Kenmore Elite Dryer keeps BEEPING...please help.

[Kumar]

Beeping does not stop (the beep sounds like when you push the buttons). There is no pattern to the beeping. When I unplug the machine, the beeping seems to go away for a bit, but then returns after plugging back in and choosing a cycle. Dryer heater and tumbler are STILL ON when this is occuring. I have cleaned the sensor with alcohol, I have also cleaned the entire lint trap system to make sure there were no clogs. Also, it won't allow me to go out of "Cotton High Heat" mode now. It won't let me "stop/cancel". I can only change "modes" when i unplug the unit and plug it back in. This is driving my wife and me nutz...anyone know if this is known issue or any other groups I can post this issue to? I'm fairly technical, so if it needs new parts, I can probably change.

thanks in advance!

Kumar.

[Mad Mac]

First thing we need from you is a full model and serial number - you should find them on a little label inside the dryer door. Model number should begin 110. and serial number should be M with another letter and seven numbers. This information will help us to identify exactly what model you have.

From what you describe, this sounds like an electronic touchpad model - there should be a tech sheet inside the console which will give you some info as to how to run a diagnostic cycle on the dryer. Check

, or for some pictures and advice to help you on just getting into the machine, loads of other good info on those sites too.

There are several excellent appliance guys on here (Dan O. and Jeff being just two), we should be able to get you sorted out.

[Kumar]

Mad Mac,

First, thanks for the immediate reply and willingness to help! Here is the info you requested:

Model: 110.60092990 Serial: MK2605453

Yes, I have that darn electronic touch pad..maybe never again on future dryers/washers :)

In the mean time I will go into the machine again and tear appart the control panel to run the diagnostics. Be back.

Thanks!

Kumar

[Kumar]

When I plug the machine in, it will NOT go into diagnostic mode. It flashed "PF" (power failure I suppose) then immediatly it went into "cotton high/heat" mode. Thus I could not enter diagnostics mode. The manual I found behind the panel indicates I must be in diagnostic mode to do any future troubleshooting.

Is my control board bad?

Kumar

[Dan O.]

It sounds like there may be a problem in the electronic control itself. There should be a 'tech sheet' somewhere in the dryer (maybe inside the console panel or cabinet) which may help you to diagnose it better. I'm afraid I can offer any other suggestions, sorry.

Dan O.

- Appliance411.com

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[Kumar]

Yeah, Pulled the tech sheet. non of my symptoms are on it :(

...i'm begining to think my control board is bad. going to start checking around on cost i suppose, unless anyone else has any more options.

thanks Dan!

Kumar

[Mad Mac]

Just FYI, I did a bit of checking, control board runs $130-140, but cost from Sears is about $180!!

[Mad Mac]

One other thought...check your mains voltage. I had a case where the complaint was "Dryer won't run after dark"! Turned out the mains was sitting at 103V and the dryer would default straight to "PF" when they tried to start it. It was an older house with big screen TV/ microwave/oven/range hood/computer/PS2 etc. all running - couple that with the fact that it was near Christmas and the outside was lit up like the Griswolds, and they were running much more stuff than the electrical system of the house was ever designed to cope with. The customer had pretty much figured out what the problem was before I got there, and was arranging to get a quote for upgrading the electrics.

[Kumar]

I have a fairly new house and have actually decreased the load on my main panel by turning off many things. My machine won't stay on PF for long before it blinks right back to "cotton" mode.

I guess I'll try a new board. do the folks that sell those online take returns if the board is not at fault?

Kumar

...ps. thanks for the help!

[Mad Mac]

Good question...honestly don't know the answer. Best to check the vendor's website, they may have their policy on returns listed. I'd also check with a local supplier (if you have one), as these boards are generally sold on an "exchange" basis, you may be able to save some money by "turning in" the old one.

[Des Perado]

Before you get all involved here, I would just pick it up at the front a few inches off the ground and let it go. The shock when it hits the ground might just clear up whatever is stuck or out of place and causing the beeping. Worth a try and probably won't do any damage. Des

[Kumar]

...kinda like hitting a tv set to get it to work :)...i like that.

I will give it a shot after the wife wakes up :)

Kumar

[Dan O.]

The company at the following link advertises "No hastle returns" and states "Return Any Part" but be sure to check the fine print. BTW, that link takes you to the replacement control for your model, part number 3976611 their Item # 828419

Dan O.

- Appliance411.com

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[Kumar]

UPDATE:

replaced the Control Board. did NOT fix the issue :( I guess I need to go for the actual control panel next? This is getting a bit frustrating as well as expensive.

kumar

[Dan O.]

tumbler

That's why I usually recommend purchasing an extended warranty when purchasing stupid (IMO) electronically controlled appliances.

The Purchase : Which appliances need more warranty?

Let us know how you eventually make out.

Dan O.

- Appliance411.com

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[Kumar]

My extended warranty ran out :( I have had the unit for over 3 years. ...trust me, will really be doing more homework the next go around.

I will keep you all posted on what I replace next and what works.

thanks!

Kumar

[Matt]

Hello all!

I have the same dryer, and the same problem. Does anyone know if a solution was ever found?

Thanks Matt

[Appliance Repair Aid]

Hi,

Exact same model?

Exact same problem?

Beeps 3 times?

Should be a tech sheet inside the dryer with some tests....one should be for the temp thermistor.

control for dryer.

The heat thermistor can sometimes make the dryer beep and quit. jeff. Appliance Repair Aid

[Matt]

Jeff -

Yep, same model.

Same beeping behavior as described. Not 3 times though - it's constant with no discernable pattern. Basically, the led display shows "40"; you can't change any cycles or choose any options (doing so results in another beep). If you put a load of wet clothes in and press start, the dryer will run at high heat, beeping the entire time. Sort of goes: bee da beep bee da beep bee da beep CONSTANTLY until it eventually shuts off. The clothes are slightly damp at the end of the cycle; re-starting the same load will result in the dryer running for a minute or 2 and then shutting off; adding a new wet load will cause it to run until they are also just slightly damp.

Also, it will sometimes start beeping randomly in the middle of the night (no clothes in it, not used for a few days) for no apparent reason.

I'll check tonight on the heat thermistor test - thanks for the tip!

One other thing -

Plugging/unplugging the beast from the outlet some random number of times (usually, less than 10) will usually make it act normal for a week or so. If I run the diagnostics listed in the spec sheet during this time, they all check out. Thanks much for the tip, will let ya know what I find.

Matt

[Tom]

Is it the beep you hear at the end of a cycle or the beep made by the "lint filter plugged" indicator. I think these machines still had this installed when this machine was made. Has since been eliminated because it would be triggered by just a item of light weight fabric or dryer sheet momentarily stopping in front of the outlet grill. >