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Kenmore Dryer has a burning smell

If your dryer smells like burning, don’t panic. The most common cause is excess lint collecting in the lint trap or venting, which can heat up and even ignite, so clean the lint screen and venting at least once a year and inspect for buildup first. If the smell continues, a worn, stretched or frayed drive belt that’s slipping is likely next; a slipping belt can get hot and produce a burning odor, and you should check that the drum and idler pulley turn freely. Less often the main control board can short or scorch and give off an electrical burning smell, so look for burn marks on the control board. Some models use a blower belt; a seized blower or slipping blower belt will also smell like burning. Faulty idler pulleys or idler assemblies that stop turning let the belt rub and overheat. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement belt, pulley, control board, lint filter or vent parts you need to fix the problem.

01 - Kenmore Dryer Lint Filter

Excessive lint build-up in the dryer can be a fire hazard. The element or burner can cause the lint to catch on fire. It is recommened to clean out the dryer and dryer venting at least once a year.

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02 - Kenmore Dryer Drive Belt

A drive belt that is stretched, worn or frayed can slip producing a burning smell. If the belt is damaged also check that the drum and idler pulley turn freely.

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03 - Kenmore Dryer Main Control Board

A dryer's main control board controls the voltage being sent to all of the appliance's electrical components. The board itself can become shorted and produce a burning smell. You should inspect the board for any burn marks or a shorted components and replace if necessary.

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04 - Kenmore Dryer Blower Belt

Some dryer models use a belt to run the blower. If the blower gets stuck or the blower belt is worn, loose and slipping, it can produce a burning smell. Confirm the blower turns freely and replace the belt if needed.

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05 - Kenmore Dryer Idler Pulley

The idler pulley keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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06 - Kenmore Dryer Idler Assembly

The idler pulley assembly keeps tension on the belt to prevent it from slipping. If the idler wheel is damaged or stops turning, the belt can slip on the drive pulley, producing a burning smell. If your idler pulley assembly is damaged or doesn't turn, you should replace it. Replacing the drive belt is also recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my dryer smell like burning?

Can I keep using the dryer if it smells like something is burning?

My dryer is making grinding or squeaking noises and also smells like it's burning. What parts should I check?

Could the main control board cause a burning smell and how do I check it?

How do I find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com for my dryer?

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