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.
This is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with Kenmore, and the technicians listed are independent repair companies, not the manufacturer.
If you bought your Kenmore at Sears, you do not need to go back to Sears for a repair. Independent technicians near River Forest work on Kenmore dryers every week.
Independent Kenmore Dryer Technicians, River Forest IL
40 repair companies serve River Forest from within 30 miles. 1 of them are based in River Forest itself, and other nearby bases include Oak Park (7), Chicago (4), and Elmwood Park (3). The farthest listed company is about 5 miles out. Nearest on the list: Ready River Forest Appliance Repair, around 0.6 miles out. None of the companies within 30 miles mention Kenmore by name, so we include matching companies from a longer drive plus the nearest appliance repair companies. Across 32 rated companies, the average public rating is 4.4 stars.
Companies are shown by relevance and distance from River Forest. A mention does not mean manufacturer certification, so ask each company about its experience with your dryer.
| With 4.5+ stars and at least 10 reviews | 13 |
|---|---|
| Mention Kenmore | 0 |
| Listing Saturday hours | 39 |
| Companies within 30 miles | 60 |
| Three nearest companies, miles away | 0.6, 0.7, 1.1 |
| List dryer or washer & dryer work | 10 |
The leading options for River Forest are Sears Appliance Repair (77.2 miles away, based in Peru, 4.4 stars from 70 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Sears Appliance Repair (3.2 miles away, based in North Riverside, 4.4 stars from 169 reviews, lists Saturday hours); Maywood Appliance (4.4 miles away, based in Brookfield, 4.6 stars from 151 reviews, lists Saturday hours); IVAN Appliance Repairs (1.4 miles away, based in Elmwood Park, 4.7 stars from 295 reviews, lists Saturday hours).
Know Your Kenmore Dryer
What a Kenmore Dryer Technician Deals With
SmartDry Ultra dryers combine two moisture sensors with a temperature monitor and a dual heating element to fine-tune heat and cycle length. Source: Kenmore - 8.8 cu. ft. Electric Dryer w/ SmartDry Ultra Technology
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
Common Kenmore Dryer Problems
- Dryer won't start. Kenmore says to confirm the cord is fully plugged into a grounded outlet and the breaker is intact, and to turn off Control Lock if buttons beep but nothing happens. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178)
- 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)
Reading a Kenmore Dryer Error Code
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| tE1-tE7 (Elite steam dryers) | A temperature sensor has failed; the dryer needs service. 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) |
| PF / nP (Elite steam dryers) | A power supply or cord connection problem; check the cord at the terminal block and the house fuse or breaker. Source: Kenmore - Kenmore Elite Steam Dryer Use & Care Guide (796.8178/796.9178) |
Kenmore Dryer Problems Worth a Service Call
- Squealing, thumping or grinding while it runs
- Drum will not turn even though you hear a hum
- Outside of the cabinet gets unusually hot
How a Dryer Service Call Usually Goes in River Forest
Keeping a Kenmore Dryer Running
- To clean the vent, unplug the dryer, disconnect the duct from the dryer and wall, and vacuum lint from the duct, the wall vent and the back of the dryer. Source: Kenmore - 3 Reasons to Clean Your Dryer Vent (And How to Do It)
- 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
A Kenmore dryer repair usually costs about the same as any other brand for the same part. Published ranges:
- Timer replacement: $150–$300 Source: Fixr - How much does it cost to repair a dryer?
- Heating element replacement: $150–$350 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?
- 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?
A dryer that keeps needing repairs despite regular maintenance is usually cheaper to replace. Source: Angi - How Much Does Dryer Repair Cost?
Ranges are published estimates, not quotes. See the dryer repair cost guide and how long dryers last.
Getting Ready for the Repair
- Whether the dryer is gas or electric
- The brand, model and serial number from the label inside the door or on the back panel
- What happens when you press Start (no response, hum, runs with no heat, stops early)
Dryer Notes for River Forest, IL
Most dryer calls in River Forest 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.
In Illinois, you can check a license with the Illinois Department of Public Health Plumber License Search or report a problem to the Illinois Attorney General Consumer Fraud Bureau.
Before You Book in River Forest
- If a part has to be ordered, how soon can you come back to finish?
- Will you check the vent and lint path as part of the visit?
- Can you give a written estimate before ordering parts?
Kenmore Dryer Repair FAQs: River Forest, IL
Is my Kenmore dryer worth repairing?
Why does my Kenmore dryer show an error code?
Why do my clothes come out damp?
What makes a dryer stop heating?
Other Dryer Repair in River Forest
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.