Kenmore dryer model 41788042700 won't start - when pushing the start button the lights blink 3 times, is that an error code? What is wrong

These driers will do that when the lint builds up like concrete on the inside of the air ducts. They blow the main safety to keep it from burning the house down. Halfway cleaning it will not work. If the fuse blows you need to totally tear it down and scrape out and wash all of the parts except the motor, which you vacuum out. You can go to YouTube to see videos on how to take it apart, but do a very good job or it will fail again quickly. I would get a new belt and change it while you have it apart and get some white lithium grease and grease any bearings you find. You need to clean out a drier every two years, at least, according to the manual. You just unplug the wires from the sensors and remove ductwork that they are attached on and clean the entire thing with soap and water. Make sure you go all through the dryer and get all parts like the blower fan and housing, vacuum out motor well and clean exhaust. Mark all wires you unplug so you know where they go. This is an easier job than you would think. Make sure to clean around all of the sensors, too, because when they cannot sense the dryer will not work, plus the burning lint deposits will burn down your house. The blown safety is like a fuse and located near the elements. You will need a meter to find the safety that is blown . Replace the belt which you can get the same place that sells a new safety. See: Dryer vent cleaning prevents fires - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6wmD502-xE) and: Cleaning out a dryer with top lint cleanout - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBNDbyRm68M&feature=fvsr)
Cleaning out a dryer: By a woman 2 of 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a73HTFkcB90&feature=relmfu)
Manual: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/kenmore_dryer-manual.pdf

When checking the door switch the light comes on but it doesn't appear to be getting continuity to the computer , on the pause/control panelthere was a light that kind or resembles a lock that stayed on the whole time. Is it possible that the door switch is the problem?

Check it with a meter to see, but that switch is in series with the safety that is probably burned out. Quit guessing and get a meter. It's the only way to know.

There is the symbol of a padlock LED that stays lit, the same symbol is under the Options - Select buttoms that I assume pushing them in some particular sequence gives someone the capability of disabling the dryer so the kids can't put the cat in for a fluff job. I cannot get this LED to clear. After checking all the sensors and switches with multimeter I read the error codes. I had multiple codes and cleared all the errors. (unfortunately the dog ate my list of codes) Anyway, I ran the Function test and everything works just right and the temp controller controlled at 126 degF. Exited Function test and removed power from dryer. Reapplied power and LOCK LED is still lit. Dryer will not start. Is there a button sequence to unlock the LOCK function?

Ted

You need a manual for your particular model.