Whirlpool Corporation Electric Dryer Heating Element 3387747 – Superseded by WP3387747

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Common Symptoms

• Dryer not heating (drum rotates but no heat output)
• Clothes stay damp after full cycle (insufficient heat)
• Dryer takes multiple cycles to dry clothes (weak heating)
• Visible damage to heating element (cracks or breaks)
• Burning smell from dryer (element shorting or insulation failure)
• Sparking or arcing from element area (electrical short)
• Intermittent heating (element cycles on/off erratically)
• Dryer heats slowly or unevenly (weak or partially failed element)
• Complete dryer failure (broken element prevents all drying)
• Dryer trips circuit breaker (electrical short in element)
• Element glows but produces no heat (coil separation)
• Dryer overheats (thermostat failure, not element—check thermostats first)

Pro Tip

Part Details

Installation Notes

• CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING:
• This repair involves working with 240-volt electrical connections inside the dryer and high-temperature components. Always turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the dryer before beginning work to prevent electrical shock, severe burns, and accidental element activation. If uncomfortable with this repair, hire a qualified electrician or appliance technician.
• TOOLS REQUIRED:
• Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, nut driver or socket set (typically 1/4-inch or 5/16-inch), needle-nose pliers, flashlight, work gloves, voltage tester or multimeter, putty knife (for removing old element).
• IMPORTANT:
• This element assembly is 5400 watts at 240 volts. Verify your dryer model uses this wattage rating before ordering.
• Turn off the circuit breaker
• that supplies power to the dryer.
• CRITICAL:
• Never work on the dryer while it's powered.
• Unplug the dryer
• from the electrical outlet (if accessible) to ensure complete power disconnection.
• Verify power is off
• using a voltage tester or multimeter at the dryer's electrical connection. Should read 0 volts.
• Allow the dryer to cool completely
• if it has been used recently. The heating element and dryer chamber reach extremely high temperatures (up to 500°F) and require at least 2-3 hours to cool to safe handling temperatures.
• Remove the dryer front panel or access cover
• to reach the heating element assembly. Most Whirlpool dryers require removing screws securing the front panel, then carefully lifting or tilting the panel forward.
• Locate the heating element assembly
• in the heating chamber at the rear of the dryer. The element is typically mounted to the rear wall with screws or clips and has wire terminals protruding from the housing.
• Take multiple photos
• of the element location, wire connections, mounting configuration, and terminal positions before disassembly.
• Element positioning and wire connections must be exact for proper reassembly and safe operation.
• Disconnect the wire terminals
• from the element assembly by pulling them straight off the terminal block.
• Caution:
• Do not pull on the wires—grip the connector and pull. If connectors are tight, use needle-nose pliers to gently wiggle and pull.
• Label each wire
• with tape or markers indicating its terminal position before disconnection.
• Incorrect wiring causes element malfunction, overheating, or electrical hazards.
• Remove the element mounting screws or clips
• securing the element assembly to the heating chamber wall. Typically 2-4 screws hold the element.
• Carefully remove the old element assembly
• from the heating chamber.
• The element may be heavy and awkward—support it to prevent dropping.
• Inspect the old element assembly
• for damage indicators: visible cracks, breaks, or blistering in the stainless steel housing (most common failure), burned or discolored areas on the element (overheating), separated coil from housing (internal failure), damaged or corroded terminal block (poor connections), or lint accumulation around the element (restricting heat transfer). This confirms the diagnosis.
• Test the old element continuity
• (optional, requires multimeter): Set multimeter to measure resistance (ohms). Touch the probes to the two terminal connections. Resistance should be approximately 10-20 ohms for a 5400W element at 240V (calculated as 240² ÷ 5400 = 10.67 ohms). If resistance is infinite (open circuit, element broken) or very low (short circuit), the element has failed.
• Inspect the heating chamber
• for lint accumulation, damage, or corrosion. Clean out any lint using a flashlight and putty knife. Lint buildup restricts heat transfer and causes premature element failure. 15.
• Clean the element mounting area
• on the heating chamber wall, removing lint, debris, and corrosion. 16.
• Inspect the dryer exhaust vent and ductwork
• for clogs or restrictions.
• Restricted airflow is the leading cause of premature heating element failure. Clean the lint filter, exhaust vent, and ductwork thoroughly before installing the new element to prevent repeat failure. 17.
• Unpack the new WP3387747 heating element assembly
• from its packaging. 18.
• Compare the new element to the old one
• to verify dimensions, terminal configuration, mounting hole spacing, and overall design match. 19.
• Inspect the new element
• for any shipping damage before installation. The housing should be intact with no cracks, and the coil should be properly positioned inside the housing. 20.
• Position the new heating element assembly
• in the mounting location on the heating chamber wall, aligning the mounting holes and ensuring the terminal block is accessible for wire connections.
• The element orientation must match the old element per your detailed photos. 21.
• Install the element mounting screws or clips
• to secure the assembly to the heating chamber wall. Tighten firmly but not excessively—over-tightening can crack the housing. 22.
• Verify the element is securely mounted
• with no excessive play or movement. 23.
• Connect the wire terminals to the new element assembly
• according to your detailed photos and labels. Push each wire connector firmly onto the terminal block until it seats completely.
• Loose connections cause overheating, arcing, and fire hazard. 24.
• Verify all connections are secure
• by gently tugging on each wire—should not pull off. 25.
• Inspect all wire connections
• for proper seating and no exposed terminals. 26.
• Reinstall the dryer front panel or access cover
• by positioning it and securing with screws. 27.
• Restore electrical power
• by turning on the circuit breaker. 28.
• Verify power is restored
• using a voltage tester at the dryer's electrical connection. Should read 240 volts. 29.
• Run a test cycle
• to verify proper element operation: - Set the dryer to air dry or low heat for 5-10 minutes with no load - Listen for smooth, quiet operation—should not hear buzzing, crackling, or popping - After 2-3 minutes, carefully feel the dryer exhaust vent for warm air (should feel warm but not hot) - After 5 minutes, stop the dryer and carefully open the door—should feel warm air inside the drum 30.
• Check for any burning smell
• during the test cycle. A slight "new element" smell is normal for the first few minutes, but any strong burning smell indicates problems—immediately turn off the dryer and circuit breaker and diagnose the issue. 31.
• Run a full drying cycle
• with a small load of damp towels to verify proper operation over an extended period. 32.
• Monitor for proper performance
• during the full cycle: consistent heat output, no unusual sounds, no burning smell, and proper drying results. 33.
• If the dryer heats properly with consistent temperature, quiet operation, and efficient drying performance
• , the repair is complete.
• Safety Notes:
• Always turn off the circuit breaker before working on electrical components. Verify power is off using a voltage tester. Allow adequate cooling time before beginning work. Label all wires before disconnection to ensure correct reassembly. Connect wires firmly to terminals—loose connections cause fire hazard. Clean the exhaust vent and ductwork thoroughly before installing the new element—restricted airflow causes premature element failure. Test operation thoroughly before considering the repair complete. This repair requires electrical knowledge and typically takes 45-75 minutes for a qualified technician. If uncomfortable working with 240-volt electrical connections, hire a professional electrician.

Verified Compatible Models

Fitment reminder: Verified compatibility is maintained by the XPart Model Hub Network. Match the complete appliance model number before ordering.