I have a dryer that was working fine until I opened the door to check on the load and when I pressed the start button again it wouldn't start back up. What seems to be the problem and how can I repair this myself. When I press the start button, I can here a slight buzz noise and I smelled something that might have burned. Maybe it's the switch. If so, how can I repair this. Thanks for your help.

That smell may very well be from a burnt wire. The first thing to do is to get it apart so you can visually inspect the wires and components for signs of damage.

Just getting to that stuff can be difficult on some models.

Generally speaking, anything on a dryer can be repaired by a diy'er, but figuring out what the problem is is the hardest part.

If you're keen on doing things yourself, I'd head over to Lowes/Home Depot and pick up a good appliance repair book; many of them have excellent troubleshooting steps that you can do with a cheap electrical tester.

Stay tuned, though... we've got a couple good Appliance repair folk here.

Yes I'd agree, you have to get inside this to see what's up. Could be the belt, a burnt wire, if the drum no longer turns it could be the switch also.. I'm not sure of all kenmore's, but mine (87511110) has the two screws on the top control panel, that tips back and the whole case comes forward.

Is this a Kenmore elite? If so, you may wish to look at this link... http://www.epinions.com/msg/show_~th...~7/sec_~forums

If you are like the rest of us... get ready, it may hurt a bit when Sears lack of customer service department is through with you.

Good luck!

The first thing you should do is to take apart the lint trap with 2 screws pull out the trap assembly and clean out down inside. Then make sure you have at least a wet towel in the dryer or the dryer will shut itself off thinking that everything is dry. I have repaired many dryers simply by deep cleaning the entire dryer, exhaust housing. and filter assembly not just the lint trap that pulls out easily.