Clothes dryer with its vent duct in a small laundry closet
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Replace the electric dryer heating element (Whirlpool-built rear access)

On many Whirlpool-built electric dryers the element sits in a sheet-metal canister behind the rear panel. Confirm both legs of 240 V, the fuse and the high-limit first. Remove the canister, move the high-limit thermostat to the new element (it is usually not included), fit the new element and test heat. Some newer platforms put the heater under the drum and need the drum removed.

Cross-checked ~60 min moderateBrands: Whirlpool, Kenmore (Whirlpool-built), Maytag (Whirlpool-built), Amana, Roper, Estate

Before you start

  • Unplug the dryer or turn off both breaker legs and verify 0 V at the terminal block before opening the back.
  • The element and canister edges are sharp; wear gloves.
  • Do not move or adjust gas parts on gas dryers: this guide is for electric dryers only.

Diagnostic steps

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Replace the electric dryer heating element (Whirlpool-built rear access) · OnCall Tech