How to Replace a Heating Element in a GE Dryer

If your GE dryer is no longer drying clothes in a reasonable amount of time, the heating element has probably stopped working. Before you start working on the unit, check the airflow vent behind it to ensure that no lint or other debris is clogging it. Clean it out and test the dryer to see if it heats properly. If it does not, replace the element, which consists of two heating coils.

Things You'll Need

• Socket wrench set
• Torx head screwdriver

Instructions

1. Disconnect the dryer and move it into an open space so that you have access to the back panel. Remove the metal screws from the back panel using a 5/16 socket. Remove the panel and set it aside.

2. Relieve the belt tensioner by pushing the idler pulley in the opposite direction of the belt. Remove the belt from the pulleys.

3. Remove the screws from the metal plate covering the drum shaft with your socket. Remove the plate itself and set it aside. Remove the clip and the washers from the drum shaft.

4. Move to the front of the dryer and open the door. Locate the four Torx screws on the inside top of the dryer panel, and remove them. Unscrew the 5/16-inch bolts on the top panel and remove the top of the dryer.

5. Open the front panel by lifting up on the bottom of the front panel and pulling it toward you. The panel will swing open without you having to unhook any wires or cables.

6. Remove the dryer drum by pulling it toward you and then lifting it upward. Inspect the heater element coils and look for any damaged or broken coils. Follow the heater coils to find the connection terminals. Remove the old element coils by removing the bolts in the connection terminals and extracting the old heater coils. Discard the old coils.

7. Measure the new heating coils. The inside coil should measure 42.5 inches and the outside heating coil should measure 49.5 inches in length. Secure one end of the coils to the connection terminals by twisting the wire ends with pliers. Install the bolts that you removed earlier. Ensure that you do not tighten the bolts too much, or you can damage the ceramic insulation on the terminals.

8. String the new coils into place through the insulators, following the path of the old coils. Ensure they don't droop low enough to touch the metal shroud. Connect the other end of the coils to the other terminals. Twist the wire ends and install the bolts.

9. Reassemble the GE dryer, following the disassembly instructions in reverse. Slide the dryer back into place and plug it in. Verify that the new heating elements work by placing a load of wet clothes into the dryer and turning it on maximum heat.

References

• Repair 2000: GE Dryers Heating Elements
• Dave's Repair: How to Replace Your Electric Dryer's Heating Element