I've had similar problems with our 3 y.o. elite dryer. I replaced the electronic control assembly about a year ago. Now the same problem is reoccurring.

This time I followed up on another posters advice. After unplugging and carefully labeling the wires, I switched the motor relay (#3405281) located next to the start button with the heater relay (same #) located next to the control circuit board. The dryer started and continued to run (although the heat never came on, further indicating a bad relay). You don't need to connect the former motor relay with the heater relay wires in order for this to work. Just make sure they are not touching any metal.

I'd highly recommend people try this test. It could save you a lot of hassle. If it doesn't work then it's most likely the electronic control assembly.

I have the same problem! Did you slove the problem? What was it?

I have a Kenmore Gas Dryer Model 110.73942101
Start button starts and when released stops. Also, no heat when pressed and held down. So from all these posts I am hearing it is a bad motor relay that needs replaced? Any additional help or advice is welcome. Thanks!

sorry, a bad heater relay..

My Kenmore gas dryer (110.74992300) has the same 'won't run if start button is released' problem.

Could any one tell me the steps to open the Control Panel? My unit looks like
White Kenmore Elite 7.5 cu. ft. King Sized Capacity Gas Dryer Sears item #02676972000 Mfr. model #76972
at
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?vertical=APPL&bidsite=&pid=02676972000&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes

Many thanks

Just curious! Anyone with the same problem Does your end of cycle buzzer sound when the press to start button is released?

Bill

I first want to say thank you to all that posted before me with such detailed information. I encountered the same problem with my Kenmore Elite gas dryer (110.73932102) and was amazed to find that this was such a common (and well documented) issue. After reading this post I contacted the Sears Customer Recovery Team (800-690-5650) and explained my problem. I said that I believed that this was an ongoing problem and that there was a service flash (SF 26-751). The woman from Sears stated that she couldn't confirm if my repairs would be at no cost and basically said I would have to schedule someone to come out first. I scheduled an appointment knowing there would be a fee, but I figured I would fight that battle later. She said someone would call me the next day and confirm if there was a service fee involved. They left a message as promised and said there would be a fee just for coming to the house (surprise).

The tech came a few days later and after a few minutes of inspecting, he confirmed what everyone has said here - the board was burnt. I asked if it was a known problem and repeated the service flash information. He said he would have to check and returned to his truck. He quickly returned with the new parts and had everything changed in a few minutes (he also changed the relay). As he was wrapping up I asked what the charge would be (figuring on the service fee) and he said it was all covered and walked out the door.

I must admit I was very pleased with the outcome especially with the difficulties many of you have had in dealing with Sears. It does bother me though that they don't properly acknowledge the problem and only if pushed will they do the right thing and correct it. I hope they are beginning to realize the magnitude of this issue and those who have spent money on this in the past will be able to receive some sort of refund.

Thanks again and good luck

Excellent advice on diagnosing my Kenmore Elite Gas Dryer. I switched the relays and found the bad relay. I'll be buying a new motor relay in the morning. Thanks!

I am trying the switch of the relays, but I think it is the board. I have model #110.73932102 the same as some have listed before. It is only about 18 mths old, but out of warranty. I can't believe Sears/Whirlpool does not recall these things. I don't know if I want to go through the pain of dealing w/Sears repair or just fix it myself - I am an Automotive tech, so I do understand circuits/relays etc. But it just frosts me that so many consumers are out there with this problem. Of course if I don't complain to them how are they to know I have the problem.

dryer stops after 5 min or after 30...no pattern ....this used dryer place told me to unplug the 2 blue wires in the back and hook them together......will that burn up/blow up anything?...great thread

Just wanted to say a HUGE thanks for all the information on these posts. My dryer which is the same model as discussed above and is about 20 months old was running but the heating coil was not working. I checked all the stuff in the technical manual that was behind the control panel; but it was a post here that lead me to the final solution; a bad heater relay. I was able to verify this by switching the heater and motor relay (since the parts are the same). With the relays switched dryer would not stay on without holding down the start button (the problem that this posts mostly covers) BUT the heating element starting glowing red! I also was about to verify this by checking for resistance over the two small leads on the relay unit (should be about 2300ohms as mentioned previously) instead I found that they were open. I ordered a replacement (3405281) and I know that this will fix our problem. Thanks again for all this valuable information!

starts and heats but stops after 5min....20min...or even..1 hour...no pattern..can Sears repair this one too???....any ideas...?????

ok...will wait for repair man...thanks