How to Fix the Heat on a Whirlpool Dryer
Most heat-related dryer problems are due to clogged vents or bad heating elements. To fix the heat on a Whirlpool dryer, first you must check that your dryer vents are clear. If the vents are clear, you probably have a bad heating element. Whirlpool dryers come in two different cabinet types. Each has its own method of accessing the heating element. Make sure to take the old element with you to purchase a replacement. This way you can match the elements and know you have the correct part for your dryer. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Standard Cabinet
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1
Pull the dryer away from the wall and unplug the dryer.
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2
Place the blade of a putty knife between the toe panel and front panel. Locate the retaining clips about 4 inches from each side. Press the retaining clip with the blade of the putty knife to release the toe panel. Pull the toe panel away from the dryer and set it aside.
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3
Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screw from the heat shield cover. The heat shield and heating element are on the lower left corner of most Whirlpool cabinet-style dryers.
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4
Use needle-nose pliers to grab the wire leads connected to the heating element terminals. Pull the leads off of the terminals. Remove the single screw on the side of the heat shield that secures the heating element. The screw is beside the thermostat on the side of the heat shield box.
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5
Grasp the heating element with your fingers and pull it out of the heat shield box. After purchasing the new heating element, slide it into the heat shield box. Secure the element to the heat shield box with the retaining screw.
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6
Slide the wire leads over the new heating element terminals. Flip the heat shield cover back into the closed position, and secure it with the retaining screw.
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7
Position the toe panel back under the front panel and push it in until the retaining clips lock it into place.
Space-Saver-Type Cabinets
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8
Remove the securing screws from the heater access panel and the air intake cover. The heater access panel is on the lower right rear corner of the Whirlpool dryer. The air intake cover is on the lower left rear corner of the dryer.
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9
Reach inside the air intake and disconnect the wiring harness for the dual heating element. Remove the two screws that secure the thermostats from the dual heating element. Remove the two screws that attach the dual heating element to the heater access panel, and pull the heating element away from the dryer.
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10
Secure the new dual heating element to the heater access door with the retaining screws, and attach the thermostats to the element. Insert the heating element wire through the access opening, and run it to the air intake opening. Press the wiring harness together until it locks into place.
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11
Reattach the heater access panel and the air intake cover using the retaining screws.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always disconnect power to appliances before attempting any repairs to them.
