Dryer Not Heating? Check Dryer Thermal Fuse On Back

If suddenly your clothes dryer has stopped drying your clothing, check the thermal fuse on back. Usually the dryer will STILL work in every aspect EXCEPT it will not dry. This means that it will still “tumble” and it will seem as if it is working properly. You will usually find this out after the dryer has “buzzed” to tell you it is done drying your clothes. You will open up the dryer door expecting dry clothes but they will be just tumbling in the dryer and not getting any heat to dry them.

dryer thermal fuse

What is a thermal fuse and what does it do? A thermal fuse is a small electrical temperature sensitive switch that is made to interrupt electrical flow when heated to their specific rated trip temperature. A thermal fuse is in place for safety. A thermal fuse is similar to an electrical fuse. Thermal fuses are single use safety devices that can’t be reset and must be removed and replaced when it trips.

What would cause the thermal fuse on my dryer to trip? Usually the thermal fuse will trip when the vent system is clogged. This will usually be the most common reason and cleaning out the dryer vent is usually all that is needed to fix this issue and prevent the thermal fuse from tripping again.

location of thermal fuse on dryer

To find and test the thermal fuse on your dryer, it will usually be mounted on the back of the dryer. Carefully unplug the dryer from the wall, slide out the dryer, and remove the back panel (on some dryer models the side panel or top panel will need to be removed: check your dryer owners manual). See the image above for what the thermal fuse will look like and location. Once you find the thermal fuse you will need to test it. You can either use a multimeter or find the way to test your dryers thermal fuse by searching for your specific dryer model online. A thermal fuse for your dryer is going to be from $3 to $9 dollars so don’t worry, it will be cheap to DIY fix!


Dryer Thermal Fuse Test

If you determine the thermal fuse is bad or tripped on your dryer, your best bet is buying a new one online and getting express delivery. Use an appliance parts store or use Amazon and search for the thermal fuse for your dryer.

12 thoughts on “Dryer Not Heating? Check Dryer Thermal Fuse On Back”

  1. Mohammad Siddiqui

    I have a samsung DV4@h5000 GW/A3 gas dryer. It is not healting up. i have cleaned the ducts and the filter even disconnected the ducts to see if it will heat that way. it is not not stopping when the power buttonis pushed to turn it off. the panel turns off but the dryer keeps running, the only way to turn it off is to either open the door or unplug it, the panel works with all the selections, just no heat and does not turn off.

  2. hi I have a question,Kenmore Elite model 110-62952100 start and running good and heat for maybe one minute but then no more heat just running and cold air,I check all fuses and thermostat and everything is good, any ideas what else and missing to check,thank you for your answer

  3. I have a Samsung front loading dryer, model # dv42h5200EW/A3
    It is 13 months old, so just out of warranty of course, and will not heat.
    I have done troubleshooting, the vent is clear and i have disconnected vent and ran dryer on a timed cycle, high heat, to no avail.
    It is not on one of the sensor dry cycles or on a no heat cycle.
    I have also unplugged it and that didn’t help either.
    I would prefer not to pay and arm and a leg if i don’t have to.
    What else can i check myself? I’m not opposed to opening up the dryer, just need to know what I’m looking at or for.

  4. DIY Project Help Tips

    George,
    Is it possible something became disconnected or came loose when you moved the dryer? When you feel air blowing out it is not HOT air, correct? Everything is working, tumbling, lights up, but NO HEAT? Have you made sure that the power getting to the dryer is the correct voltage? Usually 240V 220V depending on where you live. Is it possible you have the dryer outlet set on a 2 breaker system and possibly one of the breakers is off and one is on? Have you checked the thermal fuse? Checked the electrical block on back to be sure wires are tight and secure? Do you have the correct cord?
    -RR

  5. I just picked up a used dryer from a appliance store. We plugged it up and it worked fine. It tumbled got hot and the timer worked fine. When I got it home it came on but will not heat up. Any ideas? It’s not hooked up to the vent yet and I can feel the air blowing out fine.

  6. DIY Project Help Tips

    Greg Dobis,
    Have you checked for a blockage in the dryer itself? Possible lint build up? If the dryer is heating for 45 min then turning off, but works again a little later, the hi limit thermostat could be faulty. Check with a meter to see that your hi limit thermostat and thermal cut off have continuity.
    -RR

  7. Thank you for your response. I had recently changed the vent line so it would not have had time to build up….and it is virtually a straight, direct vent with only about 8″ of duct line. I will recheck to be sure though. What could trip (with high heat) then reset itself 45 mins +/- later and continue to do this?

  8. DIY Project Help Tips

    Greg,
    You most likely have partially clogged air ducts and venting. Letting the dryer sit for awhile before it will heat again is a hint that the heat is not able to escape and therefore will not heat. Clean out the air ducts and check the vent hose for crimps or clogs.
    -RR

  9. DIY Project Help Tips

    Carmen,
    Check the air ducts and venting. If the ducts are clogged the heat cannot escape and it will overheat and constantly blow the thermal fuse.
    -RR

  10. I have a Maytag Neptune model #MDE9700AYW. My son has replaced the thermal fuse twice and after one load it stops getting hot, what is wrong.

  11. I have a Kenmore HD dryer, model #86405150. It delivers heat and drys clothes for 1 cycle. When that cycle is done, it will not heat up again unless it is left sitting for a while. What might be causing this ‘overheating’ situation which self corrects with idle time?

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