Kenmore Dryer Runs but Doesn't Heat: Heating Element Replaced in San Jose
A Kenmore 796.81182310 dryer in a San Jose garage that tumbled without heat. The heating element was open; a new element went in and the cabinet was vacuumed while it was apart.
Repair at a glance
| City | San Jose, CA |
|---|---|
| Appliance | Electric dryer |
| Category | Major Brands |
| Brand & model | Kenmore 796.81182310 electric dryer (LG-built) |
| Repair date | |
| Customer complaint | The dryer ran, but the clothes came out as cold and damp as they went in — it didn't heat up. |
| Diagnosis | The heating element was open and no longer producing heat. |
| Repair cost | $386 (parts and labor) |
| Warranty | 6 months on parts and labor |
| Outcome | Repaired |
What I found
This Kenmore is built by LG, so it follows the LG layout with the heater duct on the right side of the cabinet. The drum turned and the controls responded, which pointed to the heat circuit rather than the motor.
With the front and drum removed I checked the element for continuity — it was open, so it could no longer heat.
The repair
I took out the heater duct, swapped the old element for a new one and set it back in the same position, reconnecting the wiring and checking that nothing touched the housing.
While the drum was out I vacuumed the lint from the cabinet floor and around the blower, which helps the new element run cooler.
Testing
After reassembly I ran a heat cycle and confirmed warm air at the drum. The total was $386 with a 6-month warranty on parts and labor.
Part replaced: dryer heating element (5301EL1001H).
Photos from this repair
The Kenmore dryer before the repair. 
The drum out of the cabinet. 
The old and new heater ducts with elements. 
The new element installed; cabinet vacuumed.
Need Kenmore electric dryer repair?
$85 diagnostic applied to the repair. Serving San Jose, San Francisco & the Bay Area.