To protect your Whirlpool dryer from overheating, a thermal fuse is put in place to quickly stop the continuity of electricity when temperatures reach too high within the appliance. If you notice that the thermal fuse is having problems, what are some corrective troubleshooting methods?
If the thermal fuse within a Whirlpool dryer is experiencing problems, some troubleshooting methods include testing the thermal fuse for continuity, replacing the part if the reading is less than infinity, and checking that the heating element is working if the thermal fuse has continuity.
When it comes to keeping clothes dry, not many consider the many pieces that not only play a part in making sure this process happens efficiently and efficiently, but what works to keep their appliance and their home safe as well. If the thermal fuse stops working or is having problems here and there, this can pose a great risk to the well-being of those within the direct area of the dryer. To find troubleshooting methods to resolve this problem, continue reading below.
Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse Problems/Troubleshooting
The thermal fuse essentially works as the safeguard for your Whirlpool dryer. To dry clothes or material at a more rapid pace, heat is utilized to evaporate the water from the items and get your pieces dry within typically, an hour or less. However, there are times when dryers run for too long or have so many items within the drum that the heat begins to increase to a level that is unsafe to the machine as well as those within the area of the dryer, and a fix is needed for this.
If the thermal fuse within a Whirlpool dryer is experiencing problems, some troubleshooting methods include testing the thermal fuse for continuity, replacing the part if the reading is less than infinity, and checking that the heating element is working if the thermal fuse has continuity.
Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse Test
If you suspect that the thermal fuse is not operating properly, is giving the wrong signals and stopping your dryer when it has not overheated, or is not causing the dryer to stop when temperatures are clearly too high, you may be wondering how to test the thermal fuse to see if it has any continuity. If this is a process you are looking to tackle, read on to see how you can test the thermal fuse of your 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.
If you test either terminal on the fuse and the reading is less than infinity, this is an indication that the thermal fuse is not receiving power properly and will either need to be repaired or replaced.
Whirlpool Dryer Not Heating Thermal Fuse
You know now that the thermal fuse works to keep your dryer from overheating, which may leave you wondering why this part would be involved if someone is claiming that their dryer is not heating. However, if the thermal fuse keeps tripping or you notice that that heat is no longer being produced when using the dryer, this could actually be an indication that the thermal fuse is not working. To see how to determine this, read below.
If your Whirlpool dryer isn’t heating and you suspect the thermal fuse is the problem, test that continuity is present within the part. If the reading is less than infinity, replace the part. However, if there is continuity, be sure to check that the heating element has the same continuity.
Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse Keeps Blowing
A thermal fuse works to make sure that the dryer never goes past temperatures that are unsafe for the motor of the appliance as well as for the environment in which the appliance is stored. When temperatures reach too high, the thermal fuse is tripped and the motor of the dryer is shut off, resulting in a stopped cycle. If you notice that the thermal fuse keeps blowing and you can’t explain why, read on to see what might be the cause of the problem.
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.
Causes
This will happen if your vent-air flow gets clogged or is restricted in any way. By blocking the airflow, the thermal fuse won’t be able to control its temperature. An overheated dryer will eventually stop working.
Check your air vent if you believe you are having problems with your thermal fuse. If your vent is clear, then the problem is the thermal fuse.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on April 2, 2022.
Here is how you check if a thermal fuse is broken:
- Disconnect your Whirlpool dryer and remove the back.
- With the back removed, you will be able to spot the thermal fuse (it is white and has two wires connected to it).
- Unplug the wires.
- Use your ohmmeter to see if there is any electrical resistance. We recommend the AstroAI Digital Multimeter.
- If so, you need to change the thermal fuse.
Remember: If the thermal fuse is broken, you will also need to fix what’s causing it before you replace the fuse.
How to Fix
Now you know there is a problem with your thermal fuse. You can buy a new one online or in appliances parts stores. You might have luck with the DR Quality Parts 3392519 Dryer Thermal Fuse.
- Disconnect the Whirlpool dryer.
- Remove the back.
- Next to the thermal fuse, you will see the air conduct.
- That air conduct needs to be removed and cleaned properly.
- Once you have cleaned it, put it back, and secure it tightly.
- Once this is done, replace the thermal fuse with the new one.
There are ways to avoid this problem, mainly by giving the air conduct a regular clean. Also, make sure to clear the vent after every use. That way, you’ll be making sure that the air can flow without interruption.
Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse Bypass
If you are having constant problems with the thermal fuse on your Whirlpool dryer, such as it tripping over and over for no apparent reason, you may be looking for a quick way to bypass this piece, as you may not be able to fix the problem right away. This may sound like a fast solution, but keep in mind that by bypassing the thermal fuse, your dryer is no longer protected from overheating and the risk of damage increases drastically.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 2, 2022.
To bypass a Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse, locate the thermal fuse and tape both wire leads together using electrical tape. Once they are connected, the thermal fuse will be bypassed, but you should never run the dryer on a heat cycle for more than 90 seconds.
If the thermal fuse within a Whirlpool dryer is experiencing problems, some troubleshooting methods include checking for any lint build up within the lint screen or ventilation tube and cleaning both thoroughly, testing the thermal fuse for continuity, and replacing the thermal fuse.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 2, 2022.