How to Change a Heating Element in a Frigidaire Dryer

Changing the heating element on a Frigidaire dryer is a job that can be completed in about an hour. The Frigidaire dryer heating element is on the inside of the back panel behind the dryer drum and is designed to provide the heat used to dry the clothes. The Frigidaire dryer heating element is set in a circular metal cage and can be replaced as a unit. You can change the heating element yourself, saving time and money.

1. Unplug the electrical cord of the Frigidaire dryer from the power supply before attempting to change the heating element. Place a putty knife between the dryer top and the cabinet near the front, lifting up on the knife to detach the top from the plastic clips on the cabinet.

2. Flip the top lid back against the wall so it is resting on the rear hinges. Locate the screws on the inside of the front panel near the top, unfastening the screws with a screwdriver.

3. Lift the front panel off the metal clips at the base of the cabinet on the front. Unplug the door switch connector from the back of the front panel by hand, setting the panel out of the way.

4. Move the idler arm forward to relieve the tension on the belt. Take the belt off the motor and idler arm pulleys as well as from around the drum, placing the belt off to the side.

5. Lift the dryer drum out of the cabinet, picking it up from the bottom in the back of the drum and setting it out of the way. Locate the heating element on the back panel of the dryer on the inside.

6. Unplug the electrical wiring connector from the heating element, pulling the connector off by hand. Disconnect the heating element and cage from the back panel, unfastening the screws with a screwdriver and setting the heating element aside.

7. Place the new heating element and cage on the inside of the back panel, securing it with screws. Plug the electrical wiring connector into the heating element by hand.

8. Put the dryer drum back into the cabinet, attaching the knob in the back of the drum to the inside of the back panel. Place the belt around the drum, looping it over the idler arm and around the motor pulley.

9. Move the idler arm back into position to add tension to the belt. Plug the door switch connector into the back of the front panel by hand.

10. Slide the front panel over the metal clips at the base of the cabinet in the front, securing the top with screws. Flip the top lid over the dryer cabinet, pressing down to secure the top to the plastic clips on the cabinet.