How to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in an electric dryer
This dryer repair guide explains how to replace the thermal cut-off fuse in an electric dryer. The thermal cut-off fuse is a safety device that shuts down the dryer's heating element if the dryer severely overheats. The dryer severely overheats if the high-limit thermostat didn't shut off the dryer when the heating element began overheating. You can't reset the 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 an electric dryer, using a manufacturer-approved replacement kit.
Use this procedure to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Crosley and Estate electric dryers with a lint screen housing located in the top dryer panel.
If you have a gas dryer, see the repair guide How to Install a Thermal Cut-off Fuse Kit in a Gas Dryer.
This video explains how to install a thermal cut-off fuse kit in an electric dryer.
Instructions
- 01.
Shut off the power
Unplug the dryer to disconnect electrical power.
- 0-2.
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 dryer open, vacuum lint and dust from inside the dryer.PHOTO: Remove the back panel screws.
PHOTO: Remove the back panel from the dryer.
- 03.
Locate the components
The thermal cut-off fuse is at the top of the heater box.
The high-limit thermostat is at the bottom of the heater box above the connections for the heating element.
PHOTO: Locate the high-limit thermostat and the thermal cut-off fuse.
- 04.
Remove the thermal cut-off fuse
Remove the wires from the thermal cut-off fuse.
Remove the mounting screws from the thermal cut-off fuse and pull it off of the heater box.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wires from the thermal cut-off fuse.
PHOTO: Remove the mounting screws from the thermal cut-off fuse.
PHOTO: Remove the fuse from the heater box.
- 05.
Install the new thermal cut-off fuse
Position the new thermal cut-off fuse in place and mount it to the heater box. Connect the wires to the new thermal cut-off fuse.
- 06.
Remove the high-limit thermostat
Pull the wire off of the high-limit thermostat. Remove the high-limit thermostat from the side of the heater box.
PHOTO: Disconnect the wire from the high-limit thermostat.
PHOTO: Remove the high-limit thermostat from the heater box.
- 07.
Install the new the high-limit thermostat
Position the new high-limit thermostat in place and mount it to the heater box. Connect the wires to the new high-limit thermostat.
- 08.
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.
- 09.
Plug in the dryer
Plug the dryer into the wall outlet to restore electrical power.
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