How to Fix the Heating Coil in a Dryer

Clothes dryers are heated by a glowing metal coil much like the one in a toaster, but bigger. When the coil goes out, everything about the dryer will seem to work fine, but there will be no heat. It used to be that when the coil malfunctioned, it was time to call a repairman. But today, with the easy availability of targeted online shopping for specific appliance parts, it's something any relatively competent homeowner can do. This plan is a general overview of how to do it. Details on how to access and disconnect the coil will vary widely between makes of dryer. Use this in conjunction with your owner's manual.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver with multiple heads
• Adjustable wrench
• Home computer with Internet access
• New heating coil (purchased online after removing the old coil)

Instructions

Changing the Coil

1. Unplug your dryer and pull it out from the wall. Open the back by unscrewing the slotted or hexagonal screws on the back, with either your screwdriver or adjustable wrench. Set the metal panel aside and save the screws. If the design of your dryer requires removal of the vent hose to open the back of the machine, remove the hose by unscrewing and sliding back the metal belt that holds the hose in place.

2. Locate the heating coil casing inside the machine. It will be a large rectangular or oval shaped metal box secured to the machine by screws and wires plugged into slots. Unscrew the screws. Disconnect the wires by pulling them out of the slots. Remove the box.

3. Turn the box over to examine the heating coil affixed to it on the other side. It will be held to the box by a minimum of two screws. Unscrew and gently remove the coil from the box.

4. Take the coil to your home computer. Do an Internet search for the make and model of the dryer and the words ``heating coil" and ``replacement.'' If the coil itself has a model number on it, add that to your search. Browse the coils offered for sale and find a correct one for your dryer. Make sure you actually see a photo of the coil and that it is identical to the one you're holding. Order the coil. (NOTE: On some models, you will have to order an entire new box with the coil affixed to it already, while others will let you order just the coil. Consult your owner's manual.)

5. When the new coil arrives, affix it to the heating coil casing (the metal box) in the same fashion the previous coil was attached, with the same screws. Be careful, as the coils are fragile. Set the box back into place in the machine, setting in the screws from the same holes they came out of. Plug all wiring back into the box and the coil. Put the access panel back on the back of the dryer with the same screws that came out of it. Plug in the dryer and test the heat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you haven't kept the owner's manual to the dryer, you can find it online by searching the make and model of the dryer. If you're not confident in your ability to remember which screws and wires came out of which holes and slots, draw yourself a diagram as you take the dryer apart so that you can put everything back exactly as it was.

• Never work on an appliance that's plugged in.

References

• How to change the heating element in a dryer.