How to Replace a Heating Element in a Performa Dryer

Replace the heating element if your dryer has no hot air

If your Maytag Performa dryer that will not heat, a defective heating element may be the problem. Before you pay for a repairman to come to your house, try replacing this simple and inexpensive part yourself. Make sure you purchase the correct replacement part, as other manufacturers' parts may not work in a Maytag dryer. Look for the part number on the old heating element or check your owner's manual for a part list.

Things You'll Need

• New heating element
• Owner's manual
• Screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Unplug the dryer from the wall or flip the breaker switch for that outlet at the home's circuit breaker box.

2. Unscrew the metal clamp that secures the vent hose to the rear of the dryer. Wiggle the hose back and forth as you pull up until the end of the hose slides off the dryer fitting.

3. Consult your dryer's owner's manual to find out where the heating element is located. This is usually in the back of the dryer for most front-loading models. Look for a small metal cover that is held on by screws or retaining clips. Remove these screws or clips and take off the cover to access your dryer's heating element.

4. Pull the ends of the electrical wires off of the heating element's terminals with needle-nose pliers. Tilt the metal cover over the heating element backward until you can remove it from the hooks that hold it in place. Take out the screws connecting the heating element to the dryer unit and remove the heating element.

5. Set the new heating element into the place where the old one had been and tighten the screws. Slip the cover onto the hooks and tilt it forward until it locks in place. Attach the ends of the electrical wires to the terminals of the new heating element.

6. Replace the metal panel that covers the heating element cabinet and tighten the screws or clips that lock it in place. Slide the end of the vent hose over the fitting on the rear of the dryer. Tighten the metal clamp around the end of the hose.

7. Plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet or flip the home's breaker switch back to the "on" position. Remove all clothes from the inside of the dryer and run it on a heated cycle for at least 15 minutes. This melts off the new heating element's coating so that no oils or chemical stains will get on your clothes.

References

• Replacing a Heating Element