10 Easy Steps to Replace a Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element

10 Easy Steps to Replace a Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element
Changing a heating aspect in a Whirlpool dryer might look like a frightening process, however it may be accomplished with relative ease by following a couple of easy steps. Whereas changing the heating aspect, it is usually really helpful to switch the thermal fuse and thermostat to keep away from future issues. The heating aspect is an important element of your dryer, chargeable for producing the warmth essential to dry your garments effectively. In case your dryer just isn’t heating correctly, a defective heating aspect is usually the perpetrator.

Earlier than you start, guarantee you have got gathered the required instruments and alternative elements. You will have a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a brand new heating aspect suitable together with your Whirlpool dryer mannequin. Upon getting every thing you want, comply with these steps to switch the heating aspect:

1. Unplug your dryer from the ability outlet and disconnect the fuel line (if relevant).
2. Take away the again panel of the dryer by unscrewing the screws that maintain it in place.
3. Find the heating aspect, normally located on the backside of the dryer’s inside.
4. Disconnect the wires linked to the heating aspect and take away the screws that maintain it in place.
5. Rigorously take away the outdated heating aspect and exchange it with the brand new one.
6. Reattach the wires to the brand new heating aspect and safe it with the screws.
7. Reassemble the dryer by changing the again panel and reconnecting the ability and fuel line.

Figuring out the Defective Heating Component

Pinpointing the malfunctioning heating aspect in your Whirlpool dryer requires a scientific strategy:

1. Decide the Failure Signs

When a heating aspect fails, there are normally telltale indicators to point the problem:

Symptom Possible Trigger
No warmth or insufficient warmth within the dryer Heating aspect failure
Extreme drying time Diminished heating aspect effectivity
Burned or melted cloth Overheated heating aspect

2. Verify for Continuity

To confirm if the heating aspect is certainly defective, use a multimeter set to ohms. Disconnect the ability and wires connected to the heating aspect. Place one probe of the multimeter on every terminal of the aspect. If the multimeter reads “OL” (open line), it signifies a damaged circuit, confirming a defective heating aspect.

3. Examine for Seen Harm

Bodily look at the heating aspect for any apparent indicators of harm. Search for burn marks, cracks, or breaks within the steel coils. In case you observe any bodily injury, it additional helps the prognosis of a defective heating aspect.

Gathering Obligatory Instruments and Supplies

Earlier than embarking on the duty of changing the heating aspect in your Whirlpool dryer, it’s crucial to make sure that you have got all of the requisite instruments and parts available. This step is crucial to reduce any inconvenience or delay throughout the restore course of.

Instruments:

  1. Multimeter: This system measures electrical present, voltage, and resistance, enabling you to find out if the heating aspect is certainly defective.
  2. Nut driver: This specialised software is designed to tighten and loosen nuts, together with these securing the heating aspect.
  3. Phillips-head screwdriver: This frequent family software is critical for eradicating screws which may be encountered throughout the disassembly course of.
  4. Wrench: A primary wrench will help in adjusting the wire nuts that join the heating aspect to the dryer’s electrical system.
  5. Security glasses: It’s essential to put on protecting eyewear always whereas engaged on electrical home equipment.

Supplies:

Merchandise Description
Heating aspect The alternative heating aspect particularly designed to your Whirlpool dryer mannequin.
Wire nuts These insulating connectors safe {the electrical} connections to the heating aspect.

Disassembling the Dryer

1. Unplug the dryer and transfer it away from the wall

Unplug the dryer from the ability outlet and transfer it away from the wall to offer sufficient area for working.

2. Take away the again panel

Find the screws securing the again panel and take away them utilizing a screwdriver. Rigorously carry the again panel off the dryer.

3. Disconnect the heating aspect wires

Disconnect the wires linked to the heating aspect by following these detailed steps:

  1. Determine the 2 wires linked to the heating aspect. They are going to usually be crimson and black or blue and brown.
  2. Find the terminals on the heating aspect the place the wires are linked. These terminals could also be screw terminals or spade connectors.
  3. If the terminals are screw terminals, loosen the screws utilizing a screwdriver and disconnect the wires.
  4. If the terminals are spade connectors, use a spade connector elimination software or a small flathead screwdriver to launch the wires from the connectors.
  5. As soon as the wires are disconnected, pull them away from the heating aspect to create some slack.

Finding and Extracting the Heating Component

The heating aspect of a Whirlpool dryer is normally situated in the back of the equipment, inside a housing unit.

1. Unplug the Dryer

Earlier than starting any work, unplug the dryer from {the electrical} outlet for security.

2. Take away the Rear Panel

Find the screws securing the rear panel to the dryer physique and take away them. Rigorously carry the panel off and set it apart.

3. Find the Housing Unit

Contained in the dryer, find the housing unit that accommodates the heating aspect. It’s usually a steel field with wires and a plastic cowl.

