How to Replace a Dryer Element
Dryer elements consist of wire coils that emit heat. Over time, debris from the dryer may accumulate on the wire coils causing them to short circuit. This is one of the leading causes of dryer failure when the dryer will operate, or rotate, but not heat properly. Various makes of dryers have different configurations for the dryer element location. You may have to consult the manufacturers specifications for the location of the dryer heating elements and how to access that particular location. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Vacuum cleaner with brush attachment
- Pliers
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Shut off the electrical power to the dryer. This may entail switching off the circuit breaker or pulling the fuses that supply power to the circuit.
-
2
Pull the dryer from the wall. You will need room to get behind the dryer in most heating element applications. Unplug the large cord from the wall outlet.
-
-
3
Remove the back of the dryer from the main housing to access the heating elements. In most applications this will consist or pulling six to eight screws from the large metal panel on the rear of the dryer. Set the screws and the metal panel to the side. Some dryer models may have the elements under the top cover.
-
4
Clean the enclosure of all lint debris using the vacuum cleaner with the brush attachment. There may be large amounts of lint in the open enclosure.
-
5
Locate the dryer element housing. It will be inside a metal enclosure with a pair of wires leading to the interior. Remove the mounting screws that attach the heating element enclosure to the frame of the dryer. Some heating element enclosures may require a pry from the end of the screwdriver to be released from the dryer housing. Slide the heating element enclosure out from the frame with the two wires still attached.
-
6
Pull the push on connectors, attached to the two wires, from the heating element connectors with the jaws of the pliers. Use the pliers to connect the same push connectors to the new heating element. Other heating elements may be connected with a pair of wires secured with wire nuts. Unscrew the wire nuts and expose the bare pair of wires. Reconnect in the same fashion.
-
7
Install the new heating element back into the dryer enclosure. Clean the enclosure again if new lint appears during the repair. Attach the rear cover to the dryer. Plug the cord back into the wall outlet. Slide the dryer back into the original position. Turn power back on.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you feel uncomfortable replacing the dryer heating elements, contact a certified appliance technician for performing the repairs for you.
