A few things are going wrong. Almost from initial install the auto sensor, that is supposed to turn the dryer off if the clothes were dry, never quite got it right. The dryer would consistently shut off with the clothes still damp. We got around this issue by using the timed dry function and not the sensing function. My desire to save energy had to take the back seat to my wife's sense of timing...

Over the past 12 months or so, the amount of time required to dry a normal load has increased. That is, the clothes were not getting dried in the usual time.

Most recently, and the thing that brought me to this great site, the dryer will not stay running after the start button is pushed. It seems to run normally if you hold the button, but it will not run on its own. It behaves this way both cold and warm, loaded and empty. My wife has taken to placing a weight on the start button in order to dry the clothes. I generally think this is a bad idea.

I have confirmed the vent is clean.

I greatly appreciate your comments. Thanks.

Hi,

Here's the parts diagram for your model:
http://c.searspartsdirect.com/lis_pn...3279-00001.png
#36 #15 is the motor/heater relay, swap them and see what happens, unplug your dryer first! They are the exact same part.

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


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

If after swapping them it still does the same, then your control board#6 is bad.

Here's the control board for your model, in case you need to order it:
Part#8546229
8546229

Let us know what you find.

Here's are main thread on this issue:
[FIXED] Another Kenmore Dryer problem

Jake

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

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Thanks for the quick reply. I swapped the relays as you suggested and the dryer runs as one would expect with a single press of the start button. With the high heat setting selected there is no heat after checking 10 mins later. So is it safe to assume a new relay is required? In addition, I performed the diagnostic tests indicated on the tech sheet and found the components passed the tests.

Since the bad relay related to the switch do I still have a heat control problem seeing as it has been taking longer to get the same dryness?


BTW, thanks for the diagram and picture. Most helpful.

Yes, then it just sounds like the relay is bad.

Here's the motor/heater relay for your model:
Manufacturer's Number: 3405281



No, once you have the new relay in, the heat portion should work fine again.

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