4. Extract the Heating Component

Disconnect the wires linked to the heating aspect utilizing a nut driver or screwdriver. Mark the wires to make sure right reconnection later. Rigorously pull the heating aspect out of the housing unit. Word the next steps intimately for extracting the heating aspect:

Step Directions
a Disconnect the wiring from the terminals of the heating aspect.
b Take away the retaining bolts or screws that safe the heating aspect in place.
c Grip the heating aspect by the terminals or sides and thoroughly extract it from the housing unit.
d Examine the heating aspect for any seen injury or deterioration.

Inspecting and Testing the New Heating Component

1. Visible Inspection:

Upon getting the brand new heating aspect, fastidiously examine it for any indicators of harm. It needs to be freed from cracks, dents, or different imperfections. Verify the connectors to make sure they’re clear and freed from corrosion.

2. Resistance Check:

Utilizing a multimeter, set it to the ohms setting. Place one probe on every terminal of the heating aspect. The studying needs to be throughout the specified vary offered by the producer (normally between 10-30 ohms).

3. Continuity Check:

Set the multimeter to the continuity setting. Once more, place one probe on every terminal. If the show beeps or exhibits a “0” studying, it signifies that the heating aspect just isn’t open-circuited and there may be continuity.

4. Grounding Check:

Place one probe on a steel a part of the heating aspect and the opposite on the bottom terminal of your outlet. If there isn’t any studying, it signifies that the heating aspect is correctly grounded.

5. Superior Testing (Optionally available):

For a extra thorough inspection, you’ll be able to carry out the next superior checks:

Check Description
Megger Check Measures insulation resistance and detects potential electrical weaknesses.
Excessive-Voltage Check Applies excessive voltage to the heating aspect to check its dielectric energy.
Thermal Cycle Check Simulates the heating and cooling cycles of the dryer to judge the aspect’s sturdiness.

Changing the Heating Component in a Whirlpool Dryer

Putting in the New Heating Component

As soon as the brand new heating aspect has arrived, comply with these steps to put in it:

  1. Unplug the dryer from the ability outlet.
  2. Take away the 2 screws holding the entrance panel in place and carry the panel off the dryer.
  3. Find the outdated heating aspect contained in the dryer. It will likely be held in place by two screws.
  4. Take away the 2 screws holding the heating aspect in place and carry it out of the dryer.
  5. Examine the brand new heating aspect to ensure it’s the right alternative half.
  6. Set up the brand new heating aspect into the dryer. The heating aspect will match into the housing in just one approach, so make sure that the wires are oriented within the right course.
  7. Tighten the 2 screws that maintain the heating aspect in place.
  8. Reinstall the entrance panel on the dryer and tighten the 2 screws that maintain it in place.
  9. Plug the dryer again into the ability outlet.
  10. Activate the dryer and test to ensure it’s working correctly.

Tip: If you’re not snug changing the heating aspect your self, you’ll be able to name a certified equipment restore technician to do it for you.

Assembling the Dryer

Upon getting retrieved the alternative heating aspect, it is time to assemble the dryer. This is an in depth information:

1. Disconnect Energy

For security causes, unplug the dryer from the ability outlet or flip off the circuit breaker to the dryer.

2. Take away the Again Panel

Most dryers have a detachable again panel. Find the screws holding it in place and take away them. Rigorously slide the panel backward and carry it off the dryer.

3. Find the Previous Heating Component

Contained in the panel, you will notice the heating aspect meeting. It’s normally situated on the backside or again of the dryer.

4. Disconnect the Wires

Use a screwdriver to disconnect the wires resulting in the heating aspect. Word which terminal every wire was linked to for reassembly.

5. Take away the Previous Heating Component

Unscrew the bolts securing the heating aspect to the dryer’s body. Take away the outdated heating aspect.

6. Set up the New Heating Component

Place the brand new heating aspect into the dryer’s body and safe it with the bolts. Make sure that the heating aspect is positioned appropriately.

7. Reconnect the Wires

Confer with the notes you made whereas disconnecting the wires and reconnect them to the corresponding terminals on the brand new heating aspect. Tighten the screws securely.

Terminal Wire Colour
L1 White
L2 Pink
Floor Inexperienced or Naked Copper

8. Reassemble the Dryer

Exchange the again panel of the dryer and safe it with the screws. Reconnect the ability and take a look at the dryer to make sure correct operation of the brand new heating aspect.

Conducting a Check Cycle

As soon as the brand new heating aspect is put in, it is important to conduct a take a look at cycle to make sure it is functioning appropriately. This is a step-by-step information:

  1. Load a small load of moist garments into the dryer.
  2. Shut the door and choose a excessive warmth setting.
  3. Begin the dryer and let it run for about quarter-hour.
  4. Open the dryer door and really feel the air popping out of the vent. It needs to be heat or sizzling.
  5. If the air is cool or lukewarm, flip off the dryer and unplug it.
  6. Rigorously take away the again panel and recheck the heating aspect connections.
  7. Make sure the heating aspect is appropriately seated and that the wires are securely linked.
  8. If the connections are safe and the heating aspect remains to be not functioning, it could be faulty. Exchange it with a brand new one.

