltage. You should get approximately 240 volts.
3. If your breaker keeps tripping, consult an electrician.

4. Defective Gas Valve Solenoids (For Gas Models)

If you have a gas dryer that’s not heating, the problem might be the gas valve solenoids. These components open to allow gas flow to the burner assembly.

To check the gas valve solenoids:

1. Unplug the dryer and turn off the gas supply.
2. Remove the lower front panel to access the gas valve assembly.
3. Use a multimeter to check each solenoid for continuity (should read between 1,000-2,000 ohms).
4. If any solenoid fails, replace the entire gas valve assembly.

5. Faulty Cycling Thermostat or High-Limit Thermostat

The cycling thermostat regulates the temperature inside your dryer. The high-limit thermostat shuts off heat if the dryer gets too hot. If either fails, your dryer might not heat properly.

To check and replace a thermostat:

1. Unplug the dryer and remove the back panel.
2. Locate the thermostats (small, round devices mounted to the heating element housing or exhaust duct).
3. Test with a multimeter set to continuity mode. At room temperature, both should show continuity unless the high-limit has tripped.
4. Replace any defective thermostats with compatible replacements.

6. Clogged Dryer Vent

A clogged dryer vent is not only a common cause of heating problems but also a fire hazard. When your vent is blocked, hot air can’t escape, causing the dryer to overheat.

Here’s how to check and clean your dryer vent:

1. Unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall.
2. Disconnect the vent hose from the back of the dryer.
3. Check for lint buildup in the hose and clean it out.
4. Check the wall vent outside your home and remove any obstructions.
5. Consider using a dryer vent cleaning kit for thorough cleaning.
6. Reconnect the vent hose, ensuring all connections are secure.

Maintain your vent system by removing lint from the trap after every load and cleaning the entire vent system at least once a year.

When to Call a Professional

While many heating issues can be fixed with basic DIY skills, some problems require professional assistance. Consider calling a technician if:

• You’ve checked all the components above and your dryer still won’t heat.
• You’re not comfortable working with electrical components or gas appliances.
• Your dryer is making unusual noises or showing signs of other problems.
• The issue seems to be with the main control board.

Final Thoughts

A Kenmore 80 Series dryer that runs but doesn’t heat is typically suffering from one of the issues outlined above. By following this troubleshooting guide, you can identify and fix many common problems yourself.

Always prioritize safety by unplugging your dryer before attempting repairs and turning off the gas supply if you have a gas model. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the lint trap and periodically checking the vent system, can help prevent many heating problems and extend the life of your dryer.

If your dryer still isn’t heating after trying these solutions, consult with a professional appliance repair technician or consider whether the cost of repairs makes sense compared to the price of a new dryer.