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

The challenge was removing the heating sleeve without having to completely disassembling the dryer. There was a little tab on the top back of the element sleeve which held the sleeve in place which made it trickier to remove and put back in place. I did bend it ever so slightly to make it easier to reinsert into the vent. The element pushed out of the sleeve by pushing on the metal side tab on the element with a large screw driver. I replace both switches just as a precaution.. Everything works great. The parts arrived quickly and fit perfectly. Thanks. 

I replaced the heat element and the two temperature sensors. Watched your video and it was a piece of cake. 

Instead of troubleshooting and replacing one sensor and possibly more failures in the near future I spent 130 and bought all suggested sensors and heat element. It took about 1.5 hours and I was drying clothes. 

Replaced all three recommended parts and my 13 year old drier is back in business. Took maybe an hour to replace all three parts, most of that time was cleaning out the dust from years of use. Very simple to repair....I held the flashlight while my husband did the repair as it us a little tricky to see..$100 and this momma of three is back in business. Not sure if was the heating element or three fuses replaced which did the trick so I figured it was easier to do them all at once. You can do it! 

Replaced the heating element which was very simple to do after watching a couple of YouTube videos. 

The access panel at the bottom of the dryer comes off with just 2 screws. Upon removing the panel, the thermostats and the heating element are accessible. I tested thermostats and heating element for continuity, and the element was bad. I ordered a new heating element, and when it arrived, I returned and replaced the old one with the new one. The heating element is secured with one screw, then it can be slid out of the housing. I then checked the vent. I found a bird nest in the end of the vent, removed it, then used a shop vac with a long tube to remove all the built up lint. I suspect the bird nest was a major factor in the failure of the heating element 

Removed the top and front panel for the instructions and removed heating element. Replaced heating element and cleaned the inside of dryer. 

New heating element 

Isolated problem to the heating element. Went online to Appliance Parts and located the matching part. FedEx delivered in 3 days. 15 minutes for removal & install new part. Now dryer is hotter than a desert. Wife is happy & life is good. 

The parts came a day after I ordered and were an exact fit. We use our dryer twice a day and have had it for ten years. Ordering online was very easy. Thank you again.