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When it comes to your Kenmore 90 series dryer, there are quite a few different parts that can be damaged (broken) or worn out, causing your dryer not to heat.
Read this article to the end to find out how to troubleshoot your Kenmore 90 series dryer not heating fault if you’re trying to make it work properly again.
Kenmore 90 series dryer not heating – how to repair the problem
Here are the most common causes of the issue plus their solutions for both gas and electric Kenmore 90 series dryers(of course, some repairs apply only for gas units).
Kenmore 90 series dryer not heating- suggested solutions
Clean the dryer vent
A clogged vent hinders airflow(airflow will be blocked) to your unit.
And that means your dryer will be unable to cycle heat correctly.
So clean the exhaust system(the entire ducting)including the dryer lint trap –be sure to clear any lint buildup in the lint trap housing as well.
Replace your Kenmore 90 series dryer thermal fuse
The thermal fuse normally blows(to prevent probable fire)if the dryer overheats due to clogging/ obstructions in the dryer exhaust system.
So next check and swap out your dryer’s thermal fuse(see how to test thermal fuse on dryer [Steps]).
Shop genuine Kenmore 90 series dryer thermal fuse from Amazon
Swap out your Kenmore 90 series dryer heating element
The heating element occasionally shorts out, meaning no heat will be made by your dryer.
Subsequently, try swapping out your dryer’s heating element(Read: How to test heating element in dryer quickly)
You can order a replacement heating element for your Kenmore 90 series dryer here(Amazon link).
Also, do not forget to visually check the wiring(to your dryer’s heating element)- see if there are some probable breaks(and patch them up with copper wire).
Change the cycling thermostat
If your Kenmore 90 series dryer operates but no heat is given or you feel very little heat, then substituting the Cycling Thermostat might fit it(there will be temperature regulating issue if it broken).
You can again buy an OEM Kenmore 90 series dryer cycling thermostat on Amazon (a thermal fuse is included in the package as you might have to substitute them both)
Replace the high-limit thermostat
The high-limit thermostat tends to blow when it senses higher-than-usual temps and it could be the part that you need to change out.
Quick Tip: Instead of paying for the parts separately, you can go for this inexpensive dryer heating issues repair kit(it comes with genuine Kenmore 90 series dryer cycling thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal cut-off switch, and thermal fuse-replacing all the 4 parts could fix heating issues).
Fix possible incoming power problem
Your electrical Kenmore 90 series dry operates on 240-volts power so, in case of a power sag, it might not be getting sufficient power supply, making it run without heating enough.
Here you will have to wait for the power to go back to normal/you can call the power company to come and check things for you
Replace the timer
The role of a dryer timer is to count-down the time (you have selected), and once it is done, it automatically switches off your dryer(it stops heating).
Now, if a timer is defective, your dryer could either fail to give heat or it run continuously until it gets too hot, making the thermal fuse to blow.
So consider replacing the timer, especially if the thermal fuse keeps blowing.
Fix the heater relay (on control board)
If you have not yet resolved the issue and your dryer is not heating still, the problem might be with the heater relay(on the electronic control board).
Here your best bet is replacing the entire control board(because soldering the heater relay individually won’t always work).
Check your drying setting –it could be the problem
This is the other thing you should look at- you specifically want to double check the air dry/air fluffy cycle is not selected(turn it off, if active).
That’s because if this is the case, your dryer won’t heat enough because the dryer dries at room temperature here.
Kenmore 90 series dryer not heating-Gas dryer
If your gas dryer has problems heating, here are extra things to try:
Check if the burner ignitor is fine
To check:
- Select a high temp setting (on timed dry) then start the dryer.
- Observe the burner assembly- Peak through the hole to see if the ignitor is glowing- shortly after you start the dryer. Remove the access panel.
If the igniter is bad, it will not glow/spark and there will not be heating in your dryer.
So get a replacement here and put it in.
Replace the flame sensor- it could have failed
The job of a flame sensor is to detect the heat from the flame and your dryer might not heat if the flame sensor is troubled.
Recommended repair:
Your best bet is buying a new flame sensor and replacing it.
Change the gas valve solenoid (it could be bad)
In a gas dryer, a gas valve solenoid controls the flow of natural gas to the burner and your dryer might have heating problems if it has shorted out.
Recommended repair:
Replacing this part will be your only option.
Quick Tip: One of the best signs that it’s a solenoid issue is your Kenmore 90 series dryer heating only for a couple of minutes and then stop heating
Kenmore 90 series dryer not heating -Wrap up
As you might have noted, most of the above parts need to be replaced.
Needless to say, you should test the parts to be sure they’re the culprit before purchasing a replacement (you don’t want your money to do down the drain).
Luckily, there are numerous really good videos demonstrating how to test and replace bad dryer parts on YouTube so be sure to search for relevant ones (depending on the component you suspect).
Also, check your Kenmore 90 series dryer manual and the tech service sheet (it’s hidden in your dryer) for further troubleshooting tips
ALSO READ:
Kenmore 70 series dryer not heating [Solved]
Kenmore 80 series dryer not heating [Fixed!]
