How to Fix a Dryer Thermal Fuse

The dryer thermal fuse is a mandatory safety feature used in clothes dryers to prevent possible fire. It can prevent fire by cutting the flow of electric current in case the fuse reaches a certain heat point. However, the dryer thermal fuse will never be that helpful without regular check-up and maintenance. This fuse is single-use, which means it cannot be fixed once it’s damaged. It should be replaced or else, the clothes dryer will keep cool.

 Step 1 – Unplug the Clothes Dryer

Ensure that no power is surging into the clothes dryer. The best thing to do this is to unplug it from the power source. This is common sense but is still often overlooked. Likewise, wear work gloves and rubber slippers before unplugging for safer repair.

 Step 2 – Open the Panel 

Thermal fuses have varying locations depending on the dryer’s model. Most of these are located at the back panel while some are on the side of the dryer. Some fuses are located at the appliance’s bottom, which is a tougher one to get access to. Consult the dryer’s manual. Manuals usually have an illustration of where different parts are. If not, you can check where the appliance’s panel is. Access the cover panel using proper tools like a putty knife, long-nose pliers, and screwdrivers.

 Step 3 – Locate the Dryer Thermal Fuse and Remove It 

Thermal fuses are usually white with two wires connected to them. A metal slip-on connector is used to attach the wires to the dryer thermal fuse. Pull off the wires carefully using long-nose pliers. Take note of how the fuse was attached to the wires. You’ll need to install the new dryer thermal fuse that way.

 Step 4 – Install the New Dryer Thermal Fuse

Get the same type of thermal fuse that the dryer was using. Hardware stores have dryer thermal fuses ranging from about $2 to $200. Install the new fuse like how the old fuse was installed.

 Step 5 – Check the New Dryer Thermal Fuse

Switch the voltage meter to read Ohms. Take the leads of the device and touch each lead to each side of the fuse. The voltage meter should read zero. If not, the new dryer thermal fuse is probably damaged.

 Step 6 – Replace the Thermostat

Do this if the thermal fuse was triggered. You know it was triggered if the pellet holding down the spring is melted, causing the spring to detach. If that’s the case, it’s more likely that the safety thermostat has been doing a lot of work since the trigger. Better safe than sorry. Therefore, replace the safety thermostat. The thermostat is almost the same as the dryer thermal fuse. It is also connected using two wires with metal slips. Carefully pull off the wires and take note how these were connected to the old thermostat. Install the new thermostat that way.

Check on the dryer vent, too. Poor airflow is the number one cause of thermal fuse failure. The new dryer thermal fuse might fail again if the root of the problem is left unfixed. Repairing the air vent is more difficult, though. Consider hiring a professional electrician to do the repair if you are inexperienced.