Some dryer jobs are fine to do yourself. Some are not. This guide helps you tell which is which, and where to find the right manual and part. If the DIY steps are not enough, our dryer repair service is one call away.
Safety first. Unplug the dryer first. Take photos before you disconnect anything. Never bypass a safety part such as a thermal fuse.
Find the right manual and parts diagram
- Get the full model number first. How to find it.
- Search the model number with the word manual or parts.
- Use the parts diagram to match the part number, not just the name.
Tools you usually need
- Nut driver set and a screwdriver.
- Putty knife for cabinet clips.
- Multimeter, to test a part before replacing it.
- Gloves and a flashlight.
Jobs most people can do
- Clean the lint trap and vent hose.
- Level the dryer.
- Check the door, the plug and the breaker.
Jobs for a technician
- Anything on a gas line.
- Electrical tests on a live dryer.
- A thermal fuse that has blown more than once.
- A control board or motor.
- Heating elements and wiring on a 240 volt electric dryer.
- A burning smell, scorch marks or a tripping breaker.
Where to find your model number
Every manual search starts with the full model number. It is on a label, and the spot depends on who built the dryer. Kenmore dryers have been built by other makers, so each maker’s own help page is the best guide. On a standard dryer, all three makers below point to the door opening.
| Kenmore model starts with | Built by | Where the maker says to look |
|---|---|---|
| 110 | Whirlpool | Inside the dryer door, on the rim of the opening. On a ventless dryer, behind the water tank. |
| 417 | Frigidaire | Along the top of the door opening on a front-load dryer. On a laundry center, along the trim of the dryer door. |
| 796 | LG | Open the door and look for the silver label at the top of the door opening. |
A Kenmore label is not always where the table says, so also check the door frame, the panel above the door and the back. If the label is worn off, LG says the number may also be on your receipt, warranty papers or delivery email.
Where to get the manual
Start on Kenmore’s own site. It has a search for use and care guides, installation guides and other documents. It wants the model number with at least 11 characters and without dots or dashes. So a model written as 796.91022900 is typed as 79691022900.
Not sure who built your dryer? Our Kenmore dryer models page shows what the first three digits tell you.
Sources: Whirlpool Product Help, LG help library, Frigidaire support and Kenmore use and care guide search.
Before you order a part
A wrong part costs time and money. Check these first so you order the right one.
- Find the full model number on the label inside the door or on the back panel. Copy it exactly.
- Match the part number from the manual or the old part. Brand-new look-alike parts often differ in size.
- Unplug the dryer before you open any panel. For a gas dryer, leave the gas valve alone.
- Take a photo of the part and the wiring before you remove anything.
A local note on parts
Parts for older Kenmore models can take longer to find. Tell us your model number early so we can check what is available for your dryer before a visit.
Kenmore dryer diagrams and schematics
A parts diagram shows each part in your dryer and its part number. A wiring diagram, also called a schematic, shows how the wires and switches connect. Many dryers have the wiring diagram on a sheet fixed to the back panel or inside the cabinet. Ask us and we will help you find the right Kenmore dryer diagram for your model number. That includes the 70, 80 and 90 series diagrams and the electric and gas dryer diagrams.
How to read a thermostat wiring diagram
Lines show the wires. Boxes show parts such as the thermostat, thermal fuse, heating element and motor. Unplug the dryer before you test anything. If the diagram looks like too much, call us.
Kenmore dryer troubleshooting manual
Your owner manual has a troubleshooting section. Use it together with our problems and error codes guide. If you lost the manual, the model number helps you find another copy.
Kenmore dryer repair videos and DIY help
Many people watch videos on dryer repair, belt replacement and heating element jobs. A video helps you see the steps. Before you buy a part, check that the video shows your model number and series. Unplug the dryer first. Stop at any gas part and call us. For Kenmore dryer help fast, call (425) 555-0100. Also see our Kenmore dryer parts replacement guide.
Keep reading
- Warranty check. Is your dryer still covered?
- All dryer repair services. Pick the problem that matches your dryer.
- Dryer warning signs and fire safety. A simple monthly routine for the lint filter and vent.
Want it done for you? Call us.
Call and tell us what the dryer is doing.