Dryers are great for drying your clothes when they are working correctly. However when the dryer stops working or is not drying properly it is necessary to make some repairs. Once you know troubleshoot a Sears's dryer you can determine what the problem is and what parts will need to be replaced. Look in the owner's manual for your dryer so you can see take apart the cabinet and access parts that need to be tested. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Dryer Does Not Run At All
1. Check the circuit breaker at the home electrical panel to make sure that it has not tripped. If it has it is simply a matter of resetting it.
2. Inspect the door switch actuator located on the inside of the dryer door. It pushes in on the door switch to let the dryer know that the door is closed. If it is broken replace the entire door switch.
3. Inspect the door switch by inserting a straw into the actuator hole. You should hear a clicking sound when it is depressed. If not, replace the door switch assembly.
4. Disconnect the power from the dryer by unplugging it. Access the motor and remove the two wires that are connected to it by pressing in on the plastic tabs and pulling them apart. Set the volt-ohm meter to RX1 and touch a probe to each terminal. If there is any other reading other than zero, replace the motor.
No Heat
5. Locate the heating element for your dryer. It will be located in a can toward the inside rear of the dryer.
6. Disconnect the two lead wires to the heating element by pulling the leads off of the terminals with a pair of needle nose pliers. Set the volt-ohm meter to RX1 and touch a probe to each of the terminals on the heating element. If it shows no continuity replace the element.
7. Locate the thermal fuse that is located near the thermostat and blower housing. Disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse by slipping them off with needle nose pliers.
8. Touch one of the probes of the volt-ohm meter to each terminal on the thermal fuse. If a reading other than zero is present, replace the thermal fuse.
Drying Takes Too Long
9. Inspect the dryer vent for excessive lint and clogs. If the air cannot escape through the dryer vent, the moist air is recalculated in the dryer.
10. Clean the screen on the outside vent if equipped.
11. Locate the thermostat for the dryer. It will be located near the blower housing and it is round with two wires connected to it. Disconnect the wires from the thermostat using needle nose pliers to pull them off.
12. Set the volt-ohm meter on RX1 and touch a probe to each terminal on the thermostat. A reading of anything other than zero means the thermostat needs to be replaced.
Tags: door switch, thermal fuse, volt-ohm meter, each terminal, heating element, meter touch, meter touch probe
