Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Free Shipping on Domestic Orders $75+

Whirlpool Dryer Thermal Fuse Replacement

Video Guide
This guide was transcribed from a YouTube video.

Introduction

If a Whirlpool dryer has power but won’t start when you press the button, a blown thermal fuse is a common cause. This guide shows how to disconnect power, remove the rear panel, swap the thermal fuse on the blower housing, and reassemble the dryer. Cleaning lint buildup while you’re in there can help prevent the new fuse from failing again.

What you need

  1. Edit

    • Unplug the dryer’s power cord from the outlet, or turn off the dryer’s breaker.

    • WARNING: Don’t work on the dryer while it’s plugged in, because the rear panel exposes electrical components.

  2. Edit

    • Use a 1/4 inch hex-head screwdriver, nut driver, or socket to remove the screws securing the rear panel.

    • Remove nine to 10 screws, depending on the model.

    • Set the screws aside where they won’t roll away.

  3. Edit

    • Pull the sheet metal rear panel straight off the dryer.

    • Caution: Sheet metal edges can be sharp, so wear gloves and handle the panel carefully.

  4. Edit

    • Locate the thermal fuse mounted on the blower housing.

    • Note: The thermal fuse is an emergency shutoff that opens if the dryer gets too hot.

    • Inspect the blower housing area for excess lint buildup.

    • If a cover blocks access, remove the three to four screws holding the cover, then clean out any lint you can reach.

  5. Edit

    • Pull the terminals off the old thermal fuse.

    • Install the wires onto the replacement thermal fuse in the same positions so you don’t have to guess later.

    • Tip: Take a quick photo before removing anything if you want a reference.

  6. Edit

    • Use a 1/4 inch hex-head screwdriver to remove the screw securing the old thermal fuse, then remove the fuse.

    • Insert the new thermal fuse into position, making sure the lip seats properly.

    • Press the fuse down slightly, then reinstall the screw to secure it.

  7. Edit

    • Position the rear panel on the dryer.

    • Reinstall the nine to 10 rear panel screws with a 1/4 inch hex-head screwdriver.

    • Don’t tighten the first screw very far until the panel holes are aligned and all screws are started.

    • Tighten all screws once the panel is aligned.

  8. Edit

    • Plug the dryer back in, or turn the breaker back on.

    • If the dryer still won’t start, stop and check for vent restrictions or other failed components before repeatedly replacing fuses.

Conclusion

Lint buildup and restricted venting can overheat the dryer and cause thermal fuse failures. Clean lint from the blower housing area you accessed, and inspect the vent path (inside the machine and at the wall exhaust) so heat and lint can exit freely.

Author

with 2 other contributors

Ben Schlichter

Member since: 01/21/25

6,536 Reputation

224 Guides authored

Badges: 8

+5 more badges

0 Guide Comments

Add Comment

View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 6

Past 7 Days: 69

Past 30 Days: 243

All Time: 835