Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and How to Fix It
Updated · from manufacturer service documentation
Many Kenmore dryers (model numbers starting 796.xxx) are built by LG, sharing the same internal components and diagnostics as equivalent LG dryers sold under LG's own name. There's no independent Kenmore service manual with different facts — the causes and fixes below come directly from the matching LG service documentation.
What Causes a Kenmore Dryer to Stop Heating
| Cause | Likelihood | DIY difficulty | Related part |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted/clogged vent system | Most common | Easy — clean lint screen and vent | Vent duct |
| Heater bank not energizing (electric models) | Common | Moderate — multimeter | Heater element |
| Gas valve not opening (gas models) | Common (gas) | Pro repair | Gas valve |
| Thermistor reading abnormal | Less common | Moderate — multimeter | Thermistor |
| Hi-Limit or thermal cutoff thermostat tripped | Less common | Moderate — multimeter | Thermostat |
How to Fix a Kenmore Dryer That Won't Heat, Step by Step
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Check the lint screen and full vent run
This is the leading cause on the LG platform that many 796.xxx Kenmore dryers share — the FLOW SENSE™-style duct restriction detection applies the same way even under the Kenmore badge.
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Confirm the dryer runs normally otherwise
These checks assume the motor runs and the drum tumbles; a dryer that won't run at all has a different fault.
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Test the heater element (electric models)
On the matching LG platform, the service diagnostic checks element winding resistance (18–22 Ω per heater bank, 36–44 Ω combined) and resistance from the element terminal to the housing (should read under 1 Ω).
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On gas models, confirm the gas valve is opening
Gas-system work is technician territory — DIY troubleshooting should stop at confirming the vent is clear.
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Check the thermistor and thermostats
A thermistor reading far outside normal resistance, or a tripped Hi-Limit/thermal-cutoff thermostat, both stop proper heating even with a good element or valve.
Which Models This Applies To
Kenmore model numbers starting with 796.xxx are documented (per project sourcing research) as LG-manufactured units — this page uses the matching LG DLEX3570 (electric), DLEX4270, and DLGX7188 (gas) service documentation, since no separate Kenmore-branded service manual with different facts exists. If your Kenmore dryer's model number doesn't start with 796, verify your actual manufacturer before relying on these specifics — some Kenmore models are Whirlpool-built (110.xxx) instead and would follow Whirlpool's diagnostics.
See also: LG dryer not heating, Dryer not heating (cross-brand), LG d80 duct-blockage code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this page use LG documentation for a Kenmore dryer?
Many Kenmore dryers (796.xxx model numbers) are manufactured by LG and share the same internal design — there's no separate Kenmore service manual with different technical facts for these units.
How do I know if my Kenmore dryer is actually LG-made?
Check your model number — 796.xxx generally corresponds to LG manufacturing, while 110.xxx corresponds to Whirlpool. Your model/serial tag (usually inside the door frame) has the full number.
Is a Kenmore dryer not heating always a vent problem?
It's the most common cause, matching the LG platform this page is based on, but not the only one — a failed heater, thermostat, or thermistor can also cause it.
Should I test gas components myself?
No — on gas models, stop your DIY troubleshooting at the vent and lint screen. Gas valve and burner work should go to a qualified technician.
Based on the LG service documentation for the DLEX3570, DLEX4270, and DLGX7188 dryer series, applied to Kenmore 796.xxx models per documented LG-Kenmore manufacturing correspondence. Last updated: .