11087872601 Dryer Heating Element – What Part Fixes No-Heat Problems?
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Understanding the Problem
The 11087872601 is a dryer heating element assembly used to generate the hot air your dryer needs to dry clothes. When the heating element fails (open coil, broken contact or short), the dryer can run but produce little or no heat. Below are practical diagnostic and repair steps you can follow. 1) Safety & prep: unplug the dryer (or switch off the correct breaker). Push dryer away from the wall so you can access the back and sides. Gather tools: multimeter (ohms), nut drivers or screwdrivers (typically 1/4" and Phillips), pliers, flashlight, and a container for screws. 2) Preliminary checks: verify power at the wall — an electric dryer needs two hot legs (~240V). If a breaker tripped or a fuse is blown, restore power and test the dryer again. Also confirm the dryer drum turns and the blower runs (means motor and drive system are working). 3) Access the heating element: on many models you remove the rear access panel; on some you open the front panel and remove the drum. Consult your model's service manual for exact panel removal. 4) Visual inspection: look for visibly broken coils, burnt connectors, melted insulation or debris lodged in the heating housing. If you see a broken coil or severe burn, the element is bad. 5) Continuity test (heating element): set multimeter to ohms. With the dryer unplugged, disconnect the element wiring and measure resistance across the element terminals. A healthy element shows a low resistance reading (typically a few ohms to a few tens of ohms depending on design). Infinite/open reading = broken element. 6) Check for shorts to ground: measure from each element terminal to the metal housing; a low reading indicates the element is shorted to the housing and must be replaced. 7) Check safety components: many no-heat issues are caused by a blown thermal fuse or open thermostat. Locate and test the thermal fuse (usually on the blower housing or exhaust path) and thermostats for continuity. Replace any that are open. 8) Replace the element (how-to): a) Unplug dryer. b) Remove access panel(s) to reach the element housing. c) Label and photograph wire locations. d) Disconnect wires and remove fasteners securing the element housing. e) Remove old element assembly and install the new 11087872601 element into the housing, seating it correctly and fastening screws. f) Reconnect wires to the same terminals. g) Reinstall access panel(s), push dryer back, restore power and run a short test cycle to confirm heat. 9) If still no heat: re-check incoming voltage, thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, and control board/relay. 10) Final test and cleanup: run a 10–15 minute drying cycle to verify consistent heat and that exhaust airflow is clear. Safety note: always disconnect electrical power before working on a dryer. Heating elements and nearby metal edges can be sharp and the element housing can hold hot residue; allow the unit to cool and wear gloves and eye protection.
Common Symptoms
Dryer runs but produces no heat or only weak heat; clothes remain damp; sometimes a burning smell before failure; tripped breakers or blown thermal fuse can accompany the problem.
Common Causes
- Open (broken) heating coil inside the element assembly
- Blown thermal fuse or open high-limit/ cycling thermostat cutting power to element
- Faulty wiring, failed relay/control board, or insufficient incoming voltage
Popular Parts That Fix This Problem
These are the most common replacement parts that fix this problem. When you're ready to order, click below to find the right part at ProsourceParts.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
The fastest confirmation is an ohms continuity test: with the dryer unplugged, disconnect the element wires and check for continuity across the element terminals (open = bad). Also test each terminal to the metal housing for shorts to ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 11087872601 is the correct part for my dryer?
Confirm compatibility by matching your dryer's model number (usually on a tag inside the door or on the rear panel) to the part listing from a parts supplier or the dryer manufacturer. If in doubt, search the part number and your dryer model or ask a parts dealer — never assume a physical similarity guarantees fit.
Can I replace the heating element myself and how long will it take?
Yes — most homeowners with basic tools can replace a dryer heating element. Allow 45–90 minutes: unplug the dryer, remove the access panel, document wiring, remove the old element, install the new 11087872601 element, reconnect wires and reassemble. If the thermal fuse or thermostats are open, replace those too. If you’re uncomfortable with electrical diagnostics, hire a technician.
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