Replace Defective Heating Element — Replace Faulty Component
Part of project
Dryer Repair · Step 6 of 8
In this video
Unplug the dryer from the power source. Disconnect the moisture sensor plug. Remove the three screws that secure the blower housing cover and carefully remove the cover. Unscrew the four screws that hold the front bulkhead in place. Lift the front bulkhead up and out of its slots and set it aside. Gently release the drum belt and remove the drum from the dryer. (This is an excellent opportunity to clean out lint from the dryer base and blower housing). Locate the heater housing on the right side of the dryer. Remove the screws on both sides of the heater housing that secure the cover. Lift off the top portion of the heater housing; it is not necessary to disconnect the wires to the high limit or thermostat at this point. Using needle-nose pliers, bend the tabs on the heating element terminals and push them through towards the inside of the housing to release the old element. Remove the old heating element. Insert the new heating element into place, push its terminals through, and bend the tabs back with needle-nose pliers to secure it. Attach the two wires to the new heating element terminals.
FAQs
What essential tools will I need for diagnosing and repairing common dryer issues?
You'll primarily need a screwdriver set (various sizes and types), a pair of pliers, and a digital multimeter. The multimeter is crucial for testing electrical continuity in components like heating elements and thermal fuses to accurately diagnose problems.
My electric dryer isn't heating; what are the most common components to check?
If your dryer isn't heating, the most common culprits are a faulty heating element or a blown thermal fuse. You can use a multimeter to test both for continuity; a lack of continuity indicates a bad component that needs replacement. Less common issues include a faulty thermistor or cycling thermostat.
The dryer motor runs, but the drum isn't tumbling. What should I inspect first?
A non-tumbling drum with a running motor usually points to a broken drive belt. Open the dryer to visually inspect if the belt is snapped or has slipped off the motor pulley or idler pulley. A worn idler pulley or motor can also prevent proper tumbling.
Is DIY dryer repair suitable for a beginner, and what's the typical time commitment?
Many common dryer repairs, like replacing a heating element or drive belt, are quite beginner-friendly with proper guidance. While the estimated time is about 4 hours for diagnosis and repair, your first time might take longer as you familiarize yourself with the process and components.
Replace Defective Heating Element — Replace Faulty Component
Part of project
Dryer Repair · Step 6 of 8
In this video
Unplug the dryer from the power source. Disconnect the moisture sensor plug. Remove the three screws that secure the blower housing cover and carefully remove the cover. Unscrew the four screws that hold the front bulkhead in place. Lift the front bulkhead up and out of its slots and set it aside. Gently release the drum belt and remove the drum from the dryer. (This is an excellent opportunity to clean out lint from the dryer base and blower housing). Locate the heater housing on the right side of the dryer. Remove the screws on both sides of the heater housing that secure the cover. Lift off the top portion of the heater housing; it is not necessary to disconnect the wires to the high limit or thermostat at this point. Using needle-nose pliers, bend the tabs on the heating element terminals and push them through towards the inside of the housing to release the old element. Remove the old heating element. Insert the new heating element into place, push its terminals through, and bend the tabs back with needle-nose pliers to secure it. Attach the two wires to the new heating element terminals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What essential tools will I need for diagnosing and repairing common dryer issues?
You'll primarily need a screwdriver set (various sizes and types), a pair of pliers, and a digital multimeter. The multimeter is crucial for testing electrical continuity in components like heating elements and thermal fuses to accurately diagnose problems.
My electric dryer isn't heating; what are the most common components to check?
If your dryer isn't heating, the most common culprits are a faulty heating element or a blown thermal fuse. You can use a multimeter to test both for continuity; a lack of continuity indicates a bad component that needs replacement. Less common issues include a faulty thermistor or cycling thermostat.
The dryer motor runs, but the drum isn't tumbling. What should I inspect first?
A non-tumbling drum with a running motor usually points to a broken drive belt. Open the dryer to visually inspect if the belt is snapped or has slipped off the motor pulley or idler pulley. A worn idler pulley or motor can also prevent proper tumbling.
Is DIY dryer repair suitable for a beginner, and what's the typical time commitment?
Many common dryer repairs, like replacing a heating element or drive belt, are quite beginner-friendly with proper guidance. While the estimated time is about 4 hours for diagnosis and repair, your first time might take longer as you familiarize yourself with the process and components.