Kenmore Elite Dryer Stops Prematurely

**jimijazz** · October 29th, 2005, 09:15 PM

We have had a Kenmore Elite electric dryer (model 110.64972300) for just over two years, and a couple of weeks ago, we started noticing that some loads didn't run long enough to dry anything substantially. First, this appeared to be happening in Evenheat mode only, but eventually, with Timed loads as well.

Finally, as the frequency of this problem increased, I sat with the dryer in both Timed and Evenheat settings and caught the dryer in the act. I ran a timed load for 20 minutes with no problem. Then I ran a new Evenheat load (set between Normal and More Dry) and the dryer stopped in 3 minutes (clothes were quite wet obviously). So I put that same load on Timed for 30 minutes and about 3 minutes into that, the dryer stopped. When this happened in Timed mode, I couldn't restart by pressing the Start button (only got three beeps when I tried), but I noticed that the timer started moving quickly. If I moved the dial to the off position myself and then put it back to 30 minutes and restarted, I could get the dryer going again.

A few more facts:
--The dryer seems to be heating.
--Eventually (3 to 4 trys), we can get a load to finish (that same load has been running for the last 10 minutes in Timed mode without a problem after the incident described above).
--I checked the vent hood behind the machine and out the side of the house. I wouldn't call them clean but they're not blocked
--If I stop a load by opening the door, there's a quite but audible "ticking/rattling" sound coming from the vicinity of the knob. Perhaps it has always been there but I never noticed it before
--The frequency of the problem has gotten noticeably worse

I would find dealing with Sears on a service call--which I imagine will run $250 minimum based on past experience with other appliance makers--frustrating to say the least.

I've seen a variety of postings here about timer problems and Evenheat problems, but I've never seen anyone describe a problem with both at the same time. Any thoughts on what I can do before calling the company?

Thanks,
Jim

***Jake*** · October 30th, 2005, 09:17 AM

Hi Jim,

Sounds like you need a new thermistor, Here is a link about it and to order it:
Kenmore Elite Even Heat beeps twice & stops early

Jake

**jimijazz** · October 30th, 2005, 03:16 PM

Jake,

Thanks for the quick reply. It certainly sounds like the Thermistor is my problem, since I'm experiencing exactly what those other folks were going through in the thread you linked to. I get the three beeps of death as well when it stops.

So I found a Thermistor on RepairClinic.com (someone else on the forum mentioned them) for $22.80 and I'm prepared to buy it. But the truth is that I've never attempted to open up a dryer for any reason. I'm not even sure where the Thermistor is located. Are there any quickie instructions I can follow that you have or could point me to?

Also, when I went on RepairClinic, I had to enter my model number, and it showed a Thermistor with part number 548392 (not sure if that's the manufacturer part # or RepairClinic's). Should I assume that's correct or is there anything particular I should know about matching the right Thermistor to my specific model.

Thanks again for your help!
Jim

***Jake*** · October 30th, 2005, 11:13 PM

Its fairly easy, unplug the machine first, then get a putty knife or screwdriver to push-in on both sides of that lower access panel below the door.

You just take the front duct assembly off, you will see the 2 screws on each side.

Then you will see the white thermal fuse on the top of the blower wheel housing, next to it on the right is the black thermistor, just take the 2 wires off then take the screws out and change it.

Jeff1 has a great site to help you as well:
http://www.applianceaid.com/whirlpool-dryers.html#four

Jeff's link here will show you how to take apart everything, but you just need to take off the front lower access panel and the black duct assembly to get to the thermistor.

Here is the part link to order it:
Thermistor
Part#3976615

**jimijazz** · October 31st, 2005, 04:47 AM

That's exactly what I needed! I will let you know how things go once I receive the part. Once again, thanks for all the help.

Jim

***Jake*** · October 31st, 2005, 12:56 PM

Sounds good Jim!

Jake

**csabell** · June 4th, 2007, 08:12 PM

Kenmore Dryer stops prematurely. Error E1 is in red on the display panel. Clothes will not dry without having to continuously start over and over and over again.

I pulled the lower panel off and cleaned thoroughly, including the fly wheel, dryer still turns off and reads the same E1 error on the display panel.

Could I have a bad thermistor?

I couldn't find that particular part when I had the lower panel off? How hard is it to replace if I know absolutely nothing about self repair?

Before calling out an expert, I thought I'd try this website, I already found excellent information regarding pulling off the lower panel for cleaning.

As I wrote this, I restarted my dryer 3 different times....Wait....4 times!!!!!!!

Thoughts? Some one please help me!

Christopher SaBell

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