Kenmore Elite 79661512210 Heating Element Replacement – What Part Fixes No-Heat?
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Understanding the Problem
If your Kenmore Elite 79661512210 dryer runs but doesn't produce heat, or it takes an extremely long time to dry clothes, the heating element assembly is a common cause. The heating element is housed in the heater box (usually at the back or inside the cabinet) and can fail open, short to ground, or break from repeated heating cycles. Other components in the same circuit — like the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, or cycling thermostat — can also fail and create identical symptoms. Diagnosing the problem starts with safety: unplug the dryer and disconnect the vent before opening panels. You can often confirm a bad heating element by visually inspecting for broken coils and by measuring continuity with a multimeter. Replace the heating element assembly if it shows no continuity or if you see signs of burned or shorted coils. When replacing the element, it's good practice to check and, if necessary, replace the thermal fuse and thermostats because they commonly fail together or are stressed when the heater fails.
Common Symptoms
Dryer tumbles but no heat; very long dry times; dryer trips breaker or blows thermal fuse; burning smell or visible broken heating coil.
Common Causes
- Open (broken) heating element coil or shorted heater assembly
- Blown thermal fuse or failed high-limit/cycling thermostat in the heater circuit
- Vent restriction or airflow issue causing overheating and burning out heater components (secondary cause)
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 PartsDiscount.com — just search by your appliance model number for a guaranteed fit.
Helpful Repair Tip
Before buying parts, remove the rear access panel, visually inspect the heater coils for breaks, then test the heating element and thermal fuse with a multimeter for continuity. No continuity on the element = replace the heater assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace the dryer heating element myself?
Yes — if you are comfortable using basic hand tools and a multimeter. Always disconnect power (unplug or switch off the breaker) and disconnect the vent before starting. Access is typically gained by removing the rear panel (or front panel in some models) to reach the heater box. If you see broken coils or read no continuity across the element, replace it. If you're unsure or the dryer is under warranty, consider a professional.
How much does it cost to replace the heating element on a Kenmore Elite dryer?
Parts for the heating element typically range from about $30 to $150 depending on OEM vs aftermarket and your supplier; labor if using a technician is commonly $100–$250. Often technicians will also recommend replacing the thermal fuse or thermostat at the same time, which increases parts cost slightly but reduces the chance of repeat trips.
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