If the heating element burns out on the Kenmore 80 Series dryer, it does not heat. The element uses resistance coils that heat up and glow. A fan forces air over the coils into the drum to dry the clothes.
Tools needed to repair the Kenmore 80 Series dryer include a nut driver and needle-nose pliers. Before beginning any work on this appliance SF Gate recommends unplugging the appliance to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
The heating element on this model of dryer is located behind the back panel. Hex head screws hold the panel in place and require removal before lifting the panel. Once the panel is removed, needle-nose pliers provide the grasp necessary to remove the wire from the terminal on the high limit thermostat and the wire from the thermostat. The hex driver also loosens the screws holding the heating element assembly in place. Upon removal of these screws, the heating element should lift from the dryer. Reversing the process allows the owner to install the new element.
Once the repair is complete, the owner should test the dryer to ensure it is heating. After it runs a few minutes, the temperature inside the drum should be several degrees warmer than ambient temperatures.
