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Jenn-Air Dryer Problems: 7 Common Issues (Must Know)

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Jenn-Air dryers, like all Jenn-Air appliances, are high-end, well-designed, and built to last.

But like all machines, Jenn-Air dryers are prone to break down, and you’ll be left with an annoying feeling and a mountain of wet items.

Before you give up and opt for manually spreading your clothes across a line in the sun, take a look at this article

Let’s start.

Jenn-Air Dryer Not Drying

Have you noticed that your dryer is taking longer to dry your clothes and that they aren’t completely dry when the cycle is finished?

Jenn-Air dryers stop drying or take too long to dry clothes because of clogged filters or vents, its overload or power supply issues. 

Before you start troubleshooting, check off the following items

1. Confirm that the program you chose is appropriate for your laundry. Some materials require more drying time than others. Examine your owner’s manual to find out which drying programs are best suited for which loads.

2. The moisture sensor may have limescale or detergent residue on it. Simply wipe the sensor with a damp cloth and a little white vinegar to clean it.

Possible Solution/s:

If the problem persists, troubleshoot the following solutions

Dryer Not Getting Enough Power

Here’s how to check if your Jenn-Air dryer is getting enough power:

  • Examine the power cord for signs of wear and tear.
  • Check that the cord is properly plugged into a working outlet.
  • Avoid using an extension cord to power your dryer because most extension cords cannot safely handle the voltage required.

Dryer is Overloaded

One of the most frequent causes of a dryer that needs many cycles to dry is overloading.

Drying takes longer because there is less space for the hot air to flow in the dryer due to the packed-in nature of the garments.

Not to mention that having too many garments can wear out your dryer’s parts and cause a malfunction.

For instructions from the manufacturer on the capacity of your dryer, we suggest consulting your owner’s handbook.

Following these recommendations and drying two loads rather than one that is overloaded will help you save time and money on repairs.

Dirty Dryer Lint Screen

Every time our clothing is dried, a small amount of fabric fiber is lost. These fibers are blown about and into the lint screen by the hot air from the dryer.

Longer drying times may result from improper hot air circulation when the screen is clogged with lint.

Clean your lint screen after each drying cycle to maximize airflow.

The screen may be simply removed, the lint picked out with your hand or a paper towel, and then replaced.

Dryer Vents Are Clogged

The accumulation of lint and debris inside exhaust vents is a typical reason why dryers take too long to dry clothes.

In addition to reducing airflow in the dryer and extending drying times, clogged dryer vents can increase the risk of dangerous dryer fires.

These obstructions might happen if the lint screen isn’t cleaned frequently or if your dryer vent pipes aren’t cleaned once a year.

Follow these actions and this advice to prevent dryer fires if your dryer takes an eternity to dry and the vent requires cleaning:

  1. Disconnect the dryer’s vent hose.
  2. Vacuum the vent pipe from both ends, including the exterior, using a narrow hose vacuum attachment.
  3. Remove the outer exhaust hood and clean the hood entrance of lint and debris.
  4. Reattach the dryer’s vent hose and replace the exhaust hood.
  5. Make sure the vent hose is free of damage or pinches before cleaning it. Additionally, ventilation could be restricted, and drying durations could be prolonged if the vent hose is pinched or squashed.

Part Malfunction

If you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps above and your Jenn-Air Dryer is still taking too long, a part malfunction could be to blame.

Occasionally, one of the dryer’s two heating elements will fail while the other remains operational, leaving clothes only partially dried.

Another common dryer problem is faulty moisture sensors.

These sensors measure the moisture level in the dryer, extending the drying cycle if the clothes are still wet.

If these sensors are faulty, they will not accurately measure moisture levels, and drying times may be prolonged.

Still having problems, check out this detailed troubleshooting article to get your clothes drying again 

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Jenn-Air Dryer Won’t Turn On

If your Jenn-Air Dryer refuses to turn on, you may be dealing with a broken power supply, a faulty switch, or a broken control board.

But, before you go into panic mode, check for a damaged power cord connecting to the outlet, test the power socket by using a smaller appliance, and check if the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped.

If your Dryer still does not work, then you’ll need a Jenn-Air professional to look at the circuitry and identify the faults with the control board.

If the problem is only with the power supply, replace it.

Jenn-Air Dryer Water Leaking

If your Jenn-Air dryer is leaking water, you may be looking at a damaged door gasket, blocked filters, faulty drain hose, or poor connection to faucets. 

If any of these components are broken, the water will continue to leak from under the device.

Possible Solution/s:

Dryer is Level

  • A leaking tumble dryer is frequently caused by incorrect placement rather than a flaw in the appliance. The most important thing to remember is that the appliance must be level and not tilted.

Using the appliance feet, you can easily reposition the dryer. We recommend placing the appliance on a stable, hard floor and double-checking the level with a spirit level.

