How to Troubleshoot & Replace Whirlpool AP6008281 / WP3387747 Dryer Heating Element

After confirming the heating element was the only heating related part without electrical continuity, I ordered a new heating element and successfully installed it. Also took the opportunity to clean the dryer and the vent and the dryer works great now. 

Removed lower front panel then removed the heating element which was burnt in two. This repair was easier than expected. I talked with Dakota who was very knowledgeable and helpful. I spent a couple of hours taking apart the machine to clean and remove all lint from the dryer. 

I took the back of top of the dryer apart (3 screws) and checked that the control boards weren't shorted as I had replaced one last time it stopped heating. Everything looked good and the continuity was 110v. Then I took the back off the dryer (about 10 screws) and checked the ohms of the heating element and its high resistance safety shutoff by unplugging the dryer and then individually unplugging one female end from both the element and the safety shut-off and then put the volt meter on the plugged and the unplugged end of each of these 2 parts 1 at a time. These can be found bottom left from the back of the dryer. The safety showed 0 ohms meaning that I had a closed circuit with current running through it and the heatint element showed nothing meaning it was a dead component with no current passing through. Had to disconnect the wiring from these 2 parts which are on a cylindrical aluminum tube that the element inside of. Underside of the tube is 1 screw that keeps it connected in the back and then the flatter aluminum peice it connects to that comes towards the backside and up toward top of the dryer has 3 screws to remove and the entire piece slides out. Near the 2 male ends of the heatint element there is 1 screw on the outside that holds the element in place inside the tube. Removed and grab the element from the inside and pull out of the tube. Install in reverse order. 

Replaced the element, now heats great! 

My son replaced the part. He watched a youTube video and repaired the dryer. 

Replaced element, but replacement part created a very tight fit. 

First of all let me say KEEP ALL PAPERWORK AND SCHEMATICS IN A FILE WHEN YOU BUY AN APPLIANCE! I watched a few videos on the net, opened up the machine, pulled the heating element. After a few ohms checks, observed break in element. LOOKED UP PART NUMBER ON SCHEMATIC. On line to my friends at Appliancpartspros.com found and ordered part. Part arrives in a flash, install and test. Not bad for 80 year old guy. Saved a lot of money. This is third time fixing this machine thanks to Appliance Parts Pros. Norman in NJ 

Unplugged the dryer, troubleshooted my dryer, went to appliance parts pros, ordered my part (heating element), next day I removed the front panel of my Kenmore 90 series dryer, unscrewed 2 screws to release the heating element, unplugged 2 connectors, removed the old part, installed new part, closed it up and tested!! It worked!! 

I love AppliancePartsPros.com, take a quick picture of the model number on the broken appliance, submit the model in their search and you get EVERY possible part in an exploded view. The repair was simple with some GR8 instructions found on youtube. This is actually the 2nd time I fixed the coil on this dryer. $50 part vs. $600 for a new dryer. 

I ordered a thermal cut-off kit and a new heating element from APP and replaced the bad parts.