How to Change the Heating Element in a Dryer

You can get shocked if the dryer is plugged in. It's simple to change, all you need is a screwdriver and/or a 6.5mm socket.

Steps

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    Unplug the dryer. Make sure there's no power going to your dryer while you're working.
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    Take off dryer exhaust hose and remove the back panel.[1]
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    Look at the back of the dryer. On the right side, you'll see a long metal (probably gray) housing. The Element is inside.[2]
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    Unscrew the black sensor on top, and unscrew the black sensor on the bottom.[3]
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    Unhook the two wires just below the bottom sensor. (These two sensors could be your problem (in 50% of the cases, it is). Also, there is a heating fuse to your left, under the larger casing on the left. It is about an inch long, and has two wires attached. This can also be your problem. One screw holds it in. If in doubt, take all these to the appliance store, and they'll test them with a voltmeter.)
    • Test the heating element with a multimeter by setting it to read continuity. Touch the 2 leads of the heating element with the multimeter. If there isn't any continuity, then you need to replace the element.
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    Gently lift up on the whole gray casing. It should easily come loose. If not, lift a little harder and pull the bottom toward you. There may be a screw and small bracket at the top that needs to be removed. There are some hooks on the bottom that will come loose.
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    Turn it upside down; you'll see one screw holding the element in. Take out the screw, and carefully pull out the element, which is a coil that heats up, on some metal housing. Examine the coil for breaks. If you have a voltmeter, test the element. Also test the Sensors. This will tell you what's broken.
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    Install the new element in the reverse of the above. Replace the element, replace all the sensors and the back panel, as well as the exhaust hose. When done, try it out![4]
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    Why won't my dryer turn on after I've replaced the heating element?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There can be quite a few reasons for this. Electric parts may have gotten damaged; a fuse may need a replacement; the protection switch inside the machine may have been triggered; a wall plug fuse may be off...Google for a manual or call your plumber.
  • Question
    I've replaced my heat element coil, but now my fuse keeps blowing. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Check to see if you put the heat element coil in properly and that the wires are connected.
  • Question
    Can I do this if it is a gas dryer?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That is a very dangerous task to do on your own. It would be best to get a professional plumber to do it for you.
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Warnings

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAYn3LxHjLY
  2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtSdiY8S-Q8
  3. ↑ https://www.cnet.com/how-to/common-clothes-dryer-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/
  4. ↑ https://homesteady.com/13410350/how-to-replace-a-dryer-heating-element

About This Article

Homer Flores
Co-authored by:
Homer Flores
Appliance Repair Specialist
This article was co-authored by Homer Flores. Homer Flores is an Appliance Repair Specialist and Training Manager at PreFix, a home maintenance company out of Austin, Texas. With over 15 years of experience, Homer specializes in home improvement, remodeling, and construction. Homer’s dedication to the PreFix mission of providing hassle-free one-stop-shop service for home care, in addition to their completion of the Capital Factory and Techstars Accelerators, has contributed to their growth of service to over 50 zip codes throughout the greater Austin area. This article has been viewed 271,259 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: October 21, 2022
Views: 271,259
Categories: Washing Machines and Dryers
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