How to Replace the Heater Assembly on a Whirlpool Electric Dryer

Whirlpool electric dryers work with a coil-type heating unit mounted in front of a blower motor. As the coils radiate heat, the blower forces hot air into the laundry drum to dry clothes. The heater assembly is often one of the first parts to malfunction on a clothes dryer due to the frequent heating and cooling the part endures. When it eventually burns out, you must replace the heater assembly for the Whirlpool to work properly. Changing the heater element yourself takes less than an hour using basic tools.

Screwdrivers

Instructions

- 1
  Pull the Whirlpool forward from the wall to unplug the power cord.
- 2
  Loosen the screw in the clamp that holds the vent hose to the bottom of the Whirlpool and pull off the hose.
- 3
  Remove the screws holding the metal plate on the back of the Whirlpool to pull the plate forward and lean to the side of the appliance at an angle. Move the plate gently to avoid putting pressure on the power cord, which is still connected inside the dryer.
- 4
  Remove the screws holding the rectangular heater assembly to the bracket on the left side of the Whirlpool interior, near the bottom.
- 5
  Pull up on the metal heater-assembly box to disconnect the element inside from the power socket.
- 6
  Remove the screw holding the heater coils to the bottom of the metal heater-assembly box. Slide out the heater, which consists of wire coils set inside a rectangular metal frame. Take this part with you to an appliance store for the correct replacement part.
- 7
  Slide the new heater coils into the metal box and secure in place with the screw removed in Step 6. The heater coil installs in one direction only, so turn it over and reinsert if it does not slide in on the first try.
- 8
  Plug in the heater-coil assembly into the sockets inside the Whirlpool and secure the part to the brackets underneath with the screws removed in Step 4.
- 9
  Attach the cover plate to the back of the appliance with screws.
- 10
  Push the vent hose onto the pipe at the bottom of the Whirlpool and tighten the clamp screw.
- 11
  Plug in the power cord and slide the Whirlpool back into place.

How to Stop an Electric Motor From Squealing

How to Replace the Bulb on a Bayco Work Light

Appliance Repair