August 01, 2014

How to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in a gas dryer

This dryer repair guide explains how to replace the thermal cut-off fuse in a gas dryer. The thermal cut-off fuse is a safety device that shuts down the burner if the dryer severely overheats. The dryer severely overheats if the high-limit thermostat failed to shut off the dryer when the burner began to overheat. You can't reset a blown thermal cut-off fuse — you must replace it, as well as the failed high-limit thermostat. The thermal cut-off fuse kit contains both components, and the step-by-step instructions in this repair guide show you how to replace them in a gas dryer, using a manufacturer-approved replacement part.

Use this procedure to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Crosley and Estate gas dryers with a lint screen housing located in the top dryer panel.

If you have an electric dryer, see the repair guide How to Install a Thermal Cut-off Fuse Kit in an Electric Dryer.

Quick links

Video

Instructions

Tools required

1/4-inch nut driver

Slot screwdriver

Vacuum cleaner or shop vac

Work gloves

Repair difficulty

Time required

15 minutes or less

Installing a thermal cut-off fuse kit on a gas dryer

This video shows how to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in a gas dryer.

Instructions

01.
Shut off the power and gas supply
Unplug the dryer to disconnect electrical power. Shut off the gas supply to the dryer.
02.
Remove the back panel
Move the dryer forward and use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws from the back panel. Remove the back panel from the dryer and set it aside.
Tip: While you have the back of the open, vacuum lint and dust from inside the dryer.
PHOTO: Remove the back panel screws.
PHOTO: Remove the back panel from the dryer.
03.
Remove the high-limit thermostat
Label the wires that connect to the high-limit thermostat or take a digital picture so you know how to reconnect them.
Remove the wires from the high-limit thermostat. Remove the mounting screws that hold the high-limit thermostat in place and pull the high-limit thermostat off of the heater box.
PHOTO: Remove the wires from the high-limit thermostat.
PHOTO: Remove the high-limit thermostat mounting screws.
PHOTO: Remove the high-limit thermostat.
04.
Remove the thermal cut-off fuse
Label the wires that connect to the thermal cut-off fuse or take a digital picture so you know how to reconnect them. Remove the wires from the thermal cut-off fuse.
Remove the mounting screw. Pull the thermal fuse off of the heater box and set it aside for disposal.
PHOTO: Remove the wires from the thermal cut-off fuse.
PHOTO: Remove the thermal cut-off fuse mounting screw.
PHOTO: Remove the thermal cut-off fuse.
05.
Replace the high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse
Mount the high-limit thermostat and the thermal cut-off fuse on the heater box using the mounting screws. Referring to the labels on the wires of the digital picture, properly connect the wires on the thermostat and fuse.
06.
Reattach the back panel
Position the back panel on the back of the dryer. Line up the mounting screw holes. Insert the mounting screws and tighten them firmly.
07.
Restore power and the gas supply
Plug the dryer into the wall outlet. Turn on the gas supply to the dryer.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.