Fix your whirlpool dryer’s overheating issue: resetting the thermal fuse

The thermal fuse in a Whirlpool dryer is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating. If the dryer becomes too hot, the thermal fuse will blow, cutting off power to the dryer. This can be a frustrating problem, but it is relatively easy to fix. In this blog post, we will provide step-by-step instructions on how to reset a Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse.

What is a Thermal Fuse?

A thermal fuse is a small, one-time-use device that is designed to melt and open the circuit when it reaches a certain temperature. In a Whirlpool dryer, the thermal fuse is located near the heating element. If the heating element becomes too hot, the thermal fuse will blow, cutting off power to the dryer.

Symptoms of a Blown Thermal Fuse

There are several symptoms that can indicate that the thermal fuse in your Whirlpool dryer has blown. These symptoms include:

• The dryer will not heat up
• The dryer will stop running after a few minutes
• The dryer will make a popping or buzzing noise
• The dryer will smell like something is burning

How to Reset a Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse

If you think that the thermal fuse in your Whirlpool dryer has blown, you can follow these steps to reset it:

1. Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
2. Remove the back panel of the dryer.
3. Locate the thermal fuse. It is usually located near the heating element.
4. Use a multimeter to test the thermal fuse. If the thermal fuse is blown, the multimeter will read infinity.
5. Replace the thermal fuse with a new one.
6. Reattach the back panel of the dryer.
7. Plug the dryer back into the power outlet.

How to Prevent a Thermal Fuse from Blowing

There are several things you can do to prevent the thermal fuse in your Whirlpool dryer from blowing. These things include:

• Clean the lint filter regularly. A clogged lint filter can restrict airflow and cause the dryer to overheat.
• Do not overload the dryer. Overloading the dryer can also cause it to overheat.
• Do not dry items that are made of delicate fabrics. Delicate fabrics can easily burn and cause the thermal fuse to blow.
• Have the dryer serviced regularly. A qualified technician can inspect the dryer and make sure that it is operating properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you are having trouble resetting the thermal fuse in your Whirlpool dryer, there are a few things you can try:

• Make sure that the new thermal fuse is the correct type for your dryer.
• Check the wiring around the thermal fuse. Make sure that there are no loose or damaged wires.
• If you are still having trouble, you may need to call a qualified technician for help.

What You Need to Know

Q: What is the difference between a thermal fuse and a circuit breaker?

A: A thermal fuse is a one-time-use device that melts and opens the circuit when it reaches a certain temperature. A circuit breaker is a reusable device that trips when the current flow exceeds a certain level.

Q: Can I reset a thermal fuse?

A: No, a thermal fuse is a one-time-use device. Once it has blown, it cannot be reset.

Q: How do I know if the thermal fuse in my Whirlpool dryer has blown?

A: The symptoms of a blown thermal fuse in a Whirlpool dryer include: the dryer will not heat up, the dryer will stop running after a few minutes, the dryer will make a popping or buzzing noise, and the dryer will smell like something is burning.