This is probably similar to questions already asked and answered, but I don't know what model numbers are similar to mine. I can't find any references to my exact model number, but I can lookup parts on repairclinic.com just fine.

I have a gas Kenmore model 110.78942892 and everything seems to work fine except there is no heat. This was a sudden change from one day to the next, not a gradual change.

Are there any similar manuals available with diagnostics covering this model? Looking at the parts list there are several obvious things which could potentially cause this (igniter, gas valve solenoid, venting, etc), but I am not sure how to test the components and in what order.

Thanks,

Paul

Hi Paul,

The most common part to go out in gas dryers is the gas coils.

Here's a help link that explains what to test, and a guide to access the gas coils:
http://www.applianceaid.com/gas_dryer.html#noheat

Having a volt/ohm meter is a must for testing.

Here's the gas coil kit for your model:
Manufacturer's Number: 279834

279834

Jake

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Jake,

Thanks for the reply. I am failing the very first test, which is to check that I have 110 at the first connector in the very front of the unit that leads first to the coils.

Unfortunately, that step is assumed to pass, and there are no further diagnostics for that! I assume that is a problem with a timer or controller board?

My next dumb question is where to find instructions for cracking the controller assembly. I can pop the top of the dryer off and pivot it backwards, but it is not obvious how the head comes apart. There were some screws through a sheet metal piece on the back, but removing them didn't seem to loosen anything. The head itself is screwed onto the dryer top with the screw heads inside the head, so obviously it was mounted before the head was closed up.

Thanks,

Paul

Hi Paul,

#59 here:
http://content.searspartsdirect.com/...0225-00003.png
is your thermal fuse, its white and it mounts on your blower wheel housing.

Here's the thermal fuse for your model:
Manufacturer's Number: 3390719



If your not getting 110 volts to the first connector, then its possible the thermal fuse is blown, you can jump it just to test for 110 volts, or ohm it for continuity with the dryer unplugged.

You mean getting into your console assembly on top of your dryer?
Read #20 here:
http://www.applianceaid.com/whirlpool-dryers.html

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

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Jake,

Thanks! The thermal fuse is indeed open, so I will replace that as the first step.

When I took off the duct/enclosure that the lint trap slides into to reach the thermal fuse, I was amazed at how much lint and sand was in there. It was at least half constricted, so it was good that I had to open that up.

Also, in the light of day (instead of late at night) I was able to get into the head. That turned out to be a good thing to do as well, because of course that is where the stuck the schematics and diagnostic sheets. They came with a nice diagram that showed how the head goes together. That was not entirely helpful at that point, since it was already open!

Excellent, good job finding the thermal fuse was open Paul.

Keep us updated when you finish.

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

Jake,

The thermal fuse arrived today from AppliancePartsPros. Less than five minutes to swap it out, and the dryer is good as new!

Thanks for the good advice. This site is a great resource.

Paul

Excellent Paul, 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