Key Takeaways
- A blown thermal fuse is the single most common cause of a Kenmore dryer not heating — and in the vast majority of cases it blew because the exhaust vent was restricted, not because the fuse failed on its own.
- Replacing the thermal fuse without cleaning the vent ductwork results in the new fuse blowing again within days to weeks — always address the vent first.
- Error code AF on Kenmore dryers built on the 110.xx Whirlpool platform specifically indicates airflow restriction — a fire safety condition that requires immediate vent cleaning.
- On gas Kenmore dryers, a failed radiant flame sensor or igniter prevents the gas valve from opening and the drum tumbles without any heat being produced.
- The heating element on electric Kenmore 110.xx models can be tested with a multimeter — an open reading across the element terminals confirms failure.
The Bottom Line
The most common Kenmore dryer heating failure is a blown thermal fuse caused by a clogged vent — repair the vent first, then replace the fuse, or the problem recurs. Gas dryer igniter and flame sensor faults are the equivalent failure on gas models and require professional service.
Why Your Kenmore Dryer Has No Heat
A Kenmore dryer not heating is a safety issue as much as a convenience problem. Restricted exhaust airflow is the root cause of most Kenmore dryer heating failures — it causes overheating, blows the thermal fuse, and creates the conditions for a dryer fire. Kenmore dryers are manufactured on two primary platforms: 110.xx units are Whirlpool-built, and 796.xx units are LG-built. Both use a thermal fuse, a cycling thermostat, and a heating element (electric) or igniter assembly (gas) as the main heating components. Identifying the error code and testing the vent is the correct starting point before ordering any parts.
Quick Diagnosis Table
| Symptom | Error Code | Likely Cause | DIY Fix? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long drying times, then no heat | AF | Restricted vent — thermal fuse blown | Vent clean yes, fuse no |
| Dryer tumbles, zero heat | None or F22 | Thermal fuse open circuit | Fuse test yes, swap no |
| Control board fault, no operation | F01 | Main control board failure | No — service required |
| Gas dryer tumbles, no ignition | None | Igniter or flame sensor failed | No — gas work required |
Cause 1: Blown Thermal Fuse From Restricted Vent
The thermal fuse is a one-time safety device mounted on the exhaust duct inside the dryer. When the exhaust air temperature exceeds the fuse rating — typically around 196°F — the fuse blows and permanently interrupts the circuit to the heating element or gas valve. The dryer drum continues to tumble but produces no heat. On Kenmore 110.xx models, the thermal fuse is located on the exhaust duct near the heating element housing. A multimeter continuity test confirms a blown fuse in seconds — no continuity means the fuse has blown. Before replacing the fuse, clean the lint filter, vacuum the interior ductwork, and clean the exterior exhaust vent and hood. Skipping this step causes the new fuse to blow within days.
Cause 2: Failed Heating Element (Electric Models)
The heating element on Kenmore electric dryers is a coiled nichrome wire inside a metal housing mounted at the rear of the dryer cabinet. Like the thermal fuse, it can be tested with a multimeter — an open reading (no continuity) across the two terminals confirms a failed element. Unlike the thermal fuse, a heating element can fail from age and thermal cycling independently of the vent condition, though a restricted vent dramatically shortens element lifespan. On 110.xx Whirlpool-platform Kenmore dryers, the heating element is accessed by removing the rear panel. Replacement is a professional repair because the rear panel removal requires significant disassembly and precise reassembly of the heat duct.
Cause 3: Gas Igniter or Flame Sensor Failure (Gas Models)
Gas Kenmore dryers use an igniter — a glow-bar element similar to the oven igniter in a gas range — to ignite the gas burner at the start of each heat cycle. A flame sensor (radiant sensor) monitors the flame and holds the gas valve open once ignition is confirmed. When either component fails, the igniter may glow briefly but the gas valve does not open, or the gas valve opens momentarily then closes before the drum reaches drying temperature. The drum tumbles normally but clothes take multiple cycles or never dry fully. Error code AF is specific to airflow faults; igniter failure produces no specific code on most Kenmore gas dryers but shows a pattern of repeated no-heat cycles.
Get an Accurate Quote
Our Kenmore dryer repair service covers thermal fuse replacement, vent cleaning, heating element replacement, and gas igniter service in a single visit. Repairs start from $130 for thermal fuse and vent work. The final cost will be confirmed after our technician completes an on-site diagnosis — no hidden fees and no surprises.