Appliance Repair Wisdom for the Ages

Saturday, November 13, 2004

Kenmore gas dryer-Mod.#11077694100

No fire--replaced ignitor--still no fire--checked for voltage to valve assy.--none--checked safety switches on fire box & vent--normally closed condition okay--how do I check the centrifical switch & pressure switch for proper operation?

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How 'bout instead of guessing which part might be bad, we use the dryer's schematic diagram to determine which part is bad based on actual measurements? Sound like a plan? 'Course it is: I am the Samurai.

Here's a typical schematic diagram for a Whirlpool / Kenmore gas dryer (Note: the diagram for your dryer may be significantly different depending on features and model. Always endeavor to use the exact diagram that came with your dryer.)

Typical Schematic Diagram for a Whirlpool / Kenmore Gas Dryer (lint filter on top panel)

Are you still with me? Ok, recalling your statement that the gas valve coils were not getting voltage, I see four components in the example diagram that could break the circuit to the gas valve coils: timer, hi-limit thermostat, operating thermostat, and thermal fuse. Any one of these can fail open and break the circuit to the valve coils.

Pop Quiz: What test would you do to test each component? Discuss amongst yourselves...

Finished already? Ok, survey said? Ding, ding ding! That's right: continuity test--you're a quick study!

Bonus question: how do you test continuity?

Tic, toc, tic, toc, tic, toc...

Done already? Let's see...mm hmm, hmmm, yes: set the multimeter to the lowest ohms scale and remove at least one wire from the component being tested to isolate it from the rest of the circuit, then you test the component like this. Yes, good work!

Armed with this sacred appliance wisdom, you may proceed with diagnosing and repairing your insolent appliance. Buy the parts you need here.

3 Comments:

I have a digital meter. How many ohms should i read in order to pass a componet off as fine?

By  Anonymous, at May 06, 2006 9:58 AM  

See this page for detailed explanations on the specifics of making simple electrical measurements.

By  Samurai Appliance Repair Man, at May 06, 2006 11:07 AM  

What is the name of the part that, when the dryer door closes it hits the little button that makes it able to start, kind of like on a fridge when you close the door the little light goes off because of the botton the door is hitting.

By  ozdagirraffe, at July 06, 2007 9:58 PM  

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