XPARTCO 279838 Dryer Heating Element
The XPARTCO 279838 is an aftermarket replacement heating element for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Estate, Crosley, Admiral, Inglis, KitchenAid, and Jenn-Air electric dryers. This element is the source of virtually all the heat in the dryer: current flows through a nickel-chromium coil, which glows and radiates heat as the blower pushes air across it and into the drum. This part is often nicknamed the "shorty" because of its compact size compared to the larger, older Whirlpool element it replaced, part number 4391960 — the shorty design is used on dryers with the lint filter positioned on the top right near the control housing.
Over years of use, the coil typically fails with a visible break somewhere along its length — a section simply burns through and the circuit opens, cutting off heat entirely. A quick way to check: a healthy element reads approximately 9 to 10 ohms across its terminals with a multimeter; a reading of no resistance (open circuit) confirms the element has failed. This element shares the same dryer platform as our WP3392519 thermal fuse and works alongside a cycling thermostat and high-limit thermostat in the same heating circuit — all commonly checked or replaced together when a dryer stops heating. It directly replaces 279837, WP279837, 2438, 279838VP, 279838A, 3398063, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, W10724237, AP3094254, AH334313, EA334313, PS334313, and PS3343130.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 279838 Dryer Heating Element fixes Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Estate, Crosley, Admiral, Inglis, KitchenAid, and Jenn-Air electric dryers with no heat, insufficient heat, or drying times that have gotten noticeably longer. Also called the "shorty" element. Replaces 279837, WP279837, 2438, 279838VP, 279838A, 3398063, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, W10724237, AP3094254, AH334313, EA334313, PS334313, PS3343130. A healthy element reads approximately 9-10 ohms with a multimeter; if the dryer has no heat at all, also check the thermal fuse (such as our WP3392519 listing) before assuming the element is at fault — a blown fuse produces the identical symptom.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
Dryer runs a full cycle but produces no heat at all
Dryer produces some heat, but not enough to dry clothes properly
Drying times that have gotten noticeably longer than they used to
Clothes coming out cold or barely warm at the end of a cycle
Visible break or burned-through section in the heating coil
Element that reads no resistance (open circuit) on a multimeter continuity or ohms test
Dryer that heats inconsistently, cycling on and off unexpectedly
Cross Reference Information
Part numbers can change over a product's lifecycle as manufacturers update designs or release new appliance models. For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.
Replaces Part Numbers
This dryer heating element directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
279838, WP279837, 279837, 2438, 279838A, 279838VP, 3398063, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, W10724237, AH334313, AP3094254, AWP39215, PD00002351, EA334313, OEM9282771, PS334313.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This heating element is compatible with select Whirlpool electric dryers, and also fits select Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Estate, Crosley, Admiral, Inglis, KitchenAid, and Jenn-Air dryers built on the same platform, including model numbers such as:
LER5624DQ0, LER4634EQ2
NED4655EW, NED4600YQ1
WED4815EW, WED4800BQ1, WED49STBW1, WED8300SW0
MEDC465HW, MEDC215EW, MEDX655DW, MEDX655DW1
RED4640YQ1, AED4675YQ1, AED4475TQ1
EED4400WQ0
Kenmore 70, 80, 90, 300, 400, 500, and 600 Series Model 110
Note: This element fits Whirlpool-platform dryers with the lint filter positioned on the top right near the control housing. It is a compact "shorty" design and is not the same element as the larger, older 4391960 used on earlier Whirlpool dryers. Always verify your full model number before ordering. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
Aftermarket replacement heating element — generates the heat that dries clothes
Resolves "no heat," "insufficient heat," and "drying takes too long" symptoms caused by a burned-through coil
Nickel-chromium coil for effective, heat-and-abrasion-resistant heating
Compact "shorty" design for dryers with the lint filter near the control housing
Direct drop-in replacement — no modification required
Replaces 279837, WP279837, 2438, 279838VP, 279838A, 3398063, 3398064, 3403585, 8565582, W10724237, AP3094254, AH334313, EA334313, PS334313, and PS3343130
Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Estate, Crosley, Admiral, Inglis, KitchenAid, and Jenn-Air electric dryers
Aftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards
Product Specifications
Part Number
XP279838
OEM Part Number
279838
Part Type
Dryer Heating Element Assembly ("Shorty")
Condition
Aftermarket Replacement
Coil Material
Nickel-chromium
Typical Resistance (Healthy Element)
Approx. 9-10 ohms
Legacy Predecessor
4391960 (larger, older design, not interchangeable)
Related Components
Cycling thermostat, high-limit thermostat, thermal fuse (see our WP3392519 listing)
Repair Difficulty
Medium — basic electrical skills and dryer panel disassembly required
Quantity
1 heating element assembly
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Estate, Crosley, Admiral, Inglis, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — Test Resistance Before Assuming It's The Element Disconnect power at the outlet or shut off the circuit breaker before beginning. Wear work gloves. Access is typically through the rear panel or the front, depending on your model, to reach the heater duct/blower housing area where the element is mounted. Before removing anything, inspect the old element visually for a break in the coil — sometimes you can see it directly, or feel it by gently wiggling each section of the coil. If nothing is visibly broken, test with a multimeter: place one probe on each terminal and look for a reading of approximately 9-10 ohms on a good element; no resistance at all confirms the element has failed. Photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything. Disconnect the wire terminals from the old element, remove the mounting screws or clips holding it in the duct housing, and pull it free. Install the new 279838 assembly in the same position, reconnect the wire terminals, and secure the mounting hardware — if the original connection wire shows burning or damage, replace it as well rather than reusing a damaged connector. Reassemble the panel, restore power, and run a test cycle to confirm the dryer is heating normally. Tools needed: 1/4" nut driver, 5/16" wrench, Phillips screwdriver, multimeter, work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test whether the element is actually bad?
Start with a visual inspection — often you can see a break directly in the coil, or find it by gently wiggling each section to check for a loose or separated point. If nothing is visible, use a multimeter set to ohms and place one probe on each terminal. A good element typically reads approximately 9 to 10 ohms; a reading of no resistance at all (open circuit) confirms the element has failed and needs replacing.
My dryer has no heat at all. Should I replace the element first, or check something else?
Check the thermal fuse first, since a blown fuse produces the exact same "no heat at all" symptom as a failed heating element and is a cheaper, faster part to test and replace — our WP3392519 listing covers the thermal fuse used on this same dryer platform. If the fuse tests good and the dryer still has no heat, the element itself is the next thing to test.
What's the difference between this "shorty" element and the older 4391960?
Both are Whirlpool dryer heating elements, but this 279838 is a more compact design used on dryers with the lint filter positioned on the top right near the control housing, while 4391960 is the larger, older element used on earlier Whirlpool dryer platforms. They are not interchangeable, so confirm which style your dryer uses — checking your model number or comparing the physical size of your old element — before ordering.
Should I check the connection wire while I'm replacing the element?
Yes, it's worth a look. The wire connecting to the element terminals can occasionally show burning or damage if the element was arcing or overheating before it failed. If you notice any discoloration, melting, or damage on the connection wire, replace it along with the element rather than reusing a compromised connector.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is an aftermarket replacement part built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is not a genuine Whirlpool OEM part, but is manufactured to match the nickel-chromium coil composition, resistance rating, compact "shorty" form factor, and terminal configuration of the original 279838 heating element used in compatible Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, Amana, Roper, and related dryers.
Shop With Confidence
A U.S.-based appliance parts retailer specializing in genuine OEM and high-quality replacement parts. We stock components for all major appliance brands and offer fast shipping from our U.S. warehouse. Our team is available to help verify compatibility before you purchase.
✓ Quality Aftermarket Parts ✓ Fast US Shipping ✓ Compatibility Support ✓ Secure Checkout
Read more less
