How do I remove the toe plate on an he3 elite kenmore gas dryer. It says use a thin flathead screwdriver to release the clips at top of toe plate. All I seem to be doing is scratching the paint/porcelain. ???

Hello;

My name is Peter. I am a retired field service appliance technician.


There are two spring clips, one on each side of the bottom toe plate panel.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/troubleshoot-kenmore-elite-gas-dryer-wont-heat-77443.html

If your Kenmore dryer has stopped producing heat, chances are the problem lies with the dryer's thermal fuse. A fire-prevention safety device, the thermal fuse is designed to disrupt the flow of electricity to the dryer's heating mechanisms if the dryer temperature reaches a predetermined maximum. Once activated, the thermal fuse must be replaced to restore the heat to your dryer. In Kenmore brand residential dryers, the thermal fuse will be located in one of two places.

Instructions

Front Panel Access
1 Unplug your Kenmore dryer from its power source. Make sure that the appliance is unplugged before proceeding.
2 Use a flathead screwdriver or putty knife to remove the dryer's bottom service panel, sometimes called the toe panel. Slide the screwdriver or putty knife along the top of the toe panel until you've located the toe panel clips. The clips are usually located about four inches in from either side of the service panel. Push down on the toe clips with the screwdriver or putty knife to release. Remove the panel and set it aside.

3 Locate the thermal fuse on your Kenmore dryer. Look for the thermal fuse directly above the dryer's motor; it looks like a white strip with two wires, and is usually mounted off to one side. See Resources for a diagram of thermal components.
Rear Access
4 Disconnect the Kenmore dryer from its power source while locating the thermal fuse.
5 Move the dryer away from the wall so that you can access the back of the appliance.
6 Use a screwdriver to remove the dryer's back panel. Set the panel and loose screws aside until you are ready to replace them.
7 Locate your Kenmore dryer's thermal fuse just above the exhaust port. The thermal fuse looks like a white strip with two connected wires.

Tips & Warnings

Clogged exhaust ports are a common cause of thermal fuse failure. While you've got your Kenmore dryer in pieces, clean out the exhaust ducts to keep it functioning at its best.

Take all proper safety precautions when working with electrical appliances. Make sure that your Kenmore dryer is unplugged before attempting to service it.

Check this link ,if you use Whirlpool Dryers:
http://www.do-it-yourself-washing-machine-and-dryer-repair-help.com/thermalfuse-dryer-Whirlpool-29inch-electric.html

Thanks

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Things You'll Need:

* Putty Knife
* Screwdriver

*
Step1
Unplug the dryer and move it away from the wall. This will provide work space around the dryer.
*
Step2
Open the lint trap door and remove the two screws with a screwdriver. Pull out the lint screen.
*
Step3
Remove the console by unscrewing the four screws that connect it to the top. With the screws removed, disconnect the wiring harness and set the console aside.
*
Step4
Insert a putty knife between the top and front panel 2 inches from the corner. Press in to release the holding clip and pull up on the top panel to remove it from the clip.
*
Step5 With your hands, lift up on the corner to disengage the top from the remaining holding clips. Set the top aside.
Step6 There are two screws at the top of the front panel that secure it to the side panels. Remove the two screws with a screwdriver.
Step7. If equipped with a toe panel, insert a putty knife at the top center of the panel. Press in and release the retaining clip and pull the toe panel off by hand.
Step8. Place boards underneath the front of the drum. The boards will keep the drum in place when removing the front panel. Remove the front panel by swinging the top out and lifting it to remove from the bottom tabs.
Step9. The rear panel is removed by unscrewing the attaching screws from the side panels and bottom with a screwdriver. The dryer is now disassembled and all parts are accessible

Get a putty knife or flathead screwdriver. There are two clips between the top panel and bottom panel about 3 inches from the corner. Push your screwdriver/putty knife straight in and it will release from the top. Give a little pull. There you go!

check thermal fuse in back near exhaust. or on top of burner tube. if your dryer has a toe panel there are 2 clips on either side at the top that you can release with a putty knife. if no panel you have to take off the whole front. If ignitor glows and no ignition replace the valve coils.

Getting to the heating circuits is not the same on every model of dryer. Some dryers have heating circuits in the REAR of the dryer, some have the heating circuits located inside the cabinet UNDER the drum and others have heating circuits BEHIND the drum.

If your dryer has the lint screen on the TOP of the unit, you will need to remove the BACK panel of the dryer to expose the heating circuits.

If the dryer has the lint screen in the DOOR, you will need to remove the lower toe panel under the door by using a putty knife to release the retaining clips. They will be located along the seam in the front about 2 inches in from each side. If this is a Kenmore Elite or Whirlpool Duet, the lower toe panel comes off by removing the screws under the bottom edge of the panel.

If you do not have a toe panel, you will need to lift the dryer top and remove the entire FRONT panel to access the internal components.

If you have further questions, please post back with your MODEL NUMBER so I can determine how your dryer is constructed.

Replace the coils ($30).

I'm haveing the same problem with my frididaire gas dryer. I replaced the ignitor and cleaned the inside parts with a vacume and still having similar problems as yours. I think I will replace the temp. sensor that is attached to the flame tube inside the dryer next. To gain access to the inside parts you will need a putty knife to release the top panel. Just slide the putty knife along the top seam in front of the drryer. There are 2 clips that realease the top peice. With the top lifed up you will see 2 phillips head screws attaching the front panel to the dryer. Remove those screws and lift upwards and the front panel will lift right off the unit.carefully place the front panel to the side without damageing any wires attached. Then all your gas assembly parts will be visable in the bottom left cornner of the unit.

hope this helps,