I have a kenmore elite gas dryer. It is vented from the back. Does anyone know how to convert it to a side venting dryer?

I have installed a lot of dryers and have never seen a side vent option. You can easily bend the flexible tubing into a 90 angle.

Diagnostic Guide Link
I found service tech diagnostic guides (PDF format) during an online search. This includes instructions on putting the dryer into test mode in order to check switches, etc. Here are the links:

Gas Dryer:
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/w...%203980053.pdf

Electric Dryer:
http://www.servicematters.com/docs/w...%203979705.pdf