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The Dryer Thermal Fuse (Thermal Cutoff, Temperature Fuse) is a 2 by ½ inch, white, plastic safety mechanism that stops the flow of electricity to the motor circuit when a dryer overheats. If the fuse is missing or broken, your dryer will not start.
What happens if dryer thermal fuse is bad?
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 I know if my dryer thermal fuse is blown?
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.
Will dryer run if thermal fuse is blown?
A gas dryer will run but won’t heat if its thermal fuse blows because the dryer overheated (usually because the vent is clogged, so check the vent path). Use a multimeter to check the thermal fuse and replace the thermal fuse if you don’t’ measure continuity.
What does a dryer thermal cut off fuse do?
Dryers have included thermal cutoff devices since the 1980s as a required safety measure. They are basically fuses that react to excessive temperature — not electrical current — but they shut off electrical power when they blow. When a thermal cutoff blows, you have to replace it to get the dryer working again.
How much does it cost to replace a dryer thermal fuse?
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.
Why does thermal fuse keep blowing?
Answer: Clogged or restricted exhaust vent air flow is the most frequent cause of a thermal fuse blowing. Check the lint screen for lint or a build-up of debris that could be inhibiting air flow through the dryer. Pro Tip: when it comes to those thermal fuses, is they’re designed to open/fail if they get too hot.
Why is my dryer getting hot but not drying?
There are several reasons why the dryer is heating up, but still not drying clothes and it might take several hours to finally get them dry. The reasons are: clogged exhaust vent, faulty heating element, malfunctioned cycling thermostat or clogged lint trap.
Why is my dryer getting hot but not spinning?
Check the Thermal Fuse The thermal fuse is a key safety feature of your dryer that shuts the dryer off if it runs too hot. While it’s meant to shut the entire dryer off, a faulty thermal fuse may cut power to the motor while the heating element remains on. This may be the reason for your dryer not spinning.
Why does my dryer just buzz when I start it?
If it’s the motor buzzing/humming when the start button is pushed then it likely has a bad motor. Open the door and manually reach in and rotate the drum in the counter clockwise direction for a couple of complete revolutions and then shut the door and see if the dryer will start.
How do I know if my thermal switch is working?
Touch the leads on your digital multimeter to both sides of the thermal overload switch. Watch the needle on the digital multimeter display to determine if your thermal overload switch needs to be replaced. A functional thermal overload switch will cause the needle to move to “0”.
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 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.
Can you reset a thermal fuse on a dryer?
If you’re wondering how to reset a thermal fuse because your clothes dryer overheated, you’re on the right track, but a thermal fuse — as opposed to a thermal switch — is not resettable, and if one blows and the appliance stops heating or won’t work at all, you have to replace it like you do an old-style electrical Feb 9, 2021.
Can a dryer reset itself?
Often, 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.
Where is the thermal fuse located in a dryer?
The thermal fuse will be located somewhere by the exhaust vent on your dryer. You will be able to visually identify it by the two wires connecting to it. Removing the front of the dryer and removing the drum might be easier to access the fuse’s location.
