A tripped thermal fuse can have two effects. In some dryers, it simply shuts off electricity to the heating element. This means a dryer will run, but it will only air-dry clothing. In other models, the thermal fuse stops power completely.
The thermal fuse (also called a thermal cutoff) on a dryer is a safety that will blow if the dryer has overheated. When the fuse blows it can cause the dryer to run but not heat, or to not run at all.
Common reasons for an electric or gas dryer failing to heat up properly include tripped circuit breakers, clogged vents, and no gas flow. Other causes, like a faulty thermal fuse or a broken heating element, could also be to blame.
Safety Hazard: The thermal fuse is a safety device designed to prevent the dryer from overheating. If you bypass it, the dryer could continue to operate even if there is an overheating issue, which can lead to fire hazards.
Should I Bypass the Thermal Fuse To Use a Dryer? A word of caution: if someone suggests you "bypass" or skip over a blown thermal fuse, please don't! Remember, the fuse is there for your safety by keeping your dryer from getting too hot and causing fires. If it's not working, replace it before you use your dryer again.
Check the Thermal Fuse
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.
When your dryer overheats, it can cause the thermal fuse to blow as a safety measure to prevent any further damage or potential fire hazards. This can happen if your dryer is overloaded, if the vent is clogged, or if the heating element is faulty.
Some situations that may cause your dryer to not heat properly include a lack of power, an issue with the size of the load or its wetness, an issue with the heating element or a blown thermal fuse.
The cost to replace a thermal fuse on a dryer is $75 to $150 on average. The cost of a dryer thermal fuse is $5 to $10 for the part or up to $60 for OEM parts. This safety device stops the motor when the dryer overheats. No one can repair or reset a thermal fuse.
Various things will cause a dryer not to start, including a blown thermal fuse, clogged vent, malfunctioning motor or control board, misaligned drum or rollers, engaged child lock, overloaded unit, broken or worn-out belt, broken start switch, defective door latch, tripped circuit breaker, faulty outlet, or an ...
If you've ever pulled clothes out only to find that they were still damp, or found that your dryer was not shutting off at the timer, the thermostat may be the first thing to troubleshoot. Thermostats regulate the heat used in the drying process. If the thermostat is faulty, you may need to replace it.
If the drum light doesn't turn off, a failed door switch is the likely reason the dryer won't start. A blown thermal fuse often prevents an electric dryer from starting.
Temporarily bypass the fuse by connecting the two ends of the wires that connect to the fuse together. Alternately, use a jumper wire to connect the two wires together. Plug in the dryer and see if it runs. If the dryer operates normally, the fuse is likely blown.
The main reason that a thermal fuse will blow is a blocked exhaust vent. This is because when the exhaust vent is blocked hot air cannot properly get distributed out of the dryer and this causes it to overheat. So, if you give the exhaust vent a regular clean, it should stop the thermal fuse from blowing again.
Set your multimeter to the R X 1 setting. Take each of your meter's probes and touch one to each terminal. You are testing for continuity, and you should receive a reading of either zero or infinity. At room temperature, testing the thermal fuse should produce a reading of zero.
Dryer Shuts Off Quickly
Common issues include a broken motor relay, a malfunctioning push-to-start switch or timer, or a clogged exhaust vent that results in overheating. A malfunctioning electrical circuit board, a weakened door catch, or a broken door strike can be the cause.
Another common culprit when your dryer isn't heating up is a broken thermal fuse, the safety feature that prevents the dryer from overheating.
This fuse detects dryer temperature. If the air is getting dangerously hot, the thermal fuse will trip to shut off the heat. While this can prevent fires, the thermal fuse is, unfortunately, a one-time use part. This means once it trips, your dryer may not function until it is replaced.
Depending on your dryer model, you may find the thermostat in different areas, such as near the heating element or the blower fan housing. Once you find it, remove the cover, and use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the reading shows an open circuit, then the thermostat needs replacement.
This is the most common cause of a dryer not heating. To check if your venting is clogged, start a timed dry on high heat. Go to the exhaust vent outside and use your hand to verify that the air is very warm and exiting at a decent flow. If there's little airflow, your venting likely needs to be cleaned or replaced.
It's not recommended you continue to use your dryer if it doesn't spin, as the drum spins in order to circulate air throughout wet clothes, helping them to dry properly. You also should refrain from continuing to use your dryer if it's malfunctioning to prevent damage to your appliance.
Tripped circuit breaker
If your dryer won't start, check the circuit breaker to ensure that both fuses are intact and tight. If the breaker has been tripped, replace the fuses or reset the breaker.