Kenmore 796.8172 manual Before Calling for Service, Problem Possible Cause Solutions

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

BEFORE CALLING FOR SERVICE

Problem	Possible Cause	Solutions
*CHECK VENT is blinking	Exhaust system is too long or has too	Install a shorter or straighter duct run. See the
	many turns/restrictions.	Installation Instructions for details.
	Partial blockage of the ductwork due	Ductwork should be checked/cleaned
	to lint buildup or other foreign object.	immediately. Dryer can be used in this condition,
		but drying times will be longer and energy
		consumption will increase.

*This warning light does not indicate a dryer failure and is not covered by the dryer warranty. Contact a duct cleaning service to set up an appointment to have your exhaust system cleaned and inspected.

Dryer will not turn on	Power cord is not properly plugged in.	Make sure that the plug is securely plugged into a
		grounded outlet matching the dryer’s rating plate.
	House fuse is blown, circuit breaker	Reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. Do not
	has tripped, or power outage has	increase fuse capacity. If the problem is a
	occurred.	circuit overload, have it corrected by a qualified
		electrician.
Dryer does not heat	House fuse is blown, circuit breaker	Reset circuit breaker or replace fuse. Do not
	has tripped, or power outage has	increase fuse capacity. If the problem is a
	occurred.	circuit overload, have it corrected by a qualified
		electrician.
		NOTE: Due to the design of electric dryers, it is
		possible for a circuit problem to allow an electric
		dryer to run without heat.
	Gas supply or service is turned off	Confirm that the house gas shutoff and the dryer
	(gas models only).	gas shutoff valves are both fully open. Even if gas
		is not supplied to the dryer, it will run and no error
		codes will display. Verify that other gas appliances
		in the home are working normally.
Greasy or dirty spots on clothes	Clean and dirty clothes are being	Only use your dryer to dry clean items. Soil from dirty
	dried together.	clothes can transfer to the clean clothes in the same
		or later loads.
	Clothes were not properly cleaned	Stains on dried clothes could be stains that
	or rinsed before being placed in the	weren’t removed during the washing process.
	dryer.	Make sure that clothes are being completely
		cleaned or rinsed according to the instructions for
		your washer and detergent. Some difficult soils
		may require pre-treating prior to washing.
Excess static in clothes after	Fabric softener is not used or used	Use a fabric softener or the STATIC SHIELD
drying	incorrectly.	option, if equipped, to reduce static electricity. Be
		sure to follow the fabric softener manufacturer’s
		instructions.
	Clothes dried too long (over dried).	Overdrying a load of laundry can cause a buildup
		of static electricity. Adjust settings and use a
		shorter drying time, or use AUTO DRY cycles.
		Select a LESS DRY setting on AUTO DRY cycles, if
		necessary.
	Drying synthetics, permanent press, or	These fabrics are naturally more prone to static
	synthetic blends.	buildup. Try using fabric softener, or use LESS DRY
		and/or shorter TIMED DRY time settings.
Drying time is not consistent	Heat settings, load size, or dampness	The drying time for a load will vary depending on the type
	of clothing is not consistent.	of heat used (electric, natural gas, or LP gas), the size of the
		load, the type of fabrics, the wetness of the clothes, and
		the condition of the exhaust duct and lint filter. Even an
		unbalanced load in the washer can cause poor spinning,
		resulting in wetter clothes which will take longer to dry.
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