Hi Denise, I'm far from an expert........I know from past experiance that the heating elements are similar to those of a toaster ( a giant one), and when they do go out then they can be restrung. The problem is that one of the coils breaks (looks like a large spring). That's my problem, only my biggest problem is I can't recall how to open the dryer cabinet to remove the element. If your element is ok, I would look at the thermostat, and or check your fuse/breaker box and see if it is getting full voltage. There is probably also a safety thermostat that could malfunction, and keep the heat element from heating up. Good luck