FIXED Dryer won't start - Kenmore 110.88752790 "thin twin" stacked unit

[aribert]

Model Number

110.88752790

Brand

Sears Kenmore

Age

More than 10 years

24inch wide "Kenmore" stacked unit. Model # 110.88752790 When start button is pushed (and held), frequently nothing happens. Sometimes when the start button is pushed (and held) there is a buzzing sound for approx 5 sec (and the drum tries to turn - slowly creeps) and then shuts off. With one hand on drum switch and the other pushing in the door switch, I was unable to assist in spin starting the drum with my missing 3rd hand. It appears to me that there may be two issues - the start button and the motor for the drum. The drum appear to rotate freely - subjective. The drum motor does not have a capacitor start like a typical fractional hp motor - correct?

Any specific recommendations to focus on to trouble shoot and repair? BTW, while searching for answers, I found a link on this forum to the service manual (one day after I paid for a copy of the manual). On the push to start switch, I understand NO (normally open) but what does CO mean? I presume the push to start switch is a momentary - correct? Which terminals on the motor plug do I check for continuity?

 

[Dan O.]

motor does not have a capacitor start like a typical fractional hp motor - correct?

It does not.

The start button is only a momentary contact switch. Once running, the motor switch takes over that function and the start button isn't involved. If power is getting to the motor when pressed, that switch is likely not the problem. Something else is.

I was unable to assist in spin starting the drum

Someone could try removing the belt from the motor temporarily to see if it then runs. That would rule out 'sticking' of the drum, etc. as the possible cause. If the motor was getting power but not running, the motor would likely need to be replaced. Dryer motor failures are very common on all makes of dryers.

LINK > 110.88752790 Dryer Motor


Dan O.

 

[aribert]

My original post was Dryer won't start - Kenmore 110.88752790 "thin twin" stacked unit I tried to access and remove the dryer motor, idler belt & drum rollers. I purchased a manual on-line based on the model number. I received Whirlpool L-56, P/N 4314124 Rev A. I did not notice that the control panel location was different until I took my print out to the machine. See attached image for the difference between manual & actual machine.
1. Is my unit a Whirlpool? As I am composing this message I began questioning if my unit is a Frigidaire. If so, is there a service manual for it?
2. How do I access the motor - from the front, top or back side? If from the front, how do I remove the control panel so that I can remove the door asm panel? Note: the (4) screws on the ends of the control panel only remove the plastic closeout trim on the ends. It appears that I would need to remove all knobs to remove the silk screened trim panel - no idea if panel behind that that all the controls are attached to will then be removeable. Need to remove control panel to access screws to remove door asm panel.

Normally I would just begin to remove panels to figure out how to get access. This unit is in a 600 sq ft house and there is just enough space to move the unit in/out with very limited room to dismantle unless I am accessing components from the front.

 

[Dan O.]

My original post was Dryer won't start - Kenmore 110.88752790 "thin twin" stacked unit

It makes it easier for others to follow if all messages on the same topic are kept together in a single message thread. I joined yours together.

1. Is my unit a Whirlpool?

Yes... but they've made lots of different appliance designs over the years.

2. How do I access the motor - from the front, top or back side?

I have not worked on a similar model but assume from the front.

If from the front, how do I remove the control panel so that I can remove the door asm panel?

I couldn't find a service manual for that appliance design but did find a couple of paragraphs that describe accessing some of the components on a Whirlpool built 24" Thin Twin laundry center design. Hopefully it covers yours as well. A PDF is attached.


Dan O.

 

[aribert]

Dan O
THANK YOU for the pdf showing how the control panel is removed (loosened and flipped out of the way)! I am hoping everything else is just a smaller more cramped version of a '90s Whirlpool dryer. If you have any other pages pertinent to the dryer, I'd be glad to see them.

 

[Dan O.]

If you have any other pages pertinent to the dryer, I'd be glad to see them.

I do not. You can see exploded view parts diagrams at the following link that might help show how it is assembled.

LINK > Kenmore 110.88752790 Exploded Parts Diagrams

Dan O.

 

[aribert]

A follow-up to anyone else dealing with removing the control panel - the latch is a fork. One turns the screw head CCW to loosen until the latch disengages or the screw begins to bind (coil bind of a light duty spring). If the latch is still engaged, remove the plastic end caps and gently pry/jiggle, pushing down to disengage the latch. It seems like half my time to dismantle was spent on loosening the control panel. Small donation made as a token of thanks.

Motor and belt have been replaced and all is well again.

 

[Jake]

Thanks for the update and donation.