How To Check A Dryer Thermal Fuse: Step By Step Process To Test A Dryer Thermal Fuse



General Overview

If, for any reason, your dryer abruptly stops working, then it could possibly be due to a bad thermal fuse. A thermal fuse is regarded as one of the best safety devices that breaks off the dryer when it overheats in order to prevent fires. A thermal fuse softens or melts when it overheats, in comparison to an electrical fuse that shorts, therefore, it cannot be repaired. The thermal fuse closes down the dryer when it starts to overheat. Then, if you try to start the dryer, the motor will not be able to run in spite of the fact that the dryer has power. Checking the thermal fuse and repairing the dryer is an easy task that you can do yourself easily, which in turn, helps you save a lot of money. If in case you come across the situation that the thermal fuse has shorted out, then it is simply the best idea to pull it out and replace it with a new one.

Find The Thermal Fuse

In order to check or fix the thermal fuse, you first need to collect screwdrivers, a multimeter, 1/4 nut driver, as well as an electrical tape. The thermal fuse is usually installed on the dryer's exhaust duct, however, its location may vary. Go through your manual in order to verify the location.
  • Loosen up the dryer cord, turn over the correct breaker in the breaker box or detach the fuse. Turn round the valve on the gas line clockwise in order to turn off a gas dryer.
  • With the help of a screwdriver, get rid of the back access panel screws, or remove the clips, and keep the parts aside. Find out the blower cover, the large kick panel at the base of the dryer, and get rid of any parts covering the thermal fuse.
  • A thermal fuse is one of the plastic or metal quarter-sized devices that usually consists of two wires. With the help of a nut driver, remove the mounting screw, and disengage the wires using needle-nose pliers, if required.
  • Rigorously remove the thermal fuse by disengaging the wires, but make sure to remember the right connections or snap a picture. Now, as the cabinet is open, you can easily clean the lint and dust.

Step By Step Process To Test A Dryer Thermal Fuse With A Multimeter

  1. First of all, switch off the power source to your dryer before starting the testing process. There are many ways to do this: either clear the unit from the wall outlet, detach the suitable fuse from the fuse box, or turn over the appropriate breaker in the circuit breaker panel.
  2. Find out the blower cover, it's the large object positioning towards you at the base of the dryer. The thermal fuse is usually on that cover, the perfect location totally is dependent on the make of your dryer. Depending on your dryer model, it may be necessary to get rid of a lint duct or a thermostat cover before accessing the thermal fuse.
  3. The wires heading towards the thermal fuse are attached with the help of metal slip-on connectors. Disconnect the wires by pulling on the connectors, but make sure not to pull the wires, with the help of a pair of needle-nosed pliers.
  4. Place your multimeter to the R x 1 scale and connect the leads to the thermal fuse terminals in order to check for continuity. If in case you get an infinite reading, it means the fuse has blown away that needs to be replaced immediately.
  5. Detach the two screws from the fuse and replace it, if needed. Make sure to replace the front panel and switch on the dryer in order to test it.
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