WP8544771 Dryer Genuine OEM Heating Element
The WP8544771 is a genuine Whirlpool OEM heating element assembly for Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Crosley, and Inglis electric dryers. This assembly includes the housing with the heating element coil and insulators attached, and is what generates the heat used to dry your clothes throughout the cycle.
Rated 5400 watts, 240 volts. Over time, the coil can burn through at a weak point, causing an open circuit and a complete loss of heat. According to Whirlpool's own guidance, if a dryer stops heating, the heating element may have failed, but it's not actually the most common cause — a blown thermal fuse is more frequently the culprit, so it's worth checking that first. Symptoms of a failed heating element include the dryer running a full cycle with no heat, insufficient heat, or drying times that have gradually gotten longer. It directly replaces 8544771, W10836011, WP8544771VP, 1180054, AP6013115, AWP48654, DE4771, EAP11746337, PAT NO 7154072, PD00002399, PS11746337. As a genuine OEM part, the WP8544771 is manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
Quick Answer
The WP8544771 Dryer Genuine OEM Heating Element fixes Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Crosley, and Inglis electric dryers with no heat, insufficient heat, or drying times that have gotten longer. 5400W, 240V. Replaces 8544771, W10836011, WP8544771VP, 1180054, AP6013115, AWP48654, DE4771, EAP11746337, PAT NO 7154072, PD00002399, PS11746337. Check the thermal fuse first — per Whirlpool's own guidance, a blown thermal fuse is a more common cause of no-heat than a failed heating element.
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 gradually gotten 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
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 For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.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:
8544771, W10836011, WP8544771VP, 1180054, AP6013115, AWP48654, DE4771, EAP11746337, PAT NO 7154072, PD00002399, PS11746337
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 Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Crosley, and Inglis dryers built on the Whirlpool platform, including model numbers such as:
- WED75HEFW, WED72HEDW, WED70HEBW, WED7590FW, WED9750WL0, WED8540FW0, WED9200SQ0, WED9500TW2, WED8300SW0, WED86HEBW0, WED9151YW0
- MED3500FW, MEDB880BW0, MED6000XW1
- Kenmore 11087729700, 11087872602, 11068102310, 11087089601
Note: This element is commonly purchased alongside the 280148 thermal cut-off kit (8557403 high-limit thermostat and 8318314 thermal fuse), since these components attach to the heating element assembly and often warrant replacement at the same time. Always verify your full model number before ordering. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Genuine Whirlpool OEM part — factory-specified coil design and housing
- Includes housing, heating coil, and insulators
- Resolves "no heat," "insufficient heat," and "drying takes too long" symptoms caused by a burned-through coil
- Rated 5400W, 240V
- Direct drop-in replacement — no modification required
- Replaces 8544771, W10836011, WP8544771VP, 1180054, AP6013115, AWP48654, DE4771, EAP11746337, PAT NO 7154072, PD00002399, PS11746337
- Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Crosley, and Inglis electric dryers
- Genuine OEM replacement — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance
- Typically a 30 to 60 minute DIY repair
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
WP8544771 |
| Part Type |
Dryer Heating Element Assembly |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Wattage |
5400 W |
| Voltage |
240V |
| Includes |
Housing, heating coil, insulators |
| Dimensions |
Approx. 14.1" x 6.3" x 2.3" |
| Related Part |
280148 thermal cut-off kit (8557403 thermostat + 8318314 fuse, sold separately) |
| Repair Difficulty |
Easy to Moderate — 30 to 60 minutes |
| Quantity |
1 heating element assembly |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, Crosley, Inglis |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — A 1/4" Dowel Or Rod Helps Release The Rear Clip Disconnect power at the outlet or shut off the circuit breaker before beginning. Wear work gloves. On many models, the heating element assembly can be removed from the front after removing the bottom "toe" panel. There's also a clip at the back of the assembly where it connects to the warm air duct leading into the dryer drum — this clip can be released from the front using a piece of 1/4" dowel or rod, which saves you from having to remove the back cover separately. Photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything. Disconnect the wire terminals from the old element, release the rear clip, and pull the assembly free. Since the thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat typically attach directly to this heating element assembly, this is a good opportunity to inspect or replace them at the same time, even if they're still technically working, since they share the same duty cycle and stress. Install the new 8544771 in the same position, reconnect the wire terminals, and re-engage the rear clip. Reassemble the toe panel or back cover. Restore power and run a test cycle to confirm the dryer is heating normally. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver, 1/4" dowel or rod, work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dryer isn't heating. Should I replace the heating element first?
Not necessarily as your first step. Per Whirlpool's own guidance, while a failed heating element can cause a no-heat symptom, it's not actually the most common cause — a blown thermal fuse is more frequently the reason a dryer stops heating. It's worth checking the thermal fuse first, since it's a simpler and less expensive part to test and replace.
Is there an easier way to release the rear clip without removing the back cover?
Yes. One customer found that the clip at the back of the heating element assembly, where it connects to the warm air duct, can be released from the front of the dryer using a piece of 1/4" dowel or rod, avoiding the need to remove the back cover separately. They only discovered this after already taking the back cover off, so it's worth trying this approach first.
Should I replace the thermal fuse and thermostat while I'm in there?
It's worth considering. Since the thermal cut-off fuse and high-limit thermostat typically attach directly to the heating element assembly, one customer chose to replace both at the same time as the element, even though they were still technically working, simply because they were already accessible during the same repair. Our 280148 kit bundles the matching 8557403 thermostat and 8318314 fuse for this exact purpose.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a genuine OEM part, manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance. It matches the original coil design, wattage, and housing configuration of the heating element assembly originally installed in your dryer.
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