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Customer Questions and Answers for Dryer Heating Element by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18039354
Manufacturer Part Number: WP8544771

The Dryer Heating Element is an OEM part for Whirlpool electric dryers. This element provides critical heat to properly dry wet laundry loads. Consistent warmth throughout cycles is key to leaving clothes completely dry. This 5400-watt, 240-volt heating element heats the air circulating around the drum.

Causes of a bad heating element can include failure due to extended usage cycles over time, or mineral buildup inhibiting heat transfer. 

Symptoms of a faulty element include:

  • Inability to reach or maintain desired drying temperature
  • Wet or damp clothes after full cycles   
  • Potential safety issues if element overheats
  • Dryer not working or requiring excess cycles to dry

This OEM Whirlpool replacement element is also compatible with Kenmore, Maytag, Amana and Whirlpool brands.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element (Part Number: OEM18039354)

1 Answer

Dennis, It sounds like you may have a weak breaker as the unit will draw around 5K watts. The heating element when it comes on is rated at 5400 watts.

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Scott for Model Number WED9450WW1

My dryer is heating up to much. You take your clothes out and almost burn you to the touch. Everything is cleaned out. I have replaced the thermistor and also the thermal fuse. Still is to hot. I have metered the other two parts attached to the heating element bracket and everything has continuity. The heating element also has continuity, not the full continuity like when you touch your two meter leads together, but somewhat close. I have no idea now, what are your thoughts this time? Thanks

1 Answer

Scott, Based on this issue, you will want to check the blower wheel to make sure that there is nothing caught in the wheel. Also check the venting again to make sure that there is nothing clogged or causing a restriction in it. You can also disconnect the vent from the unit and run a load of clothes and see if they still come out hot. If they do then the high limit thermostat would most likely be the issue.

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1 Answer

Scott, The first thing that you will want to check is the venting of the unit to make sure that there is not a restriction or clog in the vent. If it is it can cause the higher temps. If this checks ok then the issue would most likely be the control thermistor.

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1 Answer

Andrea, You will want to test the thermostats and thermal fuses to ensure that they are good. There are 2 components other than the thermostats which would cause the heating element not to work. First is the motor and second the timer. The best option is to disconnect the power to the unit and access the heating element. Disconnect one wire that is going to the heating element, preferably the one on the thermostat side. Plug the unit back up and using a multimeter you will want to turn the dryer on and test for 120 vac at the terminal on the heater where the wire was disconnected. What this will do is eliminate the heater element itself and the motor. If there is 120 vac at this point then you know the heater is good and the motor is good because the other 120 vac coming through the thermostats is the timer side of the circuit. If there is not 120 vac at that point then you will want to test the other terminal on the heater and check for 120 vac. If there is not 120 vac then the motor would be bad and if there is 120 vac then the heater would be the issue. If there is 120 vac at each point then the heater is faulty.

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1 Answer

Karel, You will access he heater, and all components from the front. Remove power to the dryer. Use a putty knife or flat blade tool to release the hold down spring clips from the front corners and raise the top panel. Remove the 1/4 in. hex head screws from the inside of the cabinet, that attach the front panel to the cabinet flange. Lift up and out on the panel, disconnect the door switch wire harness and set the front panel aside. Remove the four screws attaching the bulkhead to the cabinet, and the two screws holding the outlet duct to the base, and remove the bulkhead. You can now remove the drum if you wish, but the heater assembly will be located in the left corner of the base of the dryer, and can be removed.

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