Troubleshooting Widespread Points

1. Verify the Energy Provide

Make sure that the dryer is plugged right into a working outlet and that the circuit breaker or fuse hasn’t tripped. Check the outlet with one other equipment to make sure it is functioning.

2. Verify the Thermal Fuse

A blown thermal fuse can interrupt energy to the heating aspect. Find the thermal fuse close to the heating aspect and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the fuse is blown, exchange it with an an identical one.

3. Examine the Heating Component

Visually examine the heating aspect for any indicators of harm, equivalent to burns, cracks, or corrosion. Use a multimeter to test for continuity between the 2 terminals of the heating aspect. If the aspect is defective, exchange it.

4. Verify the Wiring

Look at the wiring connecting the heating aspect to the terminal block. Make sure that the connections are safe and that there are not any free or broken wires.

5. Exchange the Management Board

A defective management board can fail to ship energy to the heating aspect. In case you’ve dominated out different points, contemplate changing the management board.

6. Verify the Door Swap

A defective door swap might forestall the heating aspect from working. Make sure that the door is closed securely and that the door swap is functioning correctly.

7. Clear the Exhaust Vent

A clogged exhaust vent can prohibit airflow and trigger the heating aspect to overheat. Clear the vent and guarantee there are not any blockages.

8. Exchange the Thermistor

The thermistor displays the temperature contained in the dryer and adjusts the heating aspect’s output accordingly. If the thermistor is defective, the heating aspect might not perform correctly. Exchange the thermistor.

9. Verify the Blower Wheel and Housing

A blocked blower wheel or broken housing can have an effect on airflow and result in heating aspect points. Examine these parts for any obstructions or injury. If essential, clear or exchange the blower wheel or housing.

Troubleshooting Symptom Attainable Trigger
Dryer just isn’t heating Defective heating aspect, blown thermal fuse, defective management board, free wiring
Dryer is overheating Clogged exhaust vent, defective thermistor, broken blower wheel or housing

Security Issues

Earlier than starting any repairs, unplug the dryer from the ability outlet. Make sure that the fuel is turned off when you have a fuel dryer. Enable the dryer to chill utterly to keep away from burns.

Put on gloves and security glasses to guard your self from sharp edges and electrical parts.

If you’re not snug performing the restore your self, contact a certified equipment technician.

Upkeep Ideas

Clear the lint display commonly to forestall particles from build up on the heating aspect.

Yearly, clear the dryer vent hose and exhaust vent to take away any lint accumulation that would prohibit airflow and trigger the heating aspect to overheat.

In case your dryer takes longer than traditional to dry garments, it could be an indication that the heating aspect is failing.

Have your dryer inspected by a certified equipment technician each few years to make sure that it’s working safely and effectively.

Warning Indicators Potential Causes
Garments not drying correctly Defective heating aspect
Burning scent coming from the dryer Overheated heating aspect
Uncommon noises throughout operation Broken heating aspect

How To Exchange Heating Component For Whirlpool Dryer

Changing the heating aspect in a Whirlpool dryer is a comparatively easy process that may be accomplished in about an hour. Listed here are the steps on the best way to do it:

  1. Unplug the dryer from the ability outlet.
  2. Take away the again panel of the dryer. There are normally 4 screws that maintain the panel in place.
  3. Find the heating aspect. It’s normally situated on the backside of the dryer, behind the drum.
  4. Disconnect the wires from the heating aspect.
  5. Take away the heating aspect from the dryer.
  6. Set up the brand new heating aspect.
  7. Join the wires to the brand new heating aspect.
  8. Reinstall the again panel of the dryer.
  9. Plug the dryer again into the ability outlet.

Folks Additionally Ask

How do I do know if the heating aspect in my Whirlpool dryer is dangerous?

There are a couple of indicators that the heating aspect in your Whirlpool dryer could also be dangerous. These embrace:

  • The dryer just isn’t getting sizzling.
  • The garments are taking longer to dry.
  • The dryer is making an odd noise.
  • The dryer is tripping the circuit breaker.

How a lot does it price to switch the heating aspect in a Whirlpool dryer?

The fee to switch the heating aspect in a Whirlpool dryer will differ relying on the mannequin of the dryer and the price of the heating aspect. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to count on to pay between $50 and $100 for the heating aspect and $50 to $100 for labor.

Can I exchange the heating aspect in my Whirlpool dryer myself?

Sure, you’ll be able to exchange the heating aspect in your Whirlpool dryer your self. Nevertheless, you will need to comply with the security directions fastidiously and to have some primary electrical information.

If you’re not snug changing the heating aspect your self, you’ll be able to name a certified equipment restore technician to do it for you.