Kenmore Dryers

A dryer that stays cold or takes forever to finish is easy to blame on the heater, yet the cause is often outside the machine. In Bay Area buildings, vent runs through walls and up to roofs can be long and crowded, and lint packs them gradually. This overview lists the Kenmore dryers we service, what typically fails and what you can safely inspect before you call for Kenmore dryer repair.

The dryers we cover

The electric models are Kenmore 26-69162 at 7.0 cu. ft. in white, the compact Kenmore 26-81202 at 4.0 cu. ft., and two 8.0 cu. ft. front-load units: Kenmore 26-82272 in white and Kenmore 26-82273 in metallic silver. Gas dryers are three Kenmore Elite units, Kenmore 796.90512900, Kenmore 796.90518900 and Kenmore 796.91022900, sold from November 2009 to August 2010 and no longer sold new.

Gas versus electric changes the whole diagnosis. An electric dryer heats with an element; a gas dryer relies on an igniter and valve coils. Tell us which one you have when you book.

Finding the label

It is usually inside the dryer door opening, on the frame or the rim you see when the door is open, and sometimes on the back panel. Photograph it with the door wide open. See also how to find a Kenmore model number.

Typical complaints

• Runs but no heat. On electric models an element, thermal fuse or thermostat; on gas models an igniter, flame sensor or valve coil. Read Kenmore dryer not heating.
• Clothes stay damp after a full cycle. Airflow is the first suspect, then heat. See Kenmore dryer takes too long.
• Drum does not turn. A snapped belt, a worn idler or a failing motor. See Kenmore dryer not tumbling.
• Squealing or thumping. Rollers, glides and the idler pulley wear with age. See Kenmore dryer squeaking noise.
• Hot laundry room or burnt smell. A restricted vent is the first thing to rule out.

Codes

We do not have code pages for these dryers. If yours shows a code, write it down with a photo and send it along with the model number. We read it against the right documentation at the visit instead of guessing from a list that might belong to another family.

Owner checks that stay outside the cabinet

1. Clean the lint screen after each load, and wash it with soapy water now and then if fabric softener has left a film.
2. Pull the dryer a little forward if you can do so safely and look at the vent hose for crushing, kinks or lint blockage.
3. Go outside and check the vent hood flap opens freely when the dryer runs and is not clogged with lint.
4. Confirm the breaker is on. Electric dryers use a double breaker, and one half can trip while the drum still turns.
5. For gas models, check that the gas valve behind the dryer is open, but never loosen a fitting.
6. Do one controlled power reset by unplugging for a short time.

If you smell gas, leave the building, avoid switches and call the gas utility or 911 from outside. If you smell burning or see sparks, shut off the breaker.

Vent runs and floor plans

Old flats often have a vent that climbs through a wall or shaft, and many rentals use a flexible foil duct that sags and traps lint. Closet installations leave little room around the cabinet, and a stacked unit puts the vent connection behind the washer. During a visit we trace the duct as far as we can reach, because a drier that cannot exhale will overheat even if every part inside is fine.

What a visit looks like

Request Kenmore dryer repair. We diagnose first, give a written estimate and carry out nothing until you approve. Do not keep running a dryer that smells hot or burnt.

Frequently asked questions