Kenmore dryer turns off intermittently

Dryer Repair
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1

Brand: Kenmore
Model Number: 11060202990
Main Symptom: Shuts off
What happens & when: Dryer will usually run normal the first time or for a couple of loads. If the dryer is restarted after the first run time has completed, sometimes it will shut off after a couple of minutes. It can immediately be restarted, but then shuts off again. Sometimes, we have no problems with it shutting off. Not sure what part may be the issue here.

Error Code (if any): No code
Parts or tests already tried: None
Photos / video link:

2

For model 1060202990, an intermittent shutoff that typically occurs after the dryer has already completed one cycle and is warm is most often caused by a component that is failing when it heats up.

Based on your symptoms, I would check these in order:

  1. Motor (most likely)( 279827 Dryer Drive Motor | Genuine Whirlpool OEM In Stock )

    • A weak motor can overheat during the first cycle.

    • The motor’s internal overload protector opens, causing the dryer to shut off.

    • After it cools slightly, it will restart, but then trip again after a few minutes.

    • The fact that it runs normally for the first load and acts up on subsequent loads is a classic motor-overheating symptom.

  2. Restricted venting / airflow issue

    • A partially clogged vent can cause excessive heat buildup.

    • Try running the dryer with the vent disconnected (temporarily and safely) and see if the problem disappears.

    • Check the entire vent run to the outside, not just the lint screen.

3

Thanks for the reply. I do not think its a restricted venting/airflow issue. The run to the outside is only about 2 feet long. I am always making sure I’m getting good airflow out the vent. I may also check inside the dryer to see if any airflow is restricted.

4

Thank you. I do strongly suspect the motor though.

5

I replaced the motor, dryer blower wheel, cleaned everything inside, and put a few new seals on. Dryer just shut off again mid 2nd cycle after running the full 1st cycle. It only seems to shut off with the high heat cycle. If we run it on the high heat cycle and it shuts off, if we switch it to the low heat cycle right afterwards, it has not shut off. Any other thoughts on what could be causing this issue?

6

Cycling Thermostat / High-Limit Thermostat

  • If a thermostat is opening prematurely due to age or overheating, the dryer may shut down unexpectedly.

  • Less common than a motor issue for the exact symptoms described, but still possible.

7

Thank you. Looking at your website to order the part that you think I need, what is the P/N of this cycling thermostat/High-Limit thermostat or is this 2 different parts? Please provide me with the P/N of the part(s) you think would fix this issue.

8

Here is the part # you requested WP3387134 Dryer Cycling Thermostat | Genuine Whirlpool OEM In Stock

9

Thanks. I got the part ordered from your website. I will report back if it fixed the issue.

10

Question: Is the whole dryer shutting off? Or are you talking about the heat.if whole dryer is shutting off that cycling thermostat will not fix that problem!

11

The whole dryer is shutting off and can be immediately restarted after rotating the timer dial.

12

I’m really suspecting either a timer issue or a wiring issue at this point. You have replaced most of the obvious causes of your issue

13

I replaced some parts and we are still testing the dryer to see if it will shut off in the middle of the cycle. As for the air dry cycle not working, I did confirm that it is the timer. It works, but the dial has to be slight push up in order to start the cycle. It will sometimes stay running on that cycle when you release the dial, sometimes not.