QA

How To Check The Thermal Fuse On A Dryer

How do I know if my thermal fuse is blown?

Touch the left multimeter lead to the left side of the thermal fuse; touch the right multimeter lead to the right side of the fuse. Keep an eye on the multimeter needle; a needle that fails to move indicates a blown thermal fuse.

Will dryer start if thermal fuse is blown?

Will the dryer run if the thermal fuse is blown? Unlike a thermostat that can reset itself, once a dryer thermal fuse blows, it will need to be replaced with a new one before the dryer will run.

How do you tell if a thermal fuse is blown without a multimeter?

You can use jumper wires to test whether a thermal fuse is faulty if you don’t have a multimeter.Test a Thermal Fuse with Jumper Wires Step 1: Remove the Thermal Fuse. Step 2: Disconnect the Thermal Fuse. Step 3: Replace or Reattach the Thermal Fuse.

What happens when thermal fuse blown on dryer?

A thermal fuse will blow when the temperature gets too high, not when it’s drawing too much current. When it blows, the dryer stops generating heat. It’s necessary to replace it before the dryer will run again.

Can you bypass a thermal fuse on a dryer?

The thermal fuse will look like a thin strip of white plastic with a wire coming out of each end. In order to bypass the thermal fuse, use electrical tape to tape the two ends together. The thermal fuse will then be bypassed. Turn the dryer on to a heat cycle for no more than 90 seconds.

Why is my dryer running but not heating?

Common reasons for an electric or gas dryer not heating are a tripped circuit breaker, clogged vent, and no gas flow. Other potential reasons include a faulty thermal fuse and broken heating element.

Is there a reset button on dryers?

Many dryers are equipped with a reset button on the control panel. If the motor won’t run, let the dryer cool for about ten minutes. Then push the reset button. If there are no problems with the motor, switches, or electrical system, this should restart the dryer.

Why is my tumble dryer not getting hot?

If your tumble dryer is not drying the heating element may have malfunctioned over time and may need to be completely replaced. Your exhaust vent may be full of lint and other debris and needs to be cleaned out. The thermostat may be no longer working properly.

How much is a thermal fuse for a dryer?

Other Costs to Fix a Dryer Part Material Cost Total Cost Thermal fuse $5-10 $80-$130 Dryer thermostat $3-20 $180 Bearing $50 $130-$250 Roller $10-30 $90-$230.

How many thermal fuses does a dryer have?

Electric dryers use two household fuses or circuit breakers. The drum can still turn if just one fuse is blown, but there will be no heat. You may need to replace both fuses or reset both circuit breakers. If the dryer’s thermal fuse has blown due to a power surge or other mechanical problem, the dryer won’t heat.

Why is the dryer blowing cold air?

One of the most common reasons your tumble dryer decides to blow out cold air instead of hot is, rather ironically, because it has overheated. If your tumble dryer does not have a reset button it is likely you will need to replace your thermostat and thermal overload cut-out (TOC).

Is it worth replacing a heating element in a dryer?

If your dryer’s heating element burns out more than once within a year or two, the thermal fuse, which is supposed to protect it, is probably defective, so it’s a good idea to replace it. The temperature in the heating chamber may also be too high, and that may be caused by poor venting.

What can cause a dryer not to come on?

Common dryer issues include a faulty door switch or start switch and control problems such as a broken dryer timer or faulty electronic control board: Problems with the door switch can prevent the dryer from starting. A blown thermal fuse often prevents an electric dryer from starting.

Where is the thermal switch on a GE dryer?

In GE dryers, the thermal fuse–sometimes called a safety thermostat–is located behind the drum on the inside of the dryer. To access the thermal fuse you will need to open the dryer from the top. Though it may sound a bit daunting, opening the top of the dryer to reveal its inner workings is surprisingly simple.

How do you fix a dryer that is not drying?

Check the Basics Is the Dryer Plugged In? Make sure that your dryer is plugged in and getting power. Are You Overloading the Dryer? Check the Air Vent and Duct. Clean the Lint Trap. Check the Door Switch. Are Your Clothes Too Wet? Check the Drive Belt. Check the Heating Element.

Can you replace a thermal fuse with a regular fuse?

NO! A Current Fuse is to protect equipment from shorts. The 10A mark you see on the thermal fuse is to show the maximum current the thermal fuse is rated at passing. Look for the Temperature mark and replace with same values.

Is it cheaper to fix a dryer or buy a new one?

The general rule of thumb for any appliance is that if repair costs are more than half of the replacement cost, it’s time to buy a new appliance. You can get a basic dryer for about $300, but it’s not Energy Star rated so utility savings are minimal. In this scenario, it’s a toss-up on whether to repair or replace.

How do I know if my Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse is blown?

Multimeter Test Remove the two wire leads from the thermal fuse and touch a multitester probe to each wire terminal on the fuse. If you get a reading of infinity, the fuse is fine. Any reading less than infinity indicates a triggered thermal fuse you will need to replace.

How long do electric dryers last?

A dryer should last 10-13 years. To extend the dryer’s life, clean the lint trap after each use and make sure the outer vent is clear as well.