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how do i know if my whirlpool dryer thermal fuse is blown

by Prof. Myrtie Hoeger Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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These simple steps summarize the process below:

  • Unplug your dryer and ensure it is no longer connected to the gas or electric.
  • Locate the thermal fuse, as above.
  • Disconnect the thermal fuse from the wires.
  • Test the fuse with a multimeter.
  • If the needle on your multimeter does not move, your thermal fuse is blow.

How to Tell if a Thermal Fuse is Blown
  1. Unplug your dryer and ensure it is no longer connected to the gas or electric.
  2. Locate the thermal fuse, as above.
  3. Disconnect the thermal fuse from the wires.
  4. Test the fuse with a multimeter.
  5. If the needle on your multimeter does not move, your thermal fuse is blow.
Jan 13, 2020

Full Answer

How do I know if my dryer fuse is blown?

Signs That Your Thermal Fuse May Have Blown In many cases, if your dryer has a malfunctioning thermal fuse, the dryer will not turn on at all. However, with some other dryers’ models, the drum will turn and the dryer will operate, but the heating element will not turn on to heat up the clothing inside the dryer.

How do you test a thermal fuse on a whirlpool dryer?

To test the thermal fuse of a Whirlpool dryer, you will need to test the piece for continuity. To do this, disconnect both wire leads from the thermal fuse and touch the multimeter to both thermals. If power is present and infinity can be read, the fuse is operational.

Why does my Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse keep blowing?

If your Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse keeps blowing, it could be that a lint screen has been blocked or that ventilation is blocked. Be sure to clean the lint screen thoroughly by running water over it and allowing it to dry. For ventilation, remove the ventilation hose and clean it out completely.

Why won’t my dryer start or heat up?

While a blown thermal fuse is the most common reason a dryer won’t start, run, or heat, you should remove the fuse from the appliance and test it to determine if it has blown or not before purchasing a new one. On electric dryers, the thermal fuse is often located on the blower housing or near the heating element.

What is a Dryer Thermal Fuse?

How to test thermal fuse?

What does it mean when a thermal fuse stops working?

Why won't my dryer turn on?

How to check if a thermal fuse is working?

How to check continuity of thermal fuse?

Why is my dryer causing a fire?

See 2 more

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How to Verify the Thermal Fuse Is Burned out on a Dryer

A thermal fuse is a small device - just an inch or two long - that plays a critical role in preventing fires. Federal law mandates the inclusion of a thermal fuse on all dryers manufactured since ...

Why Is My Dryer Keeps Blowing Thermal Fuse [SOLVED] - Let's Fix It - KCSCFM

The thermal fuse and the cutoff switch might not feel like they’re very important — but they are. Without them, your dryer would overheat and be a serious fire hazard and will cause dryer keeps blowing thermal fuse issue.Don’t forget about the thermal fuse when you start having problems with your dryer — it’s there to help keep you safe.

Will the dryer run if the thermal fuse is blown?

While a blown thermal fuse is the most common reason a dryer won’t start, run, or heat, you should remove the fuse from the appliance and test it to determine if it has blown or not before purchasing a new one. On electric dryers, the thermal fuse is often located on the blower housing or near the heating element. On gas models, the thermal fuse can be found on the blower housing or near the burner. To reach the fuse on some dryers, you can simply uninstall the appliance’s rear panel or a lower front access panel. However, many dryers will require you to fully disassemble the appliance, removing the top panel (and, possibly, a control panel as well), a front panel, a front bulkhead, and the dryer’s drum before you can access the fuse. That’s the hard part. To uninstall the fuse itself, you will simply unthread one or two mounting screws and disconnect the power wires from the fuse’s terminals.

What does it mean when a dryer fuse is blown?

If the meter display shows zero Ohms of resistance, the fuse has electrical continuity and has not blown, indicating that another component in the dryer is likely defective and preventing the appliance from running or heating. If the meter display shows no significant change, the fuse has no continuity which means it has blown and will need to be replaced.

What is thermal fuse?

This safety device protects the appliance from overheating and potentially damaging the motor or other sensitive components. If your gas or electric dryer begins to overheat, the thermal fuse is designed to open, or “blow”, interrupting the voltage and preventing power from reaching the motor and heating components.

What to use to test a thermal fuse?

Once you’ve removed, or isolated, the thermal fuse from the dryer, you can use a multimeter to test the component for electrical continuity – a continuous electrical path present in the part:

Where is the thermal fuse on a gas dryer?

On gas models, the thermal fuse can be found on the blower housing or near the burner. To reach the fuse on some dryers, you can simply uninstall the appliance’s rear panel or a lower front access panel. However, many dryers will require you to fully disassemble the appliance, removing the top panel (and, possibly, a control panel as well), ...

Do you have to disassemble a dryer?

However, many dryers will require you to fully disassemble the appliance, removing the top panel (and, possibly, a control panel as well), a front panel, a front bulkhead, and the dryer’s drum before you can access the fuse. That’s the hard part.

What to do if your dryer fuse is blown out?

If your fuse is blown out, don't bother reconnecting that busted fuse. Take it with you when you go buy a new fuse so you can get an exact match. Make sure the fuse you buy is compatible with your dryer make and model. Keep the dryer disconnected from its power source when you place the new fuse inside and reconnected the wires.

What is a thermal fuse on a dryer?

Dryer Thermal Fuses on Amazon. A dryer's thermal fuse is designed to keep the appliance from overheating. It works by stopping the electricity flow to the dryer before it can get to the heating element. This keeps the heating element from burning out or shorting out.

Why is my dryer not getting hot?

