Your Whirlpool dryer is an essential appliance in your home, and when it stops working, it can be a major inconvenience. One of the most common problems that can occur with a Whirlpool dryer is a faulty heater element. If your dryer is not heating properly, it may be time to replace the heater element.
Replacing the heater element in a Whirlpool dryer is not a difficult task, but it does require some basic tools and knowledge. In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to replace the heater element in your Whirlpool dryer. We will also provide you with some troubleshooting tips in case you encounter any problems.
Before you begin, it is important to gather all of the necessary tools and materials. You will need a new heater element, a screwdriver, a wrench, and a pair of pliers. You will also need to unplug the dryer from the power outlet before you begin working on it. Once you have gathered all of the necessary tools and materials, you can follow the steps below to replace the heater element in your Whirlpool dryer.
Safety First: Unplugging the Dryer
Before you begin working on your dryer, it’s crucial to ensure your safety. Here are the steps to safely unplug your Whirlpool dryer:
1. Double-check to ensure it’s unplugged
Locate the dryer’s power cord, which is usually a thick, three-pronged cord plugged into a wall outlet. Firmly grasp the plug and pull it straight out of the outlet. Do not yank or tug on the cord, as this could damage the wiring.
| Tip for Unplugging Effortlessly: | |
|---|---|
| >> If the plug is slightly stuck, try rocking it gently side to side while pulling. |
Inspect the cord for any visible damage, such as cuts, fraying, or exposed wires. If you notice any damage, do not proceed with the repair and contact a qualified appliance technician instead.
2. Locate the Circuit Breaker or Fuse
Once the dryer is unplugged, find the circuit breaker panel or fuse box that controls power to the dryer. Shut off the corresponding breaker or remove the fuse to completely isolate the dryer from electricity.
Locating the Heater Assembly
The path to accessing the heater assembly varies in specific Whirlpool dryer models. However, there are general guidelines you can follow to locate its position:
**1. Unplug the appliance and shut off the gas supply if applicable.** Safety precautions should always come first when dealing with electrical components.
**2. Access the rear panel of the dryer.** Disconnecting the dryer from the wall and carefully tilting it backward will allow you to reach the rear panel. Take caution not to damage any wires or hoses in the process.
**3. Identify the heater housing.** Examine the back panel for a rectangular metal housing with electrical connections and a vent located on its end. This housing contains the heater assembly.
**4. Disconnect the wires.** Locate the electrical connections on the surface of the heater housing and carefully disconnect them. You may encounter push-on terminals or screws that need to be loosened.
**5. Remove the heater assembly.** Once the wires are disconnected, gently pull the heater housing out of its mounting bracket. Be cautious as it may contain insulation or other loose components.
For your convenience, here is a summarized table of the steps involved:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Unplug and disconnect the dryer. |
| 2 | Access the rear panel by disconnecting the dryer from the wall and tilting it backward. |
| 3 | Locate the rectangular metal housing with electrical connections and a vent on the end. |
| 4 | Disconnect the electrical connections on the surface of the heater housing. |
| 5 | Gently pull the heater housing out of its mounting bracket. |
Disconnecting the Heater Element
Before you can replace the heater element, you need to disconnect it from the power supply. To do this, first unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet. Then, remove the two screws that hold the back panel of the dryer in place. Once the back panel is removed, you will see the heater element. It is usually located at the bottom of the dryer, behind the drum.
To disconnect the heater element, you need to remove the two wires that are connected to it. The wires are usually held in place by screws. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the wires off of the heater element. Be careful not to touch the bare wires, as they can still be live.
Pulling out the Heater Element
Once the heater element is disconnected, you can pull it out of the dryer. To do this, first remove the two screws that hold the heater element in place. Once the screws are removed, you can pull the heater element straight out of the dryer. Be careful not to damage the heater element when you are pulling it out.
| Tools Needed: |
|---|
| Screwdriver |
| Pliers |
Removing the Old Heater Element
To detach the old heater element, follow these steps meticulously:
1. Unplug the Dryer from the Power Source:
Before commencing any work, ensure the dryer is disconnected from the power source to prevent electrical hazards.
2. Remove the Back Panel:
Locate the back panel of the dryer and remove the screws that secure it. Carefully lift the panel off to expose the dryer’s internal components.
3. Disconnect the Wires from the Heater Element:
Identify the wires connected to the terminals of the heater element. Using a screwdriver, gently loosen the screws that hold the wires in place. Disconnect the wires, taking note of their original positions for proper reattachment.
