How to Troubleshoot & Replace Frigidaire AP4368653 / 134792700 Dryer Heater Element

I was getting a CLL SRV error on my Kenmore Elite dryer. After some searching online I found a method for putting the dryer in diagnostic mode. Once in diagnostic mode I was able to get the display panel to show the error of E64 which was much more useful. The part was pretty easy to install once I figured out how to get into the dryer. All but one screw was easily accessed by taking the back panel off. One hidden screw over the heating element required the side to be popped loose. After reassembling the dryer started right up, but I was seeing the CE error while the dryer would run. My exhaust vents on the roof. It turns out the exhaust was plugged behind the screen on the roof vent. My guess is this is what caused the burner to go bad in the first place. After cleaning the roof vent all is great and as good as new. 

I took apart the dryer and checked the wiring as I went. Once I got to the heater, I took it out and tested the conductivity with a multimeter and found that one set of coils wasn't conducting anything and they also looked burnt out. I ordered a replacement and tested it when it arrived. It checked out and I installed it and it's been working fine so far. 

I searched the code. Removed the back of the dryer, removed the entire heating element, verified coils were shorting out,ordered new heating element. Installed new element, cleared codes.Also removed lint basket and removed lint,restarted dryer.Back in business! 

Initially I had an Error 64 (heater) error. I purchased a cheap non-OEM heater and installed it. Within a day the dryer was flashing CE error (clear exhaust). I had already cleaned the inside of the machine after replacing the heater so I replaced the vent hose which is only about five feet long. The CE error persisted so I ordered and replaced the thermistors (front and rear). The problem continued for a week until the dryer displayed an E63 error (heater grounded). I removed the old heater and found the inside plate was warped. In addition, the screw that holds the heater in the back was way too long and touching the coils. I ordered an OEM heater, installed it, and the dryer has been working perfectly with no CE error. The moral of the story is: don’t waste your time and money on a non-OEM heater. I had this machine apart several times with a lot of wasted time because of a bad part. Note: I used the diagnostic mode on the dryer and ran through every test multiple times, watching for thermistor values to change and heat to increase and decrease. I also tested the thermostat and thermal fuses for continuity and the thermistor Ohm values. 

Changed heating element based on instruction - took me less than an hour and saved least $500 :) I'm not going to call repair men anymore... :) 

Had to take dryer apart and replace heating element. Wasn't too bad with videos to help but make sure you check all wire connections before putting back together or you will regret it. Trust me on this. Lol 

Ordered and installed a new heating element assembly. This was a fairly easy repair. A lot screws to remove the back panel. Note, it is not necessary to remove the oblong heat duct from the heating element to back of drum. In fact, it's a much easier job if you don't remove the duct. 

Ordered new heater core and replaced. After watching video on utube overall repair took less than 1 hour. 

Used YouTube video to help diagnose the problem that led me to a faulty heater coils. Ordered a new heater coil plus I added on the two heat sensors as well since I was only 90% sure the heater was the only issue and I only wanted to take the dryer apart one time. I am handy but do not have much experience in appliance repair. Watching the video, it looks complicated at first since you will pretty much disassemble the entire dryer, but is is not as hard as it looks. 

Replaced heating element and limits.