To answer your question, "yes", replacing a heating element is a simple repair that you should be able to perform yourself. However, the problem may/may not be the heating element. There are several things that can cause a dryer no heat problem.
If the dryer runs, but does not heat, the first thing you need to check is the wall receptacle for the proper input voltage. A reading across the two hot leads (left and right slots) should read 220-240 VAC. If this reading is incorrect, check your breaker panel. Some
homes have the dryer circuit on two breakers, vice one single 220 breaker. If the voltage at the receptacle is good, unplug the dryer and remove the cover on the terminal block in the back of the dryer. Plug the dryer back in and take the same voltage check at terminal block across the RED and BLACK wires. You should see 220-240 VAC if good. If the voltage is bad at the terminal block, but good at the wall receptacle, you have a bad power cord. If the voltage is good at the terminal block, then the problem is internal to the dryer.
NOTE: The reason a dryer will still run if the input voltage is incorrect is because the dryer drive motor only uses 110-120 VAC, while the heating circuits require the full 220 service. So, if you are missing a portion of your input voltage, the dryer may exhibit the symptoms you have.
If your problem is with the dryer heating circuits, the following link explains what to look for and how to troubleshoot:
http://www.fixya.com/support/r630242-dryer_runs_but_not_heatPay particular attention to the paragraph that discusses proper ventilation. The number one cause of dryer heat related problems are caused by poorly installed, kinked, or clogged dryer ventilation.
Your heating circuits are located on the lower right side of the dryer cabinet under the drum. You will need to remove the lower kick panel under the door to access. The elment is inside the heater box while the Thermal Cut-Out (TCO) and Hi-Limit Thermstat is located on the outside of the heater box to the left of the element. The TCO is located in the rear, while the Hi-Limit Thermostat is located near the heating element terminals.
NOTE: Make sure the dryer is unplugged while taking any resistance checks. Make sure you disconnect any terminal wires before measuring to ensure accurate readings.
If you have any questions, please let me know. I hope you find this information helpful.
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