4. Extract the Heater Element:
The heater element is typically secured by a metal bracket or housing. Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove the screws or bolts that hold the bracket in place. Carefully lift the heater element out of its housing, taking care not to damage the surrounding components. Inspect the element for any signs of damage, such as burn marks or cracks, and replace it if necessary.
| Step | Tips |
|---|---|
| Disconnecting Wires | Label the wires with tape to facilitate reassembly. |
| Extracting the Element | Use caution when lifting the element to avoid damaging nearby components. |
| Inspection | Thoroughly examine the old element for any signs of damage before discarding it. |
Inspecting the New Heater Element
5. Inspect the New Heater Element for Signs of Damage
Once you have removed the old heating element, take a moment to carefully examine the new element before installing it. Look for any physical damage, such as cracks, dents, or deformations. These can weaken the element and shorten its lifespan.
Next, check the electrical connections on both ends of the heating element. Ensure that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion or damage. Clean the terminals with a fine-grit sandpaper or a wire brush if necessary.
Finally, measure the resistance of the heating element using a multimeter. The resistance should match the specifications provided by the manufacturer. Deviations in resistance can indicate potential issues or defects.
| Resistance Measurement | Acceptable Range |
|---|---|
| Whirlpool Dryers | 10-15 Ohms |
Inserting the New Heater Element
**Step 6: Thread and Connect the Wires**
This step requires utmost care to ensure proper electrical connections. Follow these detailed instructions:
- Identify the two heater element terminals and the corresponding wires from the wiring harness.
- Gently thread each wire through the designated hole on the heater element terminal.
- Securely tighten the terminal screws using a screwdriver. Ensure that the wires are held firmly in place.
- Double-check the tightness of the connections by gently tugging on the wires.
- Use a pair of pliers or a crimping tool to ensure the connectors are properly seated.
- Inspect the wire connections for any loose strands or frayed insulation.
- Refer to the table below for a clear overview of the wiring connections:
| Wire Color | Terminal Connection |
|---|---|
| White | Neutral Terminal (N) |
| Green or Bare Copper | Ground Terminal (G) |
| Red or Orange | Power Terminal (P) |
Reassembling the Heater Assembly
8. Tightening the Heater Element Bolts
The bolts that secure the heater element to the housing must be tightened securely. Use a socket wrench to tighten the bolts until they are snug, but do not overtighten them. The bolts should be tightened in a star pattern to ensure that the element is evenly secured.
Bolt Tightening Sequence:
| Bolt | Tightening Order |
|—|—|
| 1 | Top left |
| 2 | Top right |
| 3 | Bottom left |
| 4 | Bottom right |
Tighten each bolt in sequence, gradually increasing the torque until all four bolts are securely tightened. Do not skip any steps and be careful not to overtighten.
9. Reconnecting the Wire Leads
Reconnecting the wire leads to the heater element is essential for restoring power to the dryer. Ensure that the wires are securely attached to the appropriate terminals on the element. The red wire should be connected to the terminal marked “L” or “Line,” while the white wire should be connected to the terminal marked “N” or “Neutral.”
10. Reinstalling the Housing
Once the heater element is secured, the housing can be reinstalled. Carefully align the housing over the element and ensure that the bolts fit properly into the holes. Lift the housing into place and tighten the bolts until they are snug.
11. Test the Dryer
Before fully assembling the dryer, test it to ensure that the heater element is functioning properly. Turn on the dryer and select a heating cycle. Allow the dryer to run for a few minutes and check if the air coming out is warm. If the air is not warm, repeat the troubleshooting steps to identify the issue.
Testing the Dryer
Before proceeding with heater element replacement, it’s crucial to verify if the issue lies with the element itself. Follow these steps to test the dryer:
1. Safety Precautions
Unplug the dryer from the power outlet and allow it to cool completely before starting any repairs.
2. Remove the Back Panel
Locate the screws securing the back panel of the dryer and remove them using a screwdriver. Carefully lift the panel off and set it aside.
3. Inspect the Drive Belt
Check if the drive belt is in good condition, free of any cracks or damage. A worn-out belt can prevent the dryer from tumbling properly, leading to overheating.
4. Test the Thermal Fuse
Using a multimeter, test the continuity of the thermal fuse. If the fuse is blown, it will have no continuity, indicating a need for replacement.
5. Test the Thermistor
Similar to the thermal fuse, test the continuity of the thermistor using a multimeter. A faulty thermistor can send incorrect temperature readings, resulting in overheating.
