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The 8544771 dryer heating element is a 240V 5400W electric heating assembly designed for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, and other major brand dryers. When your dryer tumbles but blows cold air or takes multiple cycles to dry a load, a failed heating element is the most common cause.
The element consists of a coiled wire made of a nickel-chromium alloy. When electric current passes through it, the wire resists the flow and generates intense heat, which is then circulated through the dryer drum to evaporate moisture from clothes.
Voltage: 240V AC
Wattage: 5400W
Coil material: Nickel-chromium (≥85%)
Terminal type: 2 x 5/16″ male terminals
Included:Coil, insulators, restring pre-attached
Interchangeable part numbers: WP8544771, AP6013115, W10836011, 1180054, PS11746337, PS990361, 8544771R, WP8544771VP, AP3866035, DE4771.
The 8544771 fits electric dryers only from these brands:
Whirlpool (including Cabrio and Duet series), Kenmore (including HE2, Oasis Elite), Maytag (including MED3000BW0, MED3500FW0, MED4000BW0, MED4200BG0), Amana, Inglis, Crosley, Roper, Estate, KitchenAid
No heat: Drum spins normally but air stays cold
Takes too long to dry: Requires 2+ cycles to dry a single load
Overheating: Burning smell, clothes feel scorched
Dryer shuts off early: Cycle stops before clothes are fully dry
The element can be tested with a multimeter to determine if it has lost continuity — no continuity means the element is defective and must be replaced.
Safety: Unplug dryer immediately if you smell burning plastic or rubber. A shorted element can cause internal fires.
Replacing the 8544771 is a moderate DIY repair that takes about 30–60 minutes. Always disconnect power before beginning.
Tools needed: Multimeter, Phillips screwdriver, quarter-inch nut driver, needle-nose pliers, work gloves, camera (for wiring documentation).
Installation steps:
1 Unplug dryer and remove screws securing rear panel
2 Locate heater housing on bottom right-hand side of dryer
3 Take a photo of existing wire connections before disconnecting
4 Disconnect wires from heating element terminals
5 Remove retaining screws and slide old element out of housing
6 Test old element with multimeter — no continuity confirms failure
7 Install new 8544771 element into housing
8 Secure with retaining screws and reconnect wires according to your photo
9 Reinstall rear panel, plug dryer back in, run a timed dry cycle
Notes: Insulators and restring are already attached to the element for easy installation.While the dryer is open, use a vacuum to remove lint buildup from the heating housing and blower area. Lint accumulation is a leading cause of heating element failure and a fire hazard.
If your dryer lost heat suddenly or smells burnt, replace the thermal fuse and thermostat together with the heating element.
8544771 heating element - Generates heat
279973 thermal cut-off kit - Shuts off on overheat, prevents safety hazards
3392519 thermal fuse - Additional overheat protection
279816 thermostat - Regulates normal heating cycles
A complete repair kit typically includes one heating element, one thermal cut-off, and one high-limit thermostat. The thermal cut-off kit also serves as a functional replacement for related components such as 279816, 3392519, and 3387747.
Q: Does the 8544771 fit my Kenmore dryer?
A: Yes — it fits many Kenmore electric dryers, including HE2 and Oasis Elite models. One user confirmed it as a perfect replacement for a Kenmore after 9 years of use.
Q: Can I install this myself?
A: Yes. Installation takes about 30–60 minutes with basic hand tools. The process is well-documented in online videos and the guide above.
Q: Why does my dryer still have no heat after replacing the element?
A: Check the thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat. If either has failed, the dryer won‘t heat even with a new 8544771 element. Replace all three together.
Q: How long does the 8544771 last?
A: With proper lint maintenance, 3–5 years. One user‘s original element lasted over 9 years before needing replacement.
Q: Is the aftermarket 8544771 as good as OEM?
A: Quality varies by manufacturer. Premium aftermarket options use 90% nickel-chromium content with longer coils, often exceeding OEM specifications. Look for a 1–2 year warranty.
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