These steps will require a multimeter. If you aren't familiar with how to use one, here is a guide that will help you.

Many Whirlpool electric dryers have heating elements with two or even three sections. The resistance will vary according to the arrangement.

If the heating element has only two terminals, you will just check the resistance between those terminals.

The resistance should be about 10–13 Ω. If it is outside this range, the element should be replaced.

If there are three terminals (common on newer machines, and shown here), check the resistance between the middle common terminal and each of the element terminals.

The resistance should be about 20 ohms (Ω). If the resistance is less than 15 Ω, or greater than 25 Ω, you should replace the element.