Kenmore 90 series dryer recurring no-heat

Dryer Repair
1

Brand: Kenmore
Model Number: 110.66912691
Main Symptom: no heat
What happens & when:

Note: if anything below is incorrect or inaccurate, please correct me – I am here to learn.

I’m looking for help diagnosing a recurring no-heat issue. Here’s the full history and every test I’ve performed so far.

Initial History:
About 2 years ago the dryer stopped heating. A technician diagnosed and replaced a blown thermal fuse. Total cost was about $300. Dryer worked normally after that.

Recent Issue:
A few weeks ago, the dryer stopped producing heat again. The drum would tumble normally, but no heat.

First Round of Testing:

  1. Verified voltage at the outlet and terminal block:

    • L1 to L2: ~245V

    • L1 to Neutral: ~122V

    • L2 to Neutral: ~122V
      Voltage supply confirmed good.

  2. Tested thermal fuse (continuity mode):

    • No continuity → replaced.

  3. After replacement, dryer worked and produced heat.

Second Failure:
Dryer stopped heating again shortly after. I then did a full diagnostic process:

With dryer unplugged:

  1. Thermal fuse:

    • Continuity present (0–1 ohm)

  2. Heating element:

    • Resistance measured between terminals: ~10 ohms (within expected range)

    • Continuity present

  3. High-limit thermostat:

    • Initially had no continuity → replaced along with thermal cutoff (kit)

  4. Thermal cutoff:

    • Replaced as part of kit

After replacing cutoff + high-limit thermostat:

  • Dryer heated successfully

  • Ran 2 loads with normal heat

Third Failure:
Tried running a load on LOW heat for 60 minutes. Clothes came out completely wet and cold.

While dryer was running:

  • Opened front panel

  • Heating element (coils) were not glowing

  • Heard motor start and normal click from centrifugal switch

  • Heard click when door opened and motor stopped

With dryer unplugged again:

  1. Re-tested thermal cutoff:

    • No continuity (open) → appears blown again

  2. Tested heating element to housing (continuity test):

    • Placed one probe on heating element terminal

    • Other probe on metal heater housing

    • Got continuity (unexpected)

From what I understand, there should NOT be continuity between the heating element terminal and the metal housing. This suggests the element may be grounded internally (coil contacting housing).

Airflow:

  • Entire vent run cleaned and inspected

  • Internal lint buildup cleaned from blower housing to heater box

  • Exterior vent airflow feels strong

Current Situation:

  • Thermal cutoff appears blown again

  • Heating element shows continuity to housing

  • Dryer tumbles normally but produces no heat

Questions:

  1. Does continuity between the heating element terminal and housing definitively indicate a grounded element?

  2. Could a grounded element cause repeated thermal cutoff failure?

  3. Is replacing the heating element assembly + thermal cutoff the correct next step?

  4. Is there anything else in this circuit I should test before replacing the element?

Any guidance is appreciated. I’ve tried to be thorough with testing and measurements, but I want to be sure before ordering more parts.

Thanks in advance.

2

The continuity between the heating element would certainly indicate a grounded heating element and the element would need to be replaced. This could cause the thermal cutoff to blow and this should be all that is needed is the element and thermal fuse.