Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerator Dryer Heating Element Replacement
Complete guide to Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerator dryer heating element replacement. Cost estimates, difficulty level, time required, and environmental impact.
🌍 Share Your Environmental Impact
Inspire others to repair instead of replace! Share how much CO₂ you're saving.
💰 Cost Breakdown
💡 Tip: Costs vary by location and repair shop. Authorized service centers typically charge more than independent repair shops.
🔧 Repair Overview
Dryer Heating Element Replacement is one of the most common repairs for Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerator. This repair involves replacing the damaged heating component with a new or refurbished part. The process typically takes 1-2 hours and requires moderate skill level.
🔧 Required Tools
What You'll Need
- Replacement heating part (OEM or aftermarket)
- Precision screwdriver set (Phillips #000 or pentalobe)
- Opening tools (plastic spudger, suction cup)
- Adhesive strips or glue
- Clean workspace with good lighting
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Unfasten ice maker
Use a 1/4" nutdriver to loosen or remove the screws securing the ice maker to the side of the freezer compartment.
Occasionally, there will be a screw below the ice maker, so make sure to look and remove it as well. You may need a #2 Phillips screwdriver instead of the nutdriver.
Step 2: Free the ice maker
Don't remove the ice maker completely at this step as it is still connected to the refrigerator.
Lift the ice maker upward and tilt to the right to free it from the screws.
Step 3: Reposition ice maker
Reposition the ice maker so that it is supported on the shelf below and you have access to the electrical connector.
Step 4: Disconnect ice maker and remove it
A small flat blade screwdriver may help to lift the retaining tab to aid with disconnecting the electrical connection.
Grasp the connector (red arrow) and lift the retaining tab.
Pull the connector out of the socket (red box).
📖 Repair guide provided by iFixit - The free repair manual. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
iFixit Difficulty: Easy | Time: NaNh NaNm
DIY vs Professional Repair
✋ DIY Repair
- ✅ Lower cost (parts only: $60-$150)
- ✅ Learn new skills
- ❌ Risk of further damage
- ❌ No warranty
- ❌ Requires tools and time
🔧 Professional Repair
- ✅ Expert installation
- ✅ Warranty included
- ✅ Faster turnaround
- ❌ Higher cost ($100-$250)
- ❌ Need to find reputable shop
Environmental Impact
By choosing to repair your Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerator instead of replacing it, you're preventing approximately 294 kg of CO₂ emissions. Manufacturing a new Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerator generates 300 kg of CO₂, while this repair only produces about 6 kg of CO₂. That's a 98% reduction in carbon emissions!
Get a Personalized Repair Estimate
Upload a photo of your Kenmore Side-by-Side Refrigerator and get an AI-powered cost estimate in seconds. See exactly what's damaged and how much it'll cost to fix.