[Lori]

Help! I think I need a new heating element....my dryer was fine yesterday, but the load I out in last night did not dry. The drum turns and the moisture sensor light indicates that the clothes are damp, so I know IT is working. The lint screen and the vent to outside are clean and free of obstructions....What do you think, and is this something I could tackle by myself?

Thanks for your time & any suggestions!

Lori

[Adam / APP Team]

Hello Lori,

If you're not getting heat there are several things to check.
** Caution ** UNPLUG DRYER BEFORE CHECKING ANYTHING

1. Check to see that one of the two 110v house breaker legs are not tripped. Electric dryers run on two 110v breakers. One to run the motor and the additional for the heater so if one tripped it will run but wont heat.

2. Pull the access panel for the power cord off and physically inspect the power cord where it attachés to the terminal block on the dryer.

3. Take off the lower panel in the front by using a putty knife, pushing the clips in between the front and bottom panel.

4. Physically inspect all electrical components for burns. Thermostats, heater, thermal fuse and cutoff.

5. If all looks good take an ohmmeter, pull at least one wire from each of the following parts and test them for continuity.
*Element
*Thermal fuse and Thermistor located on the blower housing
*Hi limit and Thermal cutoff located on the heater

As long as they have continuity they are good. There are other things but can be somewhat difficult to diagnose because you have to have knowledge in reading wire diagrams and know which contacts to test.

Most of the time it is one or more of the few. If any one of them have failed you may need to thoroughly clean all the lint from within the dryer on a regular basis so they don't fail again.