Thread: Kenmore Dryer Runs ONLY When Start Button is HELD DOWN

The most common cause for a problem like this is a motor that is plugged with lint or has a bad motor winding.

If the motor has a bad winding it will not stay running once the start switch (or timer) is released.

You need to take the dryer apart and see if vacuuming out the motor solves the problem. If it doesn't, it's recommended you replace the motor.

Also make sure the drum spins freely and is not binding causing the motor not to start.

If all checks ok with the motor and drum there may be a problem with the start switch but the only way to know for sure is to do some electrical testing with a volt/ohm meter and the wiring diagram located within the appliance.

On newer Whirlpool, Kenmore, Kitchen Aid dryers that incorporate a dryness control board the most common cause is a bad motor relay or a problem with the board itself. The relay should have 48DCV when the start button is pressed. If not, the board is likely defective. The only way to be sure is to do further electrical testing with a volt/ohm meter and the wiring diagram located inside the appliance.


http://www.repairclinic.com/Kenmore-Dryer-Parts

Thanks, Chris. I'll take it apart and check it out.

Yes, Chris is correct.

If you don't have a volt meter you can swap the heater & motor relay.

First unplug your dryer, then swap the heater relay#15 here:
http://www.searspartsdirect.com/partsdirect/displaySubComponentFullSize.action?imageUrl=http%3 a%2f%2fcontent.searspartsdirect.com%2flis_png%2fPL DM%2fP0306203-00001.png
with the motor relay#36, they are the identical same part. Then plug your dryer in and start it, if it runs and stays running after you release the push-to-start button, then you found the problem, you would need to order a new motor relay.

Manufacturer part number 3405281 is RepairClinic item number 528722


Here's how you get access to your inside console:


Then the console lifts out and up tilting it back on its plastic hinges.

Jake

I have seen a lot of problems with them relays.

I swapped out the relays and the dryer kept running after pushing start button. I'll order the relay right away. Thank you very much. My $5 for membership was well spent!
By the way, no big deal, but, when I pulled off the left end cap a spring clip jumped out from somewhere and I have no idea what to do with it. Can I just toss it and forget?
Thanks again.

Glad it was just your relay.

How big was the clip?

Jake