Not drying through single cycle - Kenmore Elite 20972

MAY BE BAD MOTOR WITH BAD WINDINGS USUALLY STOPS AFTER 20 MINUTES OF USE? OR HEATING ELEMENT IS OVERHEATING? DUE TO BAD VENTING? THERMAL CUT OFF KEEPS SHUTTING IT DOWN?

How long does it take you to dry your clothes? Normally, it takes 50 minutes (1 cycle) to 1.5 hours to completely dry clothes. However, if it's taking you at least 3 cycles (probably 2.5 to 3 hours) to dry a single batch of clothes, then, there might be a problem with your dryer's igniter.

Hi,

If your dryer is not drying like it once did or if you just have nottaken the time to give yourself a clean dryer in a long time then youneed to do that. At least once a year the dryer cleaning should takeplace. Lint build up in the dryer duct is one of the main causesfor your dryer to fail.

Here is the rest of this tip about DryerMaintenance

heatman101

controls locked

This feature allows you to lock your settings to prevent
unintended use of the dryer. You can also use the Control Locked
feature to prevent unintended cycle or option changes during
dryer operation.
To enable the Control Locked feature:
Press and hold AUTO DRY LEVEL for 3 seconds. Control Locked
glows and a single beep tone is heard. To unlock, press and hold
AUTO DRY LEVEL for 3 seconds. The indicator light turns off.

if you use fabric softener sheet,there is two small metal chrome stip take a wet rag clean them off,they are locate on the in side of dry drum close to dry grill on inside,those sheet can leave a film on those stip are your sensor for the auto cycle on the dryer

with this particular call
the first thing i would check is yout exhausrt for proper air flow,,,, make sure you check the entire duct, even i have ben fooled by a clogg down line
if they are drying your heat is working
now you need to adrress the airflow issues

It normally takes about 45 minutes for a dryer to dry a full load. If your dryer is taking more than an hour, check these.

Vent
Heating element
Internal ductwork
Cycling thermostat
Vent Frequently there's an obstruction in the vent duct from the dryer to the outside of the house. For the dryer to heat properly, the duct must be clean and clear of lint or any other substance.

Heating element Your dryer's heating element may be partially burned out. If it is, your dryer still heats, but at such a low temperature that it takes three or four times as long to dry the clothes. If the element is partially burned out, replace it.

Internal ductwork Your dryer has some internal ductwork. If it gets clogged, your dryer can't dry properly. In most dryers, to get to the internal ductwork to clear the clog, you have to substantially disassemble the dryer. A quick way to check for internal clogs is to remove the lint filter and use a flashlight to inspect the inside of the duct. If it looks clogged and you can't clear it using your vacuum, contact a qualified appliance repair technician.

A dryer needs to exhaust properly in order to dry no matter where it's situated. Insure that the venting is not crushed at the back and that it has a good strong air flow outside