A Kenmore dryer shares most of its parts with other dryers, but its controls, error codes and sensor-dry cycles are specific to the brand. We flag companies whose listing or website mentions Kenmore and fill in with nearby dryer repair companies so you always have options.
Independent listings only: Washer and Dryer Repair is not affiliated with or endorsed by Kenmore. If your dryer is still under manufacturer coverage, contact Kenmore directly.
Kenmore dryers were made for Sears by several manufacturers over the years, so the model number matters more than the badge. Independent technicians can look up the parts from it.
Kenmore Dryer Repair Near Mill Valley
40 repair companies serve Mill Valley from within 30 miles. 5 list an address in Mill Valley, and the rest are spread across San Francisco (11), San Rafael (10), and Richmond (5). Distances run up to about 11 miles. Nearest on the list: Appliance Home & Commercial Services, around 0.2 miles out. No company within 90 miles of Mill Valley mentions Kenmore by name, so these are the nearest appliance repair companies. Most work on several brands, so ask about yours. Rated companies nearby average 4.8 stars across 27 businesses.
We do not show business phone numbers. Call our helpline to be connected with a participating technician, or look a company up directly. Always confirm licensing and insurance.
| Rated 4.5 stars or higher (10+ reviews) | 21 |
|---|---|
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 0.2, 0.9, 1.0 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 60 |
| Listing Saturday hours | 41 |
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 16 |
At the top of the Mill Valley list: Smart Solution Appliances (9.3 miles away, based in San Francisco, 4.9 stars from 138 reviews, lists Saturday hours); UniFix Appliance Repair (4.6 miles away, based in San Rafael, 4.9 stars from 94 reviews, lists Saturday hours); SGS Appliance Repair, INC (9.4 miles away, based in San Francisco, 4.9 stars from 79 reviews, lists Saturday hours); FixWell Appliance Repair (4.5 miles away, based in San Rafael, 4.9 stars from 100 reviews).
Kenmore Dryer Lines and Features
How Kenmore Dryers Are Built
Kenmore's Check Vent sensor alerts the owner when the dryer is not moving enough air to the outside. Source: Kenmore - Laundry List: Kenmore Dryer Buying Guide
Kenmore Dryer Symptoms and First Checks
- Check Vent light blinking. Kenmore says the exhaust is seriously restricted and the ducts should be cleaned and inspected before using the dryer again. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- Dryer not heating. Kenmore says to check for a tripped breaker or blown fuse and, on gas models, confirm the gas supply is on, noting an electric dryer can tumble without heat on a partial circuit. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Kenmore Dryer Error Codes
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| CL (Elite steam dryers) | Control Lock is on. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| CHECK FILTER (Elite steam dryers) | A reminder to clean the lint filter before the load. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
| HS (Elite steam dryers) | The humidity (moisture) sensor has failed; the dryer needs service. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
Signs Your Kenmore Dryer Needs a Technician
- Drum will not turn even though you hear a hum
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle
- Dryer will not start when you press Start
Inside a Dryer Repair Visit
Keeping a Kenmore Dryer Running
- Use only 4-inch rigid or semi-rigid metal duct (no plastic or foil), check it for lint monthly and clean it at least yearly; one Elite steam model allows about 65 feet with no elbows and 28 feet with four 90-degree elbows using a 4-inch hood. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- If the lint screen looks clogged when held to the light, scrub it with hot soapy water and a stiff brush and let it dry fully before reinstalling. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
Brand guides: Kenmore Dryer Not Heating: Causes and Fixes.
What Kenmore Dryer Repairs Cost
Price the repair before replacing a Kenmore dryer. Published ranges for common jobs:
- Thermostat replacement: $100–$260 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Drive motor replacement: $250–$450 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Igniter replacement (gas dryer): $100–$250 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Control board (part only): $90–$280 Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
- Typical dryer repair: $100–$200 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Appliance technician diagnosis, washer (usually waived if hired for the repair): $50–$100 per visit Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a washing machine?
Replacement makes more sense once a dryer is about 10 years old or past half its expected lifespan. Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the dryer repair cost guide and how long dryers last.
Getting Ready for the Repair
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
- How long the vent run is and where it exits the house
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
Around Mill Valley
Most dryer calls in Mill Valley come down to the same handful of parts: the vent and lint path, the heat source, the belt and rollers, and the door and start switches.
California requires businesses that repair major home appliances such as refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, washers and dryers for pay to register with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services as Major Home Appliance Service Dealers, including out-of-state providers serving California customers. Source: Application for Registration (Electronic and Appliance Repair Dealers) - Bureau of Household Goods and Services
In California, you can check a license with the CSLB Check a License or report a problem to the California Attorney General, Public Inquiry Unit (consumer complaint against a business).
Questions to Ask a Mill Valley Technician
- Can you look at the washer on the same visit if it is acting up too?
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
- If a part has to be ordered, how soon can you come back to finish?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: Mill Valley, CA
Is this Kenmore customer service?
Why does my Kenmore dryer show an error code?
Is my Kenmore dryer worth repairing?
Other Dryer Repair in Mill Valley
Kenmore Dryer Repair in Nearby Cities
Clean the lint screen, check the vent hood outside and note the model number before calling. It rules out the simple causes and speeds up a Kenmore repair.