Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I have a Kenmore model 110.62602100 drier.
Last week, it stopped heating up. The dryer is over 10 years old, as is the washer and they are a bit rusty, so I looked at replacing them. The reviews I read on new washers and dryers showed me that they are not as reliable and don't wash as good as the older models. There are some energy and water savings to be had with newer washers, but it would take years for that to repay itself, and I'd have a lower quality washer and drier in the mean-time. I also looked at getting a new gas dryer, which would cut my energy bill, but was looking at about $500 for a high quality one. Again, not worth the savings...
So, I unplugged the dryer and flipped it forward. I found that the people who installed it had crushed the exhaust duct, which resulted in it filling with lint and increasing drying times, not to mention creating a fire-hazard.
I removed the duct and back panel, which had 9 screws holding it on. Once I pulled the panel off, I instantly saw that the spade connection to the heating element had burned itself into oblivion. The connector went into the thermostat, so I needed a new thermostat as well. I found the part numbers at sears.com, which showed the heating element to be back-ordered.
I did a google search which showed this kit on Amazon, so I ordered it. It took a little longer than desired for it to come, but within the estimated window. I am really spoiled by the free 2-day prime shipping, so paying extra for expedited shipping and having it take 4 days is a bit galling. Oh well...
The heating element was held on with 2 screws. After removing them, it slid right out. The thermostat included with this kit was different from the original, so I had to cut a wire and install a spade connector, but that was easy. The kit did not include the screws needed to attach the thermostat to the heating element, so I had to dig some out of the shop. The original setup had no screws holding the thermostat on as the terminal held it on, but this kit has a wire, which will not hold it on. The same screws that hold the back panel and the heating element on will work, so you can pick some up before this arrives.
Once the wires were back in place, I buttoned everthing back up, installed a new metal duct(plastic is a fire hazard) and put the dryer back in place. I fired it up for 30 seconds and popped it open, instant heat!!!
The new heating element had an odor, so I ran it for 10 minutes to "break it in" but now it is working like new!
This was an easy repair that anyone who is a bit handy could do. The most involved part was cutting the wire and installing the included crimped connector. If you can do that, you are good to go. The drier is also pretty light, so it is easy to flip forward. Always make sure to unplug before opening up electrical appliances, of course...
Click Here to see more reviews about: 279838 AND 279816 Dryer Heating Element and Thermostat Combo Pack for Whirlpool Kenmore Electric Dryers
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