How to test & replace the heating element in your electric Kenmore dryer

Struggling with a dryer that won’t heat? Learn how to test and replace the heating element in your Kenmore electric dryer with our simple step-by-step guide.

If you need any replacement parts for your Kenmore dryer, 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.

Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model 11068722700 and 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 you need

• Putty knife
• Multimeter
• ¼ inch socket

Important: 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.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts 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.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Read more: 9 ways you can maintain your dryer to prevent common problems

How to test & replace the heating element on a Kenmore electric dryer

Step 1. Test the heating element

1. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure no power is running to the appliance.
2. Use a putty knife to press in on the two clips that hold the front panel in place.
3. Remove the front panel to access the heating element.

4. Disconnect one of the two wires connected to the heating element.
5. Set your multimeter to resistance mode.
6. Place the probes of the multimeter on the two terminals of the heating element.
7. Check the resistance; it should read about 10-12 ohms. If the resistance is off or shows an open circuit, the heating element needs to be replaced.

Step 2. Remove the faulty heating element

8. If the element is faulty, remove the other wire from the heating element.
9. Locate and remove the ¼-inch screw on the side of the element box near the terminals using a ¼-inch socket or nut driver.
10. Remove the ¼-inch screw at the front of the heater box that holds the shield in place.
11. Pull the heating element out of the heater box.

Step 3. Install the new heating element

12. Slide the new heating element into the heater box with the terminals on the left side.
13. Push the element in until it stops.
14. Reinstall the shield and secure it with the ¼-inch screw at the front.
15. Reinsert the ¼-inch screw on the side of the element box.
16. Reconnect the two wires to the heating element terminals.

17. Reinstall the blower housing cover and the bottom panel.
18. Open the dryer door and insert the lint screen.
19. Plug the dryer back in or flip the circuit breaker back on.

Read more: How to Replace a Dryer Heating Element

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the heating element in your Kenmore dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock 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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