WP4391960 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element
The WP4391960 is a Genuine OEM Whirlpool replacement dryer heating element used in older-generation Whirlpool-family electric dryers, including Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, Estate, Amana, and Admiral models — particularly the LE, EL, and early LG series dryers. The heating element is the primary heat source in an electric dryer — a nickel-chromium resistance coil wound around ceramic insulators inside a steel housing that generates heat when electrical current passes through it. When the coil burns through, the circuit opens and the dryer produces no heat. A shorted coil that contacts the housing is a fire hazard and requires immediate replacement.
This Genuine OEM part is manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications and is rated 5200W / 240V with 1/4" male spade terminals. Note: this element uses 1/4" terminals — different from the 5/16" terminals on the 279838 and WP3387747 elements. The wire kit and wire nuts (part 279457) are no longer included with this element and must be ordered separately if the original wires are damaged. It consolidates a very large list of older cross-reference numbers including 4391960, 2013, 279247, 279248, 279410, 279411, 696579, 696326, 697290, 786077, AP6009347, PS11742505, and dozens more. Installs in 20–45 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The WP4391960 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Heating Element fixes older Whirlpool-family electric dryers (LE, EL, early LG series) that produce no heat, run too hot, or take too long to dry. 5200W / 240V, 1/4" male spade terminals (not 5/16"). Wire kit 279457 sold separately — not included. Genuine OEM. Replaces 4391960, 2013, 279247, 279248, 279410, 279411, 696579, AP6009347, PS11742505, and many more. Compatible with older Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, Estate, Amana, and Admiral electric dryers.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dryer produces no heat — element coil burned through
- Dryer takes much longer than normal to dry a load
- Dryer tumbles normally but produces no heat at all during the cycle
- Dryer overheating or running continuously — coil shorted to housing (fire hazard)
- Visible break, burn spot, or collapsed section in the heating coil
- Burning smell during operation — arcing at a weak point in the coil
- Dryer trips the circuit breaker when the heat cycle is selected
Replaces Part Numbers
This heating element directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
WP4391960, 4391960, 2013, 279218, 279247, 279248, 279410, 279411, 279455, 279598, 279698, 3367, 337378, 337430, 339655, 340468, 348775, 349542, 349543, 349545, 349546, 660933, 660982, 685182, 685942, 689805, 689980, 690241, 690983, 691724, 692758, 693061, 693062, 693297, 693298, 693299, 693300, 695182, 696324, 696326, 696579, 697290, 786077, 8218, 8700-599, WP4391960VP, AWP47415, DE177, DE193, DE195, DE698, EAP11742505, ER4391960, AP6009347, PD00002385, PS11742505, TJ90DE698.
Contact our support team with your model number if you need confirmation before ordering.
Compatibility
This heating element is compatible with select older-generation electric dryers only from the following brands:
- Whirlpool electric dryers — LE, EL, and early LG/LER series (older models)
- Kenmore / Sears electric dryers — older 110-series models (Whirlpool-built)
- Roper electric dryers
- Estate electric dryers
- Amana electric dryers (older models)
- Admiral electric dryers
Important: The WP4391960 uses 1/4" male spade terminals — different from the 5/16" terminals on the 279838 and WP3387747 elements. Verify your existing element's terminal size before ordering. Also: the wire kit (part 279457) is no longer included with this element — order separately if needed. Always verify your exact model number before ordering.
Key Features
- Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit and performance
- Primary heat source for older Whirlpool-family electric dryers — nickel-chromium resistance coil
- Rated 5200W / 240V — correct electrical specifications for compatible older-generation dryer models
- 1/4" male spade terminals — different from the 5/16" terminals on 279838 and WP3387747; verify before ordering
- Consolidates over 50 older cross-reference part numbers into a single current OEM part
- Wire kit (part 279457) no longer included — order separately if original wires are damaged
- Do not touch the element coil with bare hands — skin oils cause premature burnout
- Compatible with Whirlpool LE/EL series, Kenmore older 110-series, Roper, Estate, Amana, and Admiral electric dryers
- DIY repair — installs in 20–45 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
WP4391960 |
| Part Type |
Dryer Heating Element (Electric) |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Application |
Older-Generation Electric Dryers (LE, EL, early LG/LER series) |
| Wattage |
5200W |
| Voltage |
240V AC |
| Coil Material |
Nickel-chromium resistance wire |
| Terminals |
1/4" male spade terminals (not 5/16") |
| Wire Kit |
Not included — order part 279457 separately if needed |
| Handling Note |
Do not touch coil wire — skin oils cause premature burnout |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, Estate, Amana, Admiral |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — Do Not Touch the Coil Wire Disconnect power before beginning. Remove the back panel of the dryer to access the heating element housing. On older LE-series Whirlpool models, the element housing is mounted at the lower rear of the dryer and may have a top panel over the housing that must be removed before the element can be freed. Photograph all wiring before disconnecting. Note: the element's wires and wire nuts (279457 kit) are no longer included with the WP4391960 — if your existing wires are in good condition, reuse them; if damaged, order 279457 separately before beginning. Do not touch the new element's coil wire at any point — skin oils create hot spots that will prematurely burn the element. Disconnect the old element wires, unscrew the housing mounting screws, and remove the old element. Install the new WP4391960 in the same orientation, reconnect wiring, reinstall the housing, and restore power. Run a test heat cycle to confirm normal operation. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between WP4391960 and 279838 or WP3387747?
All three are Genuine OEM Whirlpool dryer heating elements, but for different generations of dryers and with different terminal sizes. The WP4391960 (5200W, 1/4" spade terminals) is for older-generation Whirlpool LE/EL series and early Kenmore dryers. The 279838 (5400W, 5/16" terminals) is for standard-capacity mid-generation Whirlpool-family dryers. The WP3387747 (5200W, 5/16" terminals) is for newer higher-capacity models like the Duet, Cabrio, HE, and GEW/GEQ series. The terminal size difference is important — the WP4391960 uses 1/4" spade terminals, while the other two use 5/16" terminals. Always verify your model number before ordering.
Why does this element have so many cross-reference part numbers?
The WP4391960 consolidates a very large number of older Whirlpool heating element part numbers that were used across many different model runs over the years. As Whirlpool refined the design and standardized parts across its lineup, it consolidated these older numbers into the current WP4391960. If your dryer's parts diagram shows any of the hundreds of older cross-reference numbers listed above, the WP4391960 is the correct current replacement.
Why is the wire kit (279457) not included?
Whirlpool changed the packaging of this part during a production revision and no longer includes the wire kit and wire nuts that were previously bundled with the element. If your existing element wires are in good condition, you can reuse them — carefully transfer each wire to the corresponding terminal on the new element, maintaining the original connections. If any wires are burned, melted, or damaged, order part 279457 (wire kit) separately before beginning the repair.
How do I test if the heating element has failed?
Unplug the dryer and disconnect the element terminals. Set your multimeter to continuity or resistance mode. A working 5200W/240V element shows a resistance reading — typically around 9–12 ohms. No continuity (open circuit) means the coil has burned through. Also test each terminal individually to the metal housing frame — if continuity exists between a terminal and the housing, the element is shorted to ground and must be replaced immediately as a fire hazard.
Is this a Genuine OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications. It is the exact same heating element installed in compatible older-generation Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, and related brand electric dryers from the factory — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
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