Hi all. I have a Kenmore laundry center model number 417.90802990. I'm not sure if I am having two separate problems with it or if they are related. First, the dryer starts as soon as the timer is moved from the off position without having to turn the start dial. I am assuming this is indicative of a faulty start switch, but I'm not sure.

The second issue is that the dryer runs for about 5-10 minutes and shuts off. It makes some strange sound as if something inside is shaking/shuttering just before it shuts off. It really sounds similar to the washer in spin cycle when the load is unbalanced. When it does shut off, it won't start again for about 15-30 minutes, sometimes longer. The timer mechanism appears to continue working during the time that it is not running, because it counts down and the buzzer sounds at what would be the end of the cycle. I'm not sure if the dryer/motor is overheating or if the start switch is causing this problem. I pulled the control panel and noticed that one of the wires on the temperature selector dial was burned, not all the way through, but enough to discolor the wire.

Any tips on figuring this out would be greatly appreciated as there are no service techs within about 30 miles of me and I'd really like to get this straightened out in the next day or two.

Regards,
Patrick

Hi Patrick,

Sounds like just one problem. The motor. The contacts in the motor switch are burned and stuck together. It's probably running on both the start and run windings. If you're thinking about replacing the motor, let me know and I'll look up the part number for you.

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ONLINE SERV TECH: ApplianceBlog.com ApplianceJunk.com
LINCOLN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE:..................... 1977-1979
CERTIFIED TYPE 1; TYPE 2.....REFRIGERATION SERVICE E.S.

Yes, I agree completely with Rick.

Here's the cheapest price I found for your dryer motor for your model:
Manufacturer's Number: 5303937189

5303937189

If you purchase parts from our links here and you install them and it doesn't fix the problem, you have a 30 day full refund when you return them.

Jake

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Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

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Thanks for the help, Rick and Jake. Now the next question, how do I get to the motor to replace it? As best I can tell, there are four screws on the top of the dryer and some clips that hold the front panel (door) on the dryer. Do I just take that panel off to access the motor or does the side panel have to come off as well? I've changed belts and elements in dryers before, but I've never taken one of these stacked units apart, so I want to make sure it is something fairly simple before I go tearing it apart.

Thanks,
Patrick

And just to be sure, that 30-day return deal is good with www.appliancepartspros.com or is it just the links in your signature?

Here's the instructions on how to get access to the dryer motor:
http://www.applianceaid.com/washerFrigstack.html
Start reading were it says:
Need to get into the dryer...these should help...

The 30 day return policy is good when you order any part from our site's links and banners.

Yes, appliancepartspro its good there as well.

But you would need to click through on the links I post, so they can track it back to your order you placed from our website here.

So you would just click here:
Manufacturer's Number: 5303937189

5303937189

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

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Thank you so much for the help, Jake. I'll get that motor ordered using the link you provided.

Regards,
Patrick

Sounds good Patrick,

Let us know how it goes.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances

Hey guys, I installed the new motor yesterday afternoon (got it from appliancepartspro.com) and it is working like new again. I'm sure you saved me at least $200 over having someone come out here to check it out and then come back to fix it. Thank you so much for the help.

Cheers,
Patrick

Excellent Patrick, good job fixing it.

Jake

__________________
Appliance Repair School 1987-1988
Star Appliance Tech. 2 yrs. 1988-1990
Wards Appliance Tech. 11 yrs. 1990-2001
Sears Appliance Tech. 4 yrs. 2001-Oct. 2005
Jake's Appliance Repair Nov. 2005-present

If you need more repair advice help on your appliance, click Here

Look-Up & Order Parts

Shop Home Appliances