How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6009347 / WP4391960 Dryer Heating Element

Replaced the dryer heating element. 

I used the videos provided on AppliancePartsPros.com to test and exclude the thermal cutout switches. I then tested the heating element itself for continuity (using the same approach as for the thermal switches). The heating element failed the continuity test, so I removed it from the housing. The heating element itself was broken (visually noticeable). I ordered a replacement from ApplianePartsPros.com, which arrived in just a couple of days and replaced it. The only challenge I had was in attaching the element to its housing (the screw orientation made it difficult to install). It's an old dryer (1985) which now works like a charm! 

Replaced dryer cycle thermosat & heating element. Cleaning back of dryer lint took a long time. 

Being a forward thinking individual, I surmised that the Kenmore 80 Series dryer is 25 years in-service, I ordered a new heating element, thermal cut-off, in addition to the cycling thermostat. The parts were shipped on day ordered and received exactly as promised(3 days)! On this unit, it only required removing the rear panel; after unplugging the power and dis-connecting the exhaust connection. All three components were readily accessible once the rear panel was removed. The heating element was the most challenging component to remove, due to a single retaining screw on the lower rear side of the heater shroud(box). There is only one screw, total - Nice! I used a 5/16" box wrench to remove the screw, but remember; the direction of loosening is reversed due to it being on the back side! The job went well, taking about .75 - 1.0 hr. including vacuuming all the "bunnies". Videos can be searched using "Kenmore Dryer 80 Series - Mod. No.(located inside upper left corner of door frame). You CAN do this with basic tools, and get a new merit badge, along with the couple hundred $ saved, for your next appliance repair. That'll work! 

Order the new element and installed once it arrived. Not only was I surprised to be able to find the replacement so easy, but Melody was helpful in every way possible. Will be my 1st go to for any other appliance needs. 

I ordered a new dryer heating element and replaced the broken one with a new one. 

My 29 year old dryer stopped heating, The next washer and dryer I buy will be rather expensive, front load, etc... but since I'm a few years away from retirement and will be moving, I'd rather not buy them now. I started out on youtube, found a video with my exact model and followed the instructions exactly. I ordered the suspected parts from appliancepartspros.com and they arrived in a few days; The day of the fix, I bought a multi-meter so I could test the heating element and thermostats. Luckily, I guessed correctly with the heating element. I didn't time myself exactly, I'd guess the whole process took me about 2 hours. Of course, being a woman, I vacuumed inside and out, upside and down, cleaned out the vent, etc... so I did more than just change the heating element and that time was also used to test all the connections with my new multi-meter to see if they were good. You'd be surprised how lint gets inside of everything, including the ledge where the top of the dryer meets the encasement. Would you ever think to vacuum the crevices of your appliances? Me neither. The next appliance issue, I'll bypass youtube and go directly to appliancepartspros.com. I thought about ordering a new lint screen but based on the video on this site, it didn't need to be replaced. Anyway, I feel pretty good that I was able to fix it myself being an old lady and all. 

I unplugged dryer, took it apart removed old coil replaced with new coil, put dryer back together. 

A repairman said the heating element was broken. He said the replacement part would be $90 and labor would be $180. His recommendation was to buy a new dryer. I looked up the part on AppliancePartsPros.com. The part plus shipping was about $45. After watching the video on their website, I was able to successfully replace the part. The dryer works the same as before. 

Took out the bad one and replaced it with the one I ordered from Appliancepartspros.com