How to replace the heating element on a GE electric dryer

On a GE electric dryer, the heating element is responsible for generating heat. Without it, your clothes don’t get dried. 

Fortunately, with a few basic tools and some patience, you can tackle this repair yourself and get your GE electric dryer back in working order. So, let’s get started!

Watch here: How To Replace A GE Electric Dryer Heating Element WE11M23

If you need any replacement parts for your appliance, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The part replacement information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What the part does

The heating element works by converting electrical energy into heat, which is then circulated throughout the dryer drum by the blower fan.

As the air is pulled into the dryer, it passes over the heated element, becoming warm. This warm air is then blown into the drum, providing the heat necessary to evaporate moisture from the fabrics. The heating element is controlled by the dryer’s thermostat, which helps maintain the best drying temperature.

Symptoms of a bad heating element

If the heating element has gone bad, you may experience one or more of the following issues:

• Dryer not heating up at all: a failed heating element will prevent the dryer from generating any heat.
• Dryer taking much longer to dry a load: a weak or intermittent heating element will struggle to maintain the proper drying temperature.
• Dryer shutting off before the cycle is complete: a faulty heating element may cause the thermal cutoff switch to trip, automatically turning off the dryer.
• Dryer running but clothes remain damp: inadequate heat output from the element will fail to properly dry the clothes.

Possible causes of failure

There are a few common reasons why a heating element may go bad:

• Normal wear and tear over time: the heating element’s components can degrade with extended use and age.
• Electrical issues: power surges, wiring problems, or other electrical faults can damage the heating element.
• Blocked airflow: lint buildup or obstructions restricting airflow can cause the element to overheat.
• Overloading the dryer: putting too many clothes in the drum can strain the heating element.

Replacing a faulty heating element is generally a straightforward repair that you can tackle yourself with the right replacement part and basic tools.

Learn how to tell if your part is bad here: How To Test A GE Electric Dryer Heating Element WE11M23

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more: Electric GE dryer won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

Tools and materials needed

• Replacement part (make sure it’s compatible with your model before installing)
• Phillips screwdriver

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more:  Why Is My Dryer Overheating? Understanding The Common Causes And Solutions

Replacement steps

Step 1: Disassembly and removal

1. Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker.
2. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the top of the front panel, just behind the door.
3. Lift the top panel up slightly to clear the console legs, then pull the panel forward to remove it.
4. Remove the Philips screws found at each back corner of the front panel.
5. Lift the front panel up, rotate it to the side, and disconnect the door switch wires. Set the front panel aside.
6. Reach under the drum and disconnect the belt from the belt pulley.
7. Lift up on the belt and use it to help pull the drum forward and out. Set the drum aside.
8. With access to the heating element now, remove the Phillips screws around the element and the mounting screws on the thermostats. 
9. Disconnect the wires from the old heating element.

Step 2: Installation and reassembly

1. Position the new heating element close enough to mount the thermostats, then attach it to the cabinet with the Phillips screws.
2. Connect the wires to the new heating element, blue wire to the outer coil terminal, White wire to the inner coil terminal and purple wire to the common terminal.
3. Reinstall the drum and belt, making sure the belt is firmly on the motor pulley.
4. Reconnect the door switch wires and set the front panel back onto the dryer. Secure it with the screws you removed earlier.
5. Slide the top panel back onto the console legs, rotate it down, and secure it with the Phillips screws.
6. Plug the dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.

Read more: How to Replace a Dryer Heating Element

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the heating element on your GE electric dryer. 

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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