Drain Hose

  • Examine the drain hose behind the machine for kinks or twists that are preventing water from flowing through it.

If the drain hose is damaged it will need to be replaced.

Leaking Faucets

  • Check the connection to the facets, check to make sure there is no water leaking out from them. If there is water leaking, ensure the connection is properly connected and there are no further leaks.

Blocked Filters

  • The fluff filter should be cleaned after every cycle to ensure that the appliance functions correctly. Blockage may lead to the machine overflowing and leaking water. To find out how to clean the fluff filter in a few simple steps

How to clean the filter

1. Open the dryer door and locate the filter (check the door area).
2. Pull out the two-part fluff filter.
3. Wipe around the filter area using a cloth to remove any residual fluff.
4. Pull apart the two-part filter.
5. Open both filters and remove the fluff with a cloth.
6. Rinse away any remaining fluff under running water.
7. Dry the filters with a cloth or paper towel.
8. Re-assemble the filter.
9. Reinsert the two-part filter back into position.

Ensure that the seal on the door of the dryer is working correctly and doesn’t have lacerations that are causing the leakage

Empty the Condensation Unit

  • Tumble dryers have a tank that needs to be emptied after each cycle. When removing the condensation tank, keep in mind that the water may be warm and that the tank does not have a screw cap.

To safely remove the condensation unit, slowly pull the tank away from the appliance while keeping it upright. Then, simply empty the water into the sink. When finished, replace the tank securely with the tumble dryer.

Disclaimer: only for condenser and heat pump dryers.

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Jenn-Air Dryer Weird Noises While Operating

Jenn-Air dryer making unusual noises you may have placed the dryer on an uneven surface, or the drum bearings or fan blades may be faulty.

It could also be because you put the dryer near another appliance which causes it to rattle every time it runs.

Of course, there could also be internal issues like faulty or damaged components.

Possible Solution/s:

To pinpoint your noisy problem, study the noises listed below.

Grinding Noise

  • The drum bearing is typically to blame if your Jenn-Air dryer is making a grinding noise. The dryer drum is in front of the drum bearing in the back of the appliance.

The drum rubs against the back of the casing and makes a distinct grinding sound as this component wears out.

Squealing Noise

  • Common causes of Jenn-Air dryer squealing noise are unlevel installation, damaged drum bearings, a faulty drive belt, a worn-out idler pulley, a damaged roller shaft, or a malfunctioning motor.

Rattling Noise

  • A dirty or loose blower fan blade could be causing a rattling noise in your Jenn-Air dryer. A rattling sound can also be caused by a loose motor pulley.

Check the area beneath the lint filter for any objects that may be rattling against the dryer.

Scraping Noise

  • There are two likely causes of a grinding Jenn-Air dryer: damaged drum glides or worn-out bearings.

Drum glides allow the drum to move smoothly as it rotates, and they can wear out over time. A dryer drum rotating over worn-out drum glides makes a grinding or scraping sound.

Hire a technician to identify the cause of the sound and implement necessary measures, which in most cases will be a replacement of the component.

The cost of repairing a noisy dryer range from $75 to $450, depending on the issue. There are several possible causes of a noisy dryer, some of which are easier and less expensive to repair than others. It could be a problem with the belt or bearings, which are relatively inexpensive to repair.

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Jenn-Air Dryer Bad Odour

Due to damp clothes or an ineffective airflow inside the dryer compartment, the Jenn-Air dryer may begin to emit an unpleasant fishy smell.

It also happens when you leave your clothes inside the dryer for longer than necessary, causing them to smell.

Possible Solution/s:

  • First step is to turn your dryer off and unplug it just to be safe.
  • To begin, remove the lint trap from your dryer. With your hands, remove as much lint as possible. Suck out the remaining lint with your vacuum’s hose attachment.

If the trap is not completely clean, run it under running water and use a soft brush to remove any stubborn dirt. Then remove the lint trap and allow it to dry completely before replacing it in the dryer.

  • Clean out the hole for your lint trap with your vacuum’s hose attachment. Using a vacuum to remove dirt is faster and more effective than using a cloth or brush.
  • Ensure that all vents are working correctly and do not have any debris blocking the pathway.
  • Dip a clean cloth in some distilled white vinegar. Wipe down the inside of your dryer with this damp cloth, making sure to cover every inch. This includes the door and the area beneath the door seal’s rubber gasket.
  • If your cloth is not as damp as it should be, add more vinegar and keep wiping the inside of your dryer until it is completely clean. To allow air to circulate, leave the door open and open a window.

It’s crucial to regularly let your dryer air out properly to avoid unpleasant smells resurfacing. Never put damp laundry in the dryer, and always clear the lint trap before using the dryer.

You should routinely check your dryer’s vent for dirt, debris, or damage.

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Jenn-Air Dryer Overheating

The most common cause of Jenn-Air Clothes dryer overheating is a lack of airflow or when there is a blockage in the internal ductwork, hot air becomes trapped inside the drum, posing a fire hazard.

