How to replace the heating element on a GE dryer

The heating element on a GE dryer is responsible for generating the necessary heat to dry your clothes. Over time, the heating element may burn out or experience a short circuit, causing your dryer to not heat. Fortunately, replacing it is a quick and easy repair that you can do yourself. With just a few basic tools and a little bit of time, you’ll have your dryer running again in no time. So let’s get started!

You can find a replacement heating element WE11M10001 here. If you need other replacement parts for your GE dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Watch here: How To: GE Heating Element WE11M10001

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

Tools needed

• Phillips screwdriver
• 1/4″ nut driver
• Flathead screwdriver
• Needle nose pliers
• Part number WE11M10001 (make sure it’s compatible with your model)

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.
• Shut off the gas supply to prevent any gas leaks while you work. 
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs to any appliance parts that hold water. Have towels ready for any residual water in the system when removing parts. 
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• 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.
• 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. 

Replacement steps

Step 1: disassembly

1. Remove the three top phillips screws at the back of the control panel.
2. Slide the control panel towards the left to disengage the bottom locking tab and leave it loose.
3. Open the dryer door.
4. Identify and remove the two phillips screws, one on each side, inside the door.
5. Close the door. Lift the top panel and pull it out.
6. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the two top screws, one on each side.
7. Tilt the front panel out and off the bottom clips.
8. Swing the front panel to the left, being careful not to damage any wires.

Step 2: remove the drum

1. Use a quarter-inch nut driver to remove the screw that holds the left side of the cabinet to the blower housing. This will allow you to bend the side panel out slightly to create space.
2. Reach inside the dryer under the drum and push the idler pulley to the right to release the drive belt from the motor and the idler pulleys. Apply some force if necessary.
3. Once the belt is free, remove the drum and belt from the dryer cabinet.

Step 3: remove the heating element 

1. Use a flat blade screwdriver to remove the wire from the heating element terminal at the bottom right.
2. Use the flat blade screwdriver to remove the blue wire and the double white wire from the left side of the heating element.
3. Locate the locking tab that holds the heating element.
4. Use needle-nose pliers to bend the locking tab down and release the heating element.
5. Rotate the heating element counterclockwise to free it from under the tabs and out of the slots.
6. Remove the old heating element from the dryer.

Step 4: install the new heating element

1. Install the new heating element by sliding it slightly clockwise under the tabs and into the slot.
2. Slowly and carefully bend the locking tab up to lock the heating element in place.
3. Connect the two bottom heating element wires, with the double white wire going to the lower terminal and the single blue wire going to the upper terminal.
4. Reconnect the wire to the heating element at the bottom right.

Step 5: reinstall the drum

1. Lock the idler pulley arm under the motor bracket.
2. Bring in the drum with the belt, ensuring that the ribs are facing the inside of the drum.
3. Install the drum so that the rear shaft with the bushing fits inside the opening.
4. Make sure the belt is positioned on the far groove of the drum.
5. Reach under the drum, wrap the belt around the motor pulley, release the idler pulley, and place the belt on it.
6. Turn the drum one full turn to make sure that the belt is correctly positioned.

Step 6: reassembly 

1. Secure the left side of the cabinet to the blower housing using a quarter-inch screw.
2. Install the front panel by aligning the bottom slots over the tabs, inserting the side tabs into the cutouts, and lifting the drum at the same time.
3. Secure the front panel with the two quarter-inch screws.
4. Align the tabs on the top panel with the slots on the cabinet frame and slide the top panel into place.
5. Open the dryer door and secure the top panel with the two phillips screws.
6. Close the door.
7. Slide the control panel to the right to lock the bottom tabs and secure the panel with the three phillips screws.
8. Plug the dryer back into the power source.
9. Turn on the dryer and check for any problems. 

Additional information

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