Whirlpool WPY308612 Heating Element Assembly OEM Part

Our dryer suddenly began overheating while drying. Outside of the dryer cabinet was uncomfortably warm to the touch, dryer drum was hot, charred smelling laundry. Based on what I read it was likely one of two things - a failed cycling thermostat or a shorted heating element. First I cleaned the vent hose and ducting to ensure good airflow, which I had. I opened the circuit breaker first, then took off the door and front cover. I started with a thorough cleaning of the dryer with a vaccuum hose to get all the old accumulated lint out, especially around the dryer. I inspected everything - other than overheating everything appeared to be in good working order. After inspection and cleaning I put power back on and took some critical voltage measurements. One important symptom I noted was that when the dial was turned ot any position other than Off that half the heating element turned on, even though the dryer was not running. The other side of the element came on as soon as the motor started to run. I changed the cycling thermostat (which I had pre-ordered) but it didnt change the symptoms. Long story short, one of the coils in the heating element had sagged to the point that it shorted out on to the heating element housing. That short to ground allows half the heating element to run continuously, whether the motor is running or not and independent of the cycling thermostat (unsafe in my opinion!). The other half of the heating element would cycle as the motor ran. Replacing the heating elelent eliminated the short circuit condition and the dryer is functioning properly and like new. The actual job only took about 20-30 minutes, but I took my time and cleaned everything carefully and removed all lint buildup inside and out which added time. I also removed each of the tumblers to clean out all the lint and junk that was trapped inside them (including 3 dimes that had slipped in). The dryer runs quieter now and no longer makes a clicking noise as the tumbler turns! Thanks to the Appliance Parts Pros for getting my parts to me quickly and at a reasonable price. Good experience!

Initially I cleared out the dryer vent but that didn't solve the problem. I searched online about the issue and found that the heating game elements often expand and come in contact with the frame of the enclosure which shorts the heating element and causes overheating. Inspecting the heating element revealed this was exactly the problem. I removed he heating element and its enclosure. I decided to replace the fuse and the high limit switch because they were inexpensive and may fail soon if not already.

I tested continuity of both breakers -good. The heater element showed no continuity. The new element arrived within four days. Within 30 minutes it ha been installed and ready to test. It's working fine.

Have done this job before and it is very easy to accomplish. Having done this in the past, I've got the entire operation down to about 9 minutes. Watch the video online that APP has graciously done for us DIY'ers. It is exactly how its done and all that's needed is a phillips screw driver and a 1/4 in. nut driver (For my dryer).

Replaced heating element, Found broken wire but were still touching together so heat was working intermittently.