Dryer keeps telling me to check vent but it's squeaky clean!

Question

Kenmore Elite Dryer

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Will Carson @willcarson34

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crwdns2931729:0crwdne2931729:0: Kho 3, 2023

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Dryer keeps telling me to check vent but it's squeaky clean!

So I have a Kenmore Elite dryer that keeps ending the cycle after 5-10 minutes, giving me a blinking light on "check vent." I have completely taken apart the exhaust, thoroughly cleaned it, and put it back together. I have also snaked the lint trap and exhaust line forwards and backwards with a spinning brush and shop vac. The vent is clean as can be, so something else is wrong.

Do you know how I can resolve this or at least what to do next for troubleshooting? I was suspecting I might need to replace the motherboard but I would hate to do that just to find out I still have a smaller, cheaper part that is causing the problem.

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Hi @willcarson34,

What is the model number of the dryer?

crwdns2934271:0Kho 3, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 jayeff crwdne2934271:0

@jayeff 796.41983.410

crwdns2934271:0Kho 3, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Will Carson crwdne2934271:0

Hi @willcarson34,

Sorry I can't help you with this dryer.

Your dryer is a rebadged LG product made for Kenmore.

Unfortunately, I cannot find a free download for the service sheet (LG part #MHK63813707) which would show you how to run the diagnostic tests to further isolate what the problem is.

The best that I could find is this supplier but you have to pay for it.

You may be able to find a free download or there may be other suppliers that suit you better. Just search for the part number to get results.

crwdns2934271:0Kho 3, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 jayeff crwdne2934271:0

That's unfortunate...I kinda feel scammed.

Well after playing around with it, it seems to work just fine if I set it to a timed dry with custom settings instead of using a preset...so I'll stick to that for now.

Thanks for trying!

crwdns2934271:0Kho 3, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 Will Carson crwdne2934271:0

It's probably a fault In a sensor some where in the vent, like a mass flow sensor or something like that. Id just double check that all the wires are seated correctly on the uint before getting professional help.

Bw-100 electrical contact cleaner might be able to spray away the issue.

crwdns2934271:0Kho 6, 2023crwdnd2934271:0 DanielAdvancedDeviceRepair crwdne2934271:0

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Hi @willcarson34,

Sorry I can't help you with this dryer.

Your dryer is a rebadged LG product made for Kenmore.

Unfortunately, I cannot find a free download for the service sheet (LG part #MHK63813707) which would show you how to run the diagnostic tests to further isolate what the problem is.

The best that I could find is this supplier but you have to pay for it.

You may be able to find a free download or there may be other suppliers that suit you better. Just search for the part number to get results. — jayeff
That's unfortunate...I kinda feel scammed.

Well after playing around with it, it seems to work just fine if I set it to a timed dry with custom settings instead of using a preset...so I'll stick to that for now.

Thanks for trying! — Will Carson
It's probably a fault In a sensor some where in the vent, like a mass flow sensor or something like that. Id just double check that all the wires are seated correctly on the uint before getting professional help.

Bw-100 electrical contact cleaner might be able to spray away the issue. — DanielAdvancedDeviceRepair

Tyler @akdryervent1 crwdns2934065:0crwdne2934065:0: 1 · Answer 1 · 2025-05-12T13:08:27-07:00

It’s a common issue even after full vent cleaning. A few things to check before replacing the motherboard:

1. Moisture Sensor Issue: If your Kenmore Elite has moisture sensors near the lint trap, buildup or sensor failure can cause early shutoff. Clean them gently with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.

2. Thermistor or Thermal Fuse: These components monitor and regulate temperature. A faulty thermistor can trigger a “check vent” warning even when the vent is clear. Test continuity with a multimeter and replace if needed.

3. Blower Wheel Obstruction or Slippage: Sometimes the blower wheel loosens or gets debris behind it, which reduces airflow at the dryer exit (even if the vent line is clean). Inspect and spin the blower by hand to confirm it’s secure.

4. Vent Sensor / Flow Sensor: Some Kenmore models use a pressure switch or flow sensor to detect airflow. If it’s dirty, damaged, or reading inaccurately, it can falsely trigger the “check vent” light.

5. Control Board Last Resort: Only consider replacing the motherboard after verifying all above parts. It’s rarely the first failure point in these symptoms.

Tyler

Kenmore Elite Dryer

Dryer keeps telling me to check vent but it's squeaky clean!

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