What You Need to Know Before Starting

Replacing a heating element in a Kenmore dryer is a repair you can do yourself if you are comfortable working with basic tools and electrical components. The job takes between one and two hours and costs $30 to $100 for the part, depending on your dryer model. You will need to unplug the dryer, remove the front or rear panel, locate the heating element assembly, and swap out the old element for a new one.

The heating element is a coil of wire that gets hot when electricity passes through it. When it burns out, your dryer will run but produce no heat. Before you buy a replacement, confirm your dryer model number — it is usually on a sticker inside the door frame or on the back panel — because Kenmore dryers use different elements depending on the year and size.

Key Takeaways

  • Find your exact Kenmore model number on the sticker inside the door frame or on the back of the dryer before ordering a replacement element.
  • Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before you open the cabinet.
  • Most Kenmore dryers require you to remove either the front or rear panel to reach the heating element assembly, which is held in place by a few bolts or clips.
  • The heating element itself is a straightforward swap — disconnect the wire terminals, remove the old element, and attach the new one in the same position.
  • Test the dryer on a short cycle with no clothes inside to confirm heat is working before you run a full load.

Locate Your Model Number and Order the Right Part

Open the dryer door and look for a white or silver sticker on the inside of the door frame, usually on the left side. Write down the full model number — it starts with a number like 110 or 417 and may have letters after it. If you cannot find it on the door frame, check the back panel of the dryer or the side wall inside the cabinet.

Once you have the model number, search for "Kenmore [your model number] heating element" on a parts website like Sears Parts Direct, Amazon, or eBay. The correct part will be listed as a heating element assembly or heating coil. Prices range from $30 to $100 depending on the model. Order the part before you start the repair so you have it on hand when you are ready to install it.

Unplug the Dryer and Remove the Cabinet Panel

Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet. This is not optional — the heating element carries electrical current, and working on it while the dryer is plugged in can cause serious injury. Wait at least 30 minutes for the dryer to cool down, especially if it was recently running.

Most Kenmore dryers have either a front panel or a rear panel that you must remove to reach the heating element. Check your dryer: if the lint trap is on top of the dryer, you likely need to remove the front panel. If the lint trap is inside the door, you likely need to remove the rear panel. Look for bolts or screws along the edges of the panel you need to remove. Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove them — there are usually four to six. Set the bolts aside in a small container so you do not lose them. Gently pull the panel away from the dryer frame.

Locate and Remove the Heating Element Assembly

Once the panel is off, you will see the interior of the dryer drum and the heating element assembly mounted on the side or bottom of the cabinet. The assembly looks like a metal box or tube with wire terminals sticking out of it. You may see a thermal fuse mounted nearby — this is a safety device that cuts power if the dryer overheats, and it often fails at the same time as the heating element.

Locate the bolts or clips holding the heating element assembly in place. There are usually two or three. Use a socket wrench or screwdriver to remove them. Gently pull the assembly toward you to expose the wire terminals on the back. You will see two or three wires connected to small metal terminals. Take a photo of the wire connections with your phone before you disconnect anything — this will help you remember which wire goes where when you install the new element.

Disconnect the wires by pulling the terminal connectors straight off. They should come free with gentle pressure. If a wire is stuck, wiggle it gently side to side rather than pulling straight. Once all wires are disconnected, the old heating element assembly will come free from the dryer.

Install the New Heating Element

Take the new heating element assembly out of the box and compare it to the old one. They should look identical. Position the new assembly in the same location where the old one sat, with the wire terminals facing toward the back of the cabinet. Align the bolt holes and insert the bolts through the assembly and into the cabinet frame. Tighten the bolts firmly but do not over-tighten — you want them snug, not stripped.

Reconnect the wires to the terminals on the new element. Use your phone photo as a guide. The wires should push onto the terminals with a firm click. If you have three wires, all three must be connected. If you have two, both must be connected. Double-check that each wire is fully seated on its terminal — a loose connection will cause the element to fail again or create a fire hazard.

Reassemble the Dryer and Test

Slide the cabinet panel back into place and align the bolt holes. Insert the bolts you removed earlier and tighten them in a crisscross pattern — tighten the top left, then bottom right, then top right, then bottom left. This prevents the panel from warping. Tighten all bolts firmly.

Plug the dryer back into the wall outlet. Close the dryer door and set it to a low heat cycle with no clothes inside. Run it for five to ten minutes and listen for the heating element to warm up. You should feel heat coming from the vent after a few minutes. If you feel no heat after ten minutes, unplug the dryer when ready and check your wire connections — one may have come loose during reassembly.

If heat is working, run a short normal cycle with a damp towel inside to confirm the element heats properly under load. Once you see the towel drying, the repair is complete.

When to Call a Technician Instead

If you are not comfortable working with electrical components, or if your dryer has a design that makes the panel difficult to remove, a professional repair technician can do this job for $150 to $300 including the part and labor. Some Kenmore dryers have panels that require special tools or disassembly of other components to access the heating element — if this is the case, the parts website or your dryer manual will note it.

If you complete the repair but the dryer still produces no heat, the thermal fuse may also be burned out. This is a separate $15 to $30 part that sits near the heating element. If you see a small cylindrical component that looks melted or cracked, that is the thermal fuse and it will need to be replaced as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my heating element is actually broken?

A broken heating element will cause the dryer to run normally but produce no heat — the drum will spin and the fan will run, but clothes will stay damp. If the dryer does not turn on at all, the problem is elsewhere. You can also visually inspect the element if you open the cabinet — a burned-out element often shows visible damage, discoloration, or a broken coil.

Can I replace just the heating coil, or do I have to replace the whole assembly?

Most Kenmore dryers sell the heating element as part of an assembly that includes the mounting bracket and terminals. You cannot buy just the coil alone. The assembly is the standard replacement part, and it is designed to be a direct swap for the old one.

What if I cannot find the model number on my dryer?

Check the back panel, the side wall inside the cabinet, or the original paperwork that came with the dryer. If you still cannot find it, take a photo of the dryer and bring it to a Sears service center or call Kenmore customer service with the photo — they can often identify the model from the appearance alone.

Do I need to replace the thermal fuse at the same time?

Not always, but thermal fuses often fail when heating elements do. If your thermal fuse looks intact and not discolored, you can replace just the heating element. If it looks melted or cracked, replace it too — it is inexpensive and will save you from another repair call in a few weeks.

Is it safe to use the dryer right after I finish the repair?

Yes, once you have tested it on a short cycle with no clothes and confirmed heat is working. Make sure all bolts are tight and all wire connections are find before you use it normally. If you smell burning or see smoke, unplug the dryer when ready and check your connections.