Start Switch

• The start button on the front console of your Kenmore clothes dryer allows you to turn on the machine once you've chosen a drying cycle and temperature to run. After it's pressed, a signal is sent to several components, such as the heater and drum, alerting them to start operating. If you press the button and your dryer doesn't work, the start button might be damaged. It's possible that its wiring has shorted and is unable to direct other components to activate. You can assess the start button's connectivity with a multimeter that evaluates the continuity of electrical components. If the start button voltage level is low or zero, the button needs to be replaced.
  
  

Motor

• Beyond the start button, you should also check to make sure the dryer's motor is working. After you press the start button, listen for the humming sound of the motor. If you press the button and hear no sound, the motor might have burned out. The motor operates the drum belt, which is what spins the drum and tumbles the clothes. Although you can replace a bad motor, you might want to ask a dryer technician about the cost involved. Given that the dryer is old, rather than replace the motor, you might be better off purchasing a new dryer.
  
  

Door Switch

• Check the inside frame of your Kenmore dryer's door to confirm that its switch works correctly if the start button isn't working. The door switch must latch and hold the door firmly shut for the dryer to start and run. If the switch is broken or out of alignment with the latch, the door won't shut right, and the dryer won't start even after you press the start switch. Gently push down the door switch with your hand. You should hear a faint ticking sound. If you don't hear any sound, the switch needs to be changed out for the dryer to start. If you hear a ticking noise, make sure that it's lined up with the latch on the dryer. If the switch and latch don't connect, remove the latch and reposition it so it does.
  
  

Thermal Fuse

• It's possible that your dryer might have overheated and prompted the thermal fuse to blow. When this happens, the thermal fuse shuts off power to your dryer to avoid the risk of fire. However, after the thermal fuse trips, your dryer won't operate normally unless you replace it. Review your Kenmore dryer manual for help finding the fuse. Once you've found it, look to see if it's gray, indicating that it's likely blown. Swapping out the bad fuse with a new one should enable the start button to work properly.