Say goodbye to spinning woes: the secret to testing your kenmore dryer motor revealed

A malfunctioning dryer motor can bring your laundry routine to a screeching halt. If you suspect your Kenmore dryer motor may be the culprit, don’t despair. With a few simple steps, you can easily test it yourself and determine if it needs replacing.

Materials You’ll Need

• Multimeter
• Screwdriver
• Gloves (optional)

Safety Precautions

Before you begin, ensure your dryer is unplugged from the power outlet. Wear gloves to protect your hands if desired.

Step 1: Inspect the Belt

Heading: Inspecting the Belt for Clues

Check the dryer belt for any signs of damage or wear. A damaged belt can prevent the motor from turning properly. If the belt appears frayed or loose, replace it before testing the motor.

Step 2: Remove the Motor

Heading: Disassembling the Dryer to Access the Motor

Using a screwdriver, remove the screws holding the motor in place. Carefully pull the motor out of the dryer. Disconnect any wires or connectors attached to the motor.

Step 3: Check for Continuity

Heading: Determining Electrical Flow with Continuity Test

Set your multimeter to the ohms setting. Touch the probes to the two terminals on the motor. If the multimeter reads zero or near zero ohms, the motor has continuity. If it reads infinity, the motor is open and needs to be replaced.

Step 4: Test the Windings

Heading: Isolating Faulty Windings with Resistance Test

Set your multimeter to the ohms setting again. Touch one probe to each of the motor’s windings. The windings should have a low resistance reading (typically a few ohms). If any winding reads infinity, it is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Step 5: Check the Capacitor

Heading: Capacitor Inspection for Optimal Performance

If your motor has a capacitor, discharge it by touching the terminals with an insulated screwdriver. Set your multimeter to microfarads (µF). Touch the probes to the capacitor’s terminals. The capacitor should read close to its rated value. If it reads significantly lower or higher, replace it.

Step 6: Reassemble and Test

Heading: Putting the Puzzle Back Together for a Functional Dryer

Once you’ve tested the motor and replaced any faulty components, reassemble the dryer. Connect the motor and any wires or connectors. Plug the dryer back into the power outlet and run it on a test cycle. If the dryer operates smoothly, the motor is functioning correctly.

Conclusion: Troubleshooting Triumph

Testing your Kenmore dryer motor is a simple and effective way to diagnose and repair common problems. By following these steps, you can restore your dryer to its former glory and keep your laundry routine running smoothly.

FAQ

Q: Can I test the motor without removing it from the dryer?
A: Yes, but it may be more challenging to access the terminals and windings.

Q: What if the motor passes all the tests but the dryer still isn’t working?
A: Other components may be faulty, such as the thermal fuse, heating element, or control board.

Q: How often should I test my dryer motor?
A: It’s not necessary to test the motor regularly unless you experience problems.