6. Inspect the Ductwork
Check for any kinks or obstructions in the dryer’s ductwork. Clogged or restricted ducts can prevent proper airflow, causing overheating.
7. Test the Limit Thermostat
Locate the limit thermostat and test its continuity using a multimeter. If the thermostat is faulty, it may not activate when the dryer reaches a specific temperature, leading to overheating.
8. Test the Control Board
For advanced troubleshooting, consider testing the dryer’s control board by swapping it with a known-good board. If the problem persists, the control board may be faulty.
9. Determine Heater Element Failure
To confirm a faulty heating element, follow these additional steps:
| Disconnect the wires from the element’s terminals and insulate them with electrical tape. |
| Set your multimeter to the ohms setting and test the resistance across the element’s terminals. |
| A normal heating element should exhibit low resistance, typically between 10-20 ohms. |
| If the resistance is significantly higher or infinite, the heating element is most likely faulty and needs replacement. |
How to Replace a Heater Element in a Whirlpool Dryer
To replace a heater element in a Whirlpool dryer, unplug the dryer and disconnect the gas or electricity. Remove the rear access panel and locate the heater element. Disconnect the wires and remove the element from the housing. Install the new heater element and reconnect the wires. Replace the rear access panel and plug in the dryer.
Tips for Preventing Future Heater Element Failures
1. Keep the dryer’s lint filter clean. A clogged lint filter can restrict airflow and cause the heater element to overheat.
2. Avoid overloading the dryer. Overloading can put strain on the heater element.
3. Use the correct drying cycle for the type of fabric you are drying. Using a high heat setting on delicate fabrics can damage the heater element.
4. Clean the dryer’s exhaust vent regularly. A clogged exhaust vent can restrict airflow and cause the heater element to overheat.
5. Inspect the heater element and its connections regularly. Look for any signs of damage or wear.
6. Unplug the dryer when it is not in use. This will help to prevent electrical surges from damaging the heater element.
7. Avoid using dryer sheets or fabric softeners that contain chemicals. These chemicals can damage the heater element.
8. Do not store flammable materials near the dryer.
9. Have a qualified technician service the dryer regularly.
10. The following table provides a more detailed list of tips for preventing future heater element failures:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use high-quality dryer parts. | Cheap or damaged parts can fail prematurely and cause the heater element to overheat. |
| Install the heater element correctly. | An improperly installed heater element can cause overheating and damage. |
| Ensure that the dryer is properly vented. | A clogged or restricted vent can cause the dryer to overheat and damage the heater element. |
| Unplug the dryer when not in use. | This will help to prevent electrical surges from damaging the heater element. |
| Have a qualified technician service the dryer regularly. | A qualified technician can inspect the dryer and identify any potential problems before they cause damage. |
How To Replace A Heater Element In A Whirlpool Dryer
If your Whirlpool dryer is not heating properly, the heater element may need to be replaced. Replacing the heater element is a relatively simple repair that can be done in about an hour. Here are the steps on how to replace a heater element in a Whirlpool dryer:
- Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
- Remove the two screws that hold the back panel in place.
- Lift the back panel off of the dryer.
- Locate the heater element assembly. It is usually located at the bottom of the dryer, behind the drum.
- Disconnect the wires from the heater element assembly.
- Remove the two screws that hold the heater element assembly in place.
- Lift the heater element assembly out of the dryer.
- Inspect the heater element for any damage. If the heater element is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
- If the heater element is not damaged, reinsert it into the dryer and tighten the two screws.
- Reconnect the wires to the heater element assembly.
- Replace the back panel on the dryer and tighten the two screws.
- Plug the dryer back into the power outlet.
People Also Ask About How To Replace A Heater Element In A Whirlpool Dryer
What are the symptoms of a bad heater element in a Whirlpool dryer?
The most common symptom of a bad heater element in a Whirlpool dryer is that the dryer will not heat properly. Other symptoms include:
- The dryer takes longer than usual to dry clothes.
- The clothes are not as dry as they should be after a cycle.
- The dryer is making a strange noise.
- The dryer is overheating.
- The dryer is not working at all.
How often should I replace the heater element in my Whirlpool dryer?
The heater element in a Whirlpool dryer should last for several years. However, it is important to inspect the heater element regularly for any damage. If the heater element is damaged, it should be replaced immediately.
Can I replace the heater element in my Whirlpool dryer myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace the heater element in your Whirlpool dryer yourself. However, it is important to follow the instructions carefully and to take all necessary safety precautions.
