How to Repair an Electric Dryer That Doesn't Heat

Check the thermostat and element if your dryer isn't heating.

An electric dryer that runs but produces no heat has either a faulty thermostat or a faulty heating element. You will have to test each part to determine which to replace. Access to the components will vary among makes and models, so it is necessary to have your owner's manual handy. Heating elements are inside a heating can; in most cases, the thermostat is attached to it. Once you have access to the parts, it is a matter of testing the resistance of the part and replacing it as necessary to repair your electric dryer.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Needle-nose pliers
• Multimeter
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Dryer thermostat
• Dryer heating element

Instructions

Toe Panel Access

1. Disconnect the power cord from the dryer outlet. Look at the front of your dryer for a toe panel. The toe panel is a separate panel directly below the front panel. If your machine has a toe panel, this is where you will access the heating element.

2. Insert a putty knife between the toe panel and the bottom of the front panel, three inches from the right-front corner of the dryer. Press in to release the panel's retaining spring while pulling the toe panel away from the dryer.

3. Locate the heating can on the right side of the dryer. You will recognize the can by the round thermostat that attaches to the side. Remove the wires from the thermostat terminals with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

4. Set the multimeter to RX1. Touch one multimeter probe to each of the thermostat terminals. You should see a reading of zero on the multimeter scale. Any other reading indicates the thermostat is faulty. If the thermostat is good, skip to Step 7.

5. Remove the thermostat from the heating can by removing the two screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the thermostat out of the can.

6. Install the new thermostat. Attach the wires to the thermostat terminals.

7. Remove the single screw at the top of the heating can door with a Phillips-head screwdriver if the thermostat tested good. Remove the two wires that connect to the heating element terminals.

8. Test the heating element with the multimeter on the RX1 scale. Touch one probe to each of the terminals. A reading other than zero indicates a faulty heating element.

9. Unscrew the Phillips screw on the side of the can, close to the thermostat, that secures the heating element to the can. Pull the heating element out of the can.

10. Slide the new heating element into the can. Secure the heating element with the retaining screw. Attach the wires to the heating-element leads. Replace the heating can door. Secure the door with the retaining screw.

11. Plug the dryer's power cord back into the outlet.

Rear Panel Access

1. Pull the dryer away from the wall to access the rear panel if you have no toe panel on your dryer. Remove the screws that secure the rear panel to the dryer with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Set the rear panel to the side. The heating can for the dryer is the long can on the right when you are looking at the rear of the dryer. The heating element assembly is on the lower section of the can. The thermostat is on the left side of the can.

2. Test the thermostat with the multimeter. Remove the two wires connected to the terminals of the thermostat. Touch each probe of the multimeter to the thermostat terminals. Replace the thermostat if you receive a reading other than zero. Skip to Step 5 if the thermostat is good.

3. Remove the two screws that secure the thermostat to the side of the can. Twist the thermostat to the left to unlock it from the can. Pull the thermostat out.

4. Install the new thermostat using the retaining screws. Attach the wires to the thermostat terminals.

5. Disconnect the heating element wires from the heating element terminal on the side of the can, below the thermostat. Test the heating element with the multimeter. Replace the element if you receive a other reading other than zero.

6. Remove the two retaining screws that secure the heating-element assembly to the can, using a Phillips screwdriver. Pull the thermostat out of the heating element assembly.

7. Place the thermostat into the replacement heating-element assembly. Install the assembly onto the bottom of the can. Secure the assembly with the retaining screws.

8. Plug the dryer's power cord back into the outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Replacement heating elements and thermostats are available at appliance repair shops and some hardware stores. Take the faulty part with you to compare to the new part.

• Always disconnect power from appliances before attempting any repair.

References

• PartSelect: How to Test a Dryer's Thermostat
• PartSelect: How to Test a Dryer's Heating Element