How to Tell If a Dryer Heating Element Is Bad
- 1). Disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet, remove the band clamp that secures the dryer vent to the back of the dryer, and then pull the vent off.
- 2). Place a blanket on the ground and place the dryer on its face so you can access the heating element.
- 3). Remove the sheet metal screws that secure the back cover onto the dryer. You can use a screwdriver or a socket and ratchet for this. Pull the cover off the back of the dryer.
- 4). Locate the large canister with several wires going into it. The canister is the cover for the heating element. Remove the sheet-metal screws that hold the canister onto the back of the dryer. This will expose the dryer element.
- 5). Inspect the metal wire coil for any breaks in the wire. If the wire is solid and has no breaks in it, the heating element should be good. If the wire has a break in it, the heating element is defective.
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