Whirlpool dryers are a popular choice for many households due to their reliable performance and durability. However, one issue that some Whirlpool dryer owners may encounter is the thermal fuse blowing repeatedly.
The thermal fuse is an important safety feature in Whirlpool dryers, designed to prevent overheating and potential fires.
In this article, we explain some main reasons for Whirlpool Dryer Blowing Thermal Fuse and share with you the correct solution to this problem
How Thermal Fuses Work
A thermal fuse is a safety mechanism that is designed to prevent your dryer from overheating. It is a small device that is typically located on the blower housing or exhaust duct of your dryer.
The fuse is designed to break the circuit if the temperature inside the dryer gets too hot. This prevents the heating element from continuing to heat the dryer, which can cause a fire.
Thermal fuses are typically one-time use devices, meaning that they are designed to trip once and then need to be replaced. They are not resettable like a circuit breaker.
When a thermal fuse trips, it is an indication that there is a problem with your dryer that needs to be addressed.
Not all dryers have a thermal fuse. Some dryers have a thermal cutoff switch instead, which works in a similar way but is designed to trip if the dryer gets too hot due to a blocked vent or other problem.
If your Whirlpool dryer keeps blowing the thermal fuse, it could be an indication of several issues.
It is important to address the underlying issue to prevent further damage or even a fire.
Common Causes of Thermal Fuse Failure
#1. Overloading
Overloading your dryer can cause the thermal fuse to blow. When you overload your dryer, it has to work harder to dry your clothes, which can cause it to overheat. This overheating can cause the thermal fuse to blow, shutting off the dryer to prevent a fire.
#2. Blocked Venting
Blocked venting is another common cause of thermal fuse failure. When your dryer is not venting properly, it can cause the temperature inside the dryer to rise, which can cause the thermal fuse to blow.
Be sure to check your dryer’s venting system regularly to ensure that it is clear and free of any obstructions.
#3. Clogged Lint Screen
A clogged lint screen can also cause your Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse to blow. When your lint screen is clogged, it can prevent proper airflow, which can cause the dryer to overheat and the thermal fuse to blow.
Be sure to clean your lint screen after every use to prevent this from happening.
#4. Faulty Thermostat
A faulty thermostat can also cause your dryer’s thermal fuse to blow. When the thermostat is not working properly, it can cause the dryer to overheat, which can cause the thermal fuse to blow.
If you suspect that your dryer’s thermostat is faulty, it is best to have it replaced by a professional.
Symptoms of a Blown Thermal Fuse
- Dryer won’t start: If the thermal fuse is blown, the dryer won’t start at all. This is a clear indication that the thermal fuse needs to be replaced.
- Dryer runs but won’t heat: Another symptom of a blown thermal fuse is that the dryer will run but won’t heat up. This can be due to the thermal fuse interrupting the circuit to the heating element.
- Dryer overheats: If the thermal fuse is blown, the dryer may also overheat. This can be due to the heating element staying on for too long since the thermal fuse is not interrupting the circuit.
- Dryer stops mid-cycle: A blown thermal fuse can also cause the dryer to stop mid-cycle. This is because the thermal fuse may be tripping when it shouldn’t be, interrupting the circuit and causing the dryer to stop.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to check the thermal fuse. Keep in mind that other issues can also cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to troubleshoot and diagnose the issue before replacing the thermal fuse.
Testing a Thermal Fuse
When a Whirlpool dryer keeps blowing thermal fuse, it is essential to test the thermal fuse to determine whether it is faulty or not. Here are the steps to test a thermal fuse:
- Disconnect the dryer from the power source.
- Locate the thermal fuse, which is usually found on the blower housing or the heating element housing.
- Remove the thermal fuse from the dryer by disconnecting the wires from the terminals.
- Set your multimeter to the lowest RX setting.
- Touch