Don’t worry, just follow the troubleshooting steps below.

Possible Solution/s:

  • Remove and clean the lint filter if you haven’t already. Before replacing the filter, shine a flashlight into the dryer’s slot-like area to see if there is any lint or debris stuck inside. If you see any, remove them with a vacuum cleaner’s wand attachment.
  • You should also inspect the ductwork to see if your dryer has adequate airflow.

Turn on the dryer and go outside to where the duct exhaust vents are located. You should be able to feel air blowing out of the vent. However, if there is a blockage, you may feel little to no air.

Still, having issues?

If your Jenn-Air continues to overheat after completing these steps, the issue could be a faulty thermostat or heating element.

It is best to seek the assistance of a qualified technician.

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Jenn-Air Dryer Stopped Spinning

If your Jenn-Air dryer stopped spinning, the drive belt might be at fault.

The drive belt wraps the drum and creates tension between the drive motor pulley and other components.

The strap can get damaged over time with regular usage until it breaks completely.

Another reason can be a worn-out drum roller. If malfunctions, either of the two rollers can cause the dryer to stop spinning.

Possible Solution/s:

  • Replace the drive belt
  • Replace the drum rollers

Likely you will need a qualified technician to take a look and provide advice on how to resolve this issue

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Jenn-Air Dryer Drum Is Not Turning

If your Jenn-Air dryer drum is not turning, the problem could again be with the drive belt and the drum rollers.

You can also check the drum roller axle to ensure it hasn’t been damaged with normal use.

Another probable reason for the drum not turning can be a faulty drive motor.

Possible Solution/s:

  • Replace the drive belt
  • Replace the drum rollers
  • Replace the drum roller axle
  • Replace the drive motor

Best to contact appliance support to help resolve this issue

The cost of repairing a dryer that does not spin or a drum that does not turn ranges from $75 to $450, depending on the issue. There are several possible causes of a noisy dryer, some of which are easier and less expensive to repair than others. It could be a problem with the belt or bearings, which are relatively inexpensive to repair.

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Jenn-Air Dryer Tripping Circuit Breaker

If your Jenn-Air dryer trips the circuit breaker each time you turn it on, your circuit board may be too weak to handle the power load.

Alternatively, the problem could lie with the heating element and the heating assembly of the dryer which is soaking up too much power from the source due to damage.

Possible Solution(s):

  • Check the circuit board for breaking limit
  • Replace the heating element
  • Replace the heating element assembly

Best to contact technical support to help resolve this issue

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Jenn-Air Dryer Motor Does Not Stop

If your Jenn-Air dryer is continuing to dry clothes even after a significantly longer duration, you may be facing a problem with clogged debris or a blower wheel, as the dryer is supposed to stop after a while.

Here are some solutions to help you get rid of this problem.

Possible Solution(s):

  • If the dryer vents are clogged with debris, the dyer’s running time can increase significantly. So, open up the unit and thoroughly clean the vents to ensure proper drying.
  • If the problem persists, the blower wheel may be defective. To test this component, check the strength of the airflow through the vent. If the airflow is weak, try rotating the blower wheel manually and replace it if it wobbles.

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Jenn-Air Dryer Leaving Black Marks on Clothes

It can be quite frustrating when you put your clothes in the dryer only to make them dirty.

Jenn-Air dryer leaving black marks on clothes is likely to be caused by grease from the door. 

If you’re facing such a problem, follow the steps mentioned below.

Possible Solution(s):

  • People often lubricate the dyer’s door hinges to reduce squeaky noise. However, excessive lubrication can leak out inside the dryer and leave black marks on clothes. So, cleaning up the lubrication might solve the issue.
  • If grease isn’t the problem, the dryer drum may have dropped, causing the clothes to be pinched between the dryer drum and drum slides. To fix the problem, you will need to replace the drum slides.

Jenn-Air Dryer Door Won’t Unlock

If your dryer’s door won’t unlock at the end of a cycle, it needs to be repaired.

To do so, follow the solutions mentioned below.

Possible Solution(s):

  • A common reason behind this issue is a defective lock and switch assembly. Using an Ohm meter, test the switches for continuity. If continuity is not observed, replace the switches to unlock the door.
  • If the lock and switch assembly appear to be working fine, the main control board may be keeping the door locked. Replace the main control board to fix the problem.

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How Long Should a Jenn-Air Dryer Last?

Jenn-Air dryers should last between 10 and 14 years. Built with high-quality materials, some may last longer if properly maintained.

However, if your Jenn-Air dryer is at least ten years old, it is more cost-effective to replace it.

Repairing the 10-year-old dryer will most likely be more expensive.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: our complete troubleshooting guide for your Jenn-Air dryer, so you’re always prepared in the event of a problem.

If you have a fault, carefully read the article and if needed contact a skilled technician.

Cheers!

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