Gas Clothes Dryer Repair: Thermostat Testing

Gas clothes dryer repair should be done carefully; toying with possible gas lines is never a safe task to undertake. However, if your dryer is not heating properly, one test you can run to troubleshoot is the thermostat. When testing the thermostat, it should show continuity when the switch is cool and when it’s warmer, it should not show any continuity.

Finding the Thermostat
The thermostats are typically all together, they are usually oval and about 1 1/2” in size. Label the wires so that you can properly reconnect them after testing them. Pull the connectors off of the terminals (not on the wire).

Inspect the connectors for corrosion or any other damage. If there is any damage, they should be replaced.

Testing the Thermostat
To test the thermostat, use a multi-tester on an OHMS setting X1. Touch one probe to each terminal. At room temperature, you should get a reading of zero. When heated to their limit temperature, they will switch off and you should get a reading of infinity.

To get an accurate reading, you should test the fuse at room temperature.