Brand of appliance:
Kenmore

Type of appliance:
Dryer

Model number:
11073942 101

Serial, run, manufacturing, or lot number :
MM3588389

Problem description:
The push to start button is not working properly. If you push the button in, the dryer starts but when you let go of the button the dryer stops. I bought a new switch thinking that would take care of it but it is still doing the same thing. I checked out a trouble shooting guide supplied by Sears, which made me to believe the problem is with the "Even Heat Electronic Control Assembly". I bought one and installed it and I still have the same problem. Push the button in, the dryer starts, let the button go, and the dryer stops.
Please, any suggestions would be very much appreciated----This thing is driving me nuts! The machine is about 5 years old and the parts have already cost me over $100.00. Look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Thanks a bunch,
Sincerly,

Mike Vasil

Mike Vasil, January 2007

I have a Kenmore dryer with the same problem every once in a while. Apparently, the dryer's electronic computer chip has a glitch. I can always fix it using the following two methods. If method A doesn't work, then method B works. Try method A first.
Method A.
1. Rotate all the controls back and forth at least once.
2. Rotate the timer knob two complete cycles.
Method B.
Unplug dryer for a minute or so to let the electronic brain reset.

Kirk, August 2010

Had the same problem it ended up being the relay -- need to be replaced. The advise below was awaesome -I was able to fix it by myself....

We had the exact same problem. I traced it to the motor relay which is on the control panel next to the pts switch. To trouble shoot the relay ,with a ohm meter, check for continuity across the coil of the relay. The coil is shown on the wiring diagram of the motor relay like a curly spring between two terminals.You can also exchange the heater relay with the motor relay as I did and see if the dryer will continue to run.Check the label on the relays and see that they have the same part number first.

single women, November 2009

We had the exact same problem. I traced it to the motor relay which is on the control panel next to the pts switch. To trouble shoot the relay ,with a ohm meter, check for continuity across the coil of the relay. The coil is shown on the wiring diagram of the motor relay like a curly spring between two terminals.You can also exchange the heater relay with the motor relay as I did and see if the dryer will continue to run.Check the label on the relays and see that they have the same part number first. Good luck.

Doug Cole, February 2007

More of a work-around than an answer. We have a Kenmore dryer model 11063942 101, and we have the exact same problem. We've checked everything. What we do is, we run the dryer with a Rube Goldberg assembly of screwdrivers and stuff holding the push to start button in. It's annoying but it works fine. Note we've had this problem at least 6 months. Nothing's blown up yet, overheated, shorted out or anything.
But if you find out what causes it, please let me know?
Thanks

Addison Kelly, January 2007

usually with push to start not working means the machine is shorting out somewhere, i would let someone have a look

phil grimshaw, January 2007