Dryer Just Died

[jaxsunst]

My Electric Kenmore Dryer just stopped working. It smells hot, and will only come on if you hold the start button for about 5-10 seconds, then it will run for about a minute and stop.

Any suggestions. I really want the dryer that matches my Calypso, I was hoping this one would last till I found one.

 

[goatfarmer]

You could try blowing all the lint away from the motor, but it sounds like it's cooked.

 

[funguy10]

What did you ever do with the DD Kenmore. I recommended you keep it incase the Calypso went haywire again. (And I garuntee you it will.)

 

[jaxsunst]

I sold the DD when I lost my storage spot. I have American Home Shield, so if the Calypso dies, It's their problem So far, it has ran flawlessly.

This dryer has had lint problems since it was new. So I am going to clean it out this evening and if that doesn't fix it. I'll call Home Shield.

 

[funguy10]

What is American Home Sheild?

 

[stevet]

Homesheild???

American Home Shield is a company that is a warrantor of new and resale homes and covers all the systems in your home as specified by yourself. I have had them since I came to Florida 4 years ago and while I usually fix anything that breaks, I have used them foe my GE Profile wall oven which ate a controller as well as previously frequent sewer line clogs. I keep them primarily to protect my Heat Pump system in case it should croak. I also recently paid an additonal 30 bucks to cover the same system if it should die since they are required to install at least 13 SEER units in place of whatever is currently there. Mine is a 10 SEER Trane unit that is now 10 years old and everyone I spoke to in the industry siad I should pay the 30 bucks as it would cost way more for them to upgrade the system which would not be covered under the service contract.
That said, I am now covered for the air handler and the heat pump since they would both have to be changed out since the handler/evaporator would not be compatible with the newer 13 or better SEER units.
They employ local servicers and usually get the job handled in an expeditious manner.There is a flat service fee that you pay the service company and they take care of the rest! Feel free to check for yourselves at the link attached.

Home Warranty Plans by American Home Shield®

With 50+ years of experience, American Home Shield® offers reliable home warranty coverage and exceptional service for homeowners across America.

www.ahswarranty.com

 

[jaxsunst]

I'm like you, I fix most of the things that break. I have a $60 deductible with them. If I can fix it myself for less than that, then I do it.

Don't bet on the air handler, check your fine print. I paid the extra and they f****d me on that one this past summer. I think it was more a dirty technician than them though.

Otherwise, I have been happy with them. I have been with them since I bought the house in 1998. Since last March, they have replaced the Heat Pump (well most of it anyway, I had to pay for part), my dishwasher, and my water heater.

I just got off the phone with them. Sears will be here Tuesday to look at it. Given it's age (1992), I'm pretty sure they are going to replace it. Even if they don't, I don't care, as long as I have one that works.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

I agree with Goatfarmer - sounds to me like the thermal element in the motor is switching it off when it gets hot.

The motor could be clogged with lint, or it's bearings could be bad. BUT, with the start switch taking that long to start it, there could be some current flow issues too. The thermal protector is doing its job though, that's for sure.

 

[jaxsunst]

I put a new thermo switch in it about a year ago. At that time, when I took the back off, it was very clean inside.

It has been running very, very loud for a couple of months.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

"Loud" may well be the motor failing...bearings roar when they age, and they cause the motor to run hot. Motors for that machine are at most any decent parts house, but they aren't necessarily cheap. Your insurance company may get you a new dryer instead it sounds like.

Let us know how it turns out. If you have to change the motor yourself, it sounds like you're capable of it - it's not a difficult repair and Kenmore and WP both have DIY books to help guide you.

 

[jaxsunst]

Home Shield sent Sears out. The guy just left. He replaced the motor and the blower. It only cost me $60 for the deductible.

I just put a comforter in it. It hasn't sounded that good in a long time.

 

[rp2813]

AHS

Jack, I got AHS coverage for my mom when it was offered for a good rate and included in her mortgage payment. My sister has had them for many years.

They don't cover everything. Clogged pipes at my mom's were never covered. My sister tried and tried to get them to replace her old Superba DW but they kept sending techs out to fix it and it would still leave black residue on the dishes and generally not clean anything. She finally bought herself a Bosch since AHS wouldn't replace the KA.

Also, when I called to ask why they replaced my mom's Kenmore washer with a cheap GE POS, they said they use GE products for anything they replace. So if they decide your dryer needs to be replaced, they will either provide a GE model or you will have to pay for the replacement yourself and then send them the receipts to show that you bought something that they will still insure for you. I doubt they will insure something you buy used so be careful how you work any claim with them if your intention is to find a used dryer.

 

[jaxsunst]

I have had problems with them before. They replaced my Kenmore dishwasher with a GE Nautilus. So far I am happy with it. They gave me the option to have a Whirlpool or Kitchen Aid if I paid the difference. But, they told me the same thing, that they use GE for their replacement appliance.

When I bought the Calypso used, I called and asked them about it. They said that as long as it is installed and working properly it will be covered.

They fixed the current dryer and it is working great now.

My heat pump on the other hand. They did not install it correctly. It still isn't right. After they refused to work on it again saying it was OK, I made them give me a letter saying it would be covered it anything went wrong, and would not be denied for improper installation. That is the reason I am keeping them up. No one else will cover it in it's current state. I can't even find a company to do the seasonal maintenance on it. As soon as they see the way it is installed they refuse to touch it.

 

[jaxsunst]

Oh yeah, it took them 6 weeks to get the heat pump working. It was in July and August.

Their corporate headquarters are in Memphis, only two blocks from my office. When I said told the person on the phone where I was and that I was coming down there to talk to someone, they did something.