Lee Terwilliger for Model Number MEDB835DW3 I hadn't used my Maytag Bravos XL dryer in approximately ten days (I have the matching washer), I washed a load of clothes and put them in the dryer like I always do and went into my living room to watch TV. About five minutes later I smelled something burning (like on the burner of an electric stove, which I have an electric stove), nothing on my stove all the burners were off, nothing in the oven either. My washer and dryer are right off the kitchen, that where the smell was from and I opened the door of the dryer and the smell and a little smoke hit me in the face. Well I unplugged the dryer and took off the back, my wife says that smells like dog food, well after I got things apart I find a couple of cups of dog food in the elements of the dryer. The bottom element is all intact, but the top one in one spot has burnt through the element so it's not connected in one spot of the element. My questions are: 1. Can I still use the dryer safely like this with the element be burnt through? 2. Or should I replace both elements as it looks like the element(s), come in a pair or as one piece? Whirlpool part#AP6037386 3. Do I need to replace the heating element connecting wire? Part#AP3134638 If I need to replace them how many do I need?
Answer Lee, 1. NO, you should not use the dryer until the heater element assembly has been replaced. The possibility of further damage to the dryer, you, or your home isn't worth it. 2. Yes, the W11025156 / W10608823 element(s) are sold as an assembly and contains both elements , insulators and terminals . 3. No, we would not expect you to need the connecting wires 279457, unless the wire or terminals are badly discolored, melted, or the wire insulation is burnt. 4. Cups of dog food, inside the dryer and dryer element isn't "normal", you'll want to solve that issue first, or you'll be repeating the process and parts over and over again. Thanks, Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Tuesday, January 23, 2018