Customer Questions and Answers for Dryer Heating Element by Whirlpool

Hello Mary. You can test the element for continuity. It should read closed if good. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. Here is a link on how to use a multi-meter. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html

Hello Jim, You will need to order 279838 for the model provided.

Hello Patsy, If the heating element 279838 is open, the timer will not advance during a heating cycle.

David, It is possible that it could be the heating element, the thermostats, thermal fuse etc. Here is how to determine if the heating element is bad. You check the fuses for continuity and if they have continuity 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 .

Hello Karen. The element should get red hot. However, it should cycle on and off when the unit is running. The model number will have to be verified on the units I.D. tag since the one listed came up invalid. This will be necessary to look up and specific parts such as the one you requested. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter. We will need your model number to help you with this. Please call 1-877-477-7278 or post your model number with a new question on the parts page. http://www.appliancepartspros.com/modelnumber_locator.aspx

Hello Jeff. The element should read closed for continuity.

Hello Scott. Yes, the element glows red when it gets hot. As long as the housing is installed properly, it should be fine.

Scott, Yes, it's pretty much "normal" to see a glow from the inlet duct grille when the heater is energized and the door is opened.

Hello Todd. Check and make sure you have 240 volts coming to the dryer. Check and make sure the unit is not set to Air Fluff. Also check the heater and thermostats and see if they are good. You can test these with a multi-meter MA-DM1. They should read closed for continuity. Here is a link on how to use a multi-meter. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html

Hello Ziggy, This can be caused by the thermal cutout 279816 (includes the high limit thermostat WP3977767), the cycling thermostat WP3387134, the heating element 279838, the motor (centrifugal switch) 279827, the timer WP3976580, or the associated wiring.You should use a test meter to determine the failed component.