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: To uninstall the fuse itself, you will simply unthread one or two mounting screws and disconnect the power wires from the fuse’s terminals. 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.

To reach the fuse on some dryers, you can simply uninstall the appliance’s rear panel or a lower front access panel. On gas models, the thermal fuse can be found on the blower housing or near the burner. On electric dryers, the thermal fuse is often located on the blower housing or near the heating element. 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. 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. Will the dryer run if the thermal fuse is blown? 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. This safety device protects the appliance from overheating and potentially damaging the motor or other sensitive components. But did you know that certain appliances have a device that allows the unit to protect itself? That device is a thermal fuse and it can be found on dryers, ovens, microwave ovens, even some dishwashers and refrigerators. Naturally, you want to protect your appliances and keep them operating in peak condition for as long as possible.

Dryer thermal fuse