RED4516FW0 Heating Element Replacement – What Part Fixes This Problem?
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Understanding the Problem
When a RED4516FW0 electric dryer stops producing heat or only produces intermittent heat, the heating element assembly is one of the primary components to check. The heating element is a coil or ceramic/heater assembly inside the element housing; when it fails (open circuit or shorted), the dryer drum will tumble but no warm air will be produced. Other components like the thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, and cycling thermostat can mimic the same symptoms, so a brief diagnosis is important before replacing parts. Replacing the heating element is a common repair and typically straightforward for someone comfortable working on appliances. Always disconnect power at the breaker and confirm the dryer is unplugged before accessing internal components. Use a multimeter to test continuity of the element and related thermal cutouts so you replace the correct part and avoid unnecessary work or expense.
Common Symptoms
Dryer tumbles but does not heat, very low heat, dryer trips the circuit when heating, or dryer heats intermittently.
Common Causes
- Open or broken heating element coil/assembly
- Blown thermal fuse or failed high-limit thermostat preventing power to the element
- Shorted element contacting housing or wiring causing trips or no heat
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
Before ordering a heating element, verify the element is open with a multimeter (infinite or no continuity) and visually inspect it for breaks or burn spots. Also test the dryer’s thermal fuse and thermostats — a blown thermal fuse will prevent power to the element and should be replaced at the same time if faulty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test the heating element to see if it needs replacement?
Unplug the dryer and access the heating element assembly. Remove the element leads and use a multimeter set to the ohms (Ω) scale. A healthy element will show continuity (low ohms, not infinite). If the multimeter shows open (infinite) the element is broken and should be replaced. Also check for continuity between the element and the metal housing — there should be no continuity (that would indicate a short to ground).
Can I replace the heating element myself and how long will it take?
Yes — if you are comfortable with basic electrical safety and using hand tools, you can replace the element yourself. Typical time is 30–90 minutes depending on your access to the assembly. Always disconnect power at the breaker, confirm the dryer is de-energized, take photos of wiring before disconnecting, and verify replacement part compatibility with your RED4516FW0 model number.
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Whether your dishwasher won't drain, your dryer stopped heating, or your fridge isn't cold, we've created simple repair guides for the most common appliance problems homeowners face. Each guide explains what's going wrong, the most likely causes, and which replacement parts fix the issue. When you're ready to order, we link directly to ProsourceParts.com where you can search by model number and get the right part shipped fast.