When the thermal fuse isn't working properly , your dryer may not get hot at all or it may not be getting hot enough. However, a fuse that won't heat the dryer isn't necessarily blown out. Don’t assume the fuse needs to be replaced right away. Troubleshoot and test the fuse first to find out.

How to fix a dryer that won't come on?

Troubleshoot. First, unplug your dryer and make sure it's no longer getting power so that you can safely check the fuse. Test the power to ensure the dryer will not come on. Turning off a switch isn't enough. Make sure you unplug the dryer completely so you can work safely.

How to check if a thermal fuse is blown?

The thermal fuse is very small, about one to two inches long. It's probably shaped like a cylinder and has wires attached to it. You can disconnect these wires by gently pulling them away from the fuse. Once the fuse is free, you can test it with a multimeter. This tool can tell you whether or not a fuse is blown. The multimeter has an indicator that will show you whether or not the fuse is still functioning properly.

Does a dryer have a thermal fuse?

However, this fuse may stop functioning. When that happens, it doesn' t always mean the fuse is blown out. How do you know if your dryer's thermal fuse is blown? With a little research and troubleshooting, you can find out in minutes.

What is a Dryer Thermal Fuse?

The most basic version of the part encloses an internal sensor that has a preset to the highest temperature that is acceptable for the appliance to reach. When the monitored heat reaches that preset temperature, the fuse breaks the circuit to the electricity and shuts down the machine.

How to test thermal fuse?

What you’re looking for is a one-inch piece of plastic that has two wires attached to it. You can disconnect the cables on the thermal fuse by pulling on them gently. As with testing other electrical parts for continuity, a multimeter can be used for testing once the fuse is disconnected.

What does it mean when a thermal fuse stops working?

The biggest issue is that the fuse sometimes malfunctions or stops working completely. This could mean that the fuse is blown, but it might also be related to another issue. You’re probably wondering how you can be sure of whether the thermal fuse is blown. The good news is that with a bit of troubleshooting and research, the process only takes a few minutes.

Why won't my dryer turn on?

In many cases, if your dryer has a malfunctioning thermal fuse, the dryer will not turn on at all. However, with some other dryers’ models, the drum will turn and the dryer will operate, but the heating element will not turn on to heat up the clothing inside the dryer. This could cause you to open up your clothes dryer only to find out that all of your clothing is still wet. Keep in mind that symptoms can vary by dryer model, even if two of them come from the same manufacturer.

How to check if a thermal fuse is working?

It’s not something that should be used as a permanent repair. This process involves disconnecting the wires from the fuse and then tying them together using a jumper wire. After you have completed that, plug in the dryer and turn it on before checking whether it operates. If it starts running and has heat, this signifies that the thermal fuse has burned out and will need to be replaced.

How to check continuity of thermal fuse?

The first step here is to press the power button on your digital multimeter. Turn the control dial or press the button on the multimeter to test for continuity. Take the left lead on the multimeter and press it against the left side of the thermal fuse . The right lead should be placed on the right side of the fuse. Watch the needle on the multimeter for movement. If there is no movement, that means there is no continuity, and the thermal fuse needs to be replaced.

Why is my dryer causing a fire?

The most common cause of a fire is failing to clean out the lint trap. When lint accumulates in the exhaust ducts or the filter, it makes an environment that is ideal for fires to start. The hot temperature from the dryer can cause the fabric particles to combust, which may lead to a house fire. This is why it’s crucial to clean out the lint filter after every laundry load you do.

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What's A Dryer Thermal Fuse?

Troubleshoot

  • First, unplug your dryer and make sure it's no longer getting power so that you can safely check the fuse. Test the power to ensure the dryer will not come on. Turning off a switch isn't enough. Make sure you unplug the dryer completely so you can work safely. If you still have your user manual, use this to find out where the thermal fuse is locate...
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Replacing The Fuse

  • If your fuse is blown out, don't bother reconnecting that busted fuse. Take it with you when you go buy a new fuse so you can get an exact match. Make sure the fuse you buy is compatible with your dryer make and model. Keep the dryer disconnected from its power source when you place the new fuse inside and reconnected the wires. Next, close the access panel and test your dryer …
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Fixing The Issue

  • If your dryer’s thermal fuse is not blown out but you are having a problem with the way the dryer is functioning, you will need to call a repair professional to diagnose and fix the problem. Luckily, you can tell the repair person that you’ve already checked and tested the thermal fuse and save them one step in their diagnostic process. That might save you a little money! There are some th…
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1.How Do I Know If My Dryer’s Thermal Fuse Is Blown?

Url:https://www.appliancepartspros.com/b/how-do-i-know-if-my-dryers-thermal-fuse-is-blown/

15 hours ago Take the left lead on the multimeter and press it against the left side of the thermal fuse. The right lead should be placed on the right side of the fuse. Watch the needle on the multimeter …

2.Videos of How Do I Know If My Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse Is Bl…

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+i+know+if+my+whirlpool+dryer+thermal+fuse+is+blown&qpvt=how+do+i+know+if+my+whirlpool+dryer+thermal+fuse+is+blown&FORM=VDRE

21 hours ago  · If your Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse keeps blowing, it could be that a lint screen has been blocked or that ventilation is blocked. Be sure to clean the lint screen thoroughly by …

3.How Do I Know if My Dryer's Thermal Fuse Is Blown?

Url:https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-do-i-know-if-my-dryers-thermal-fuse-is-blown

29 hours ago  · The procedure is summarized in the following steps: Make sure your dryer isn’t using any gas or electricity by unplugging it. As described previously, locate the thermal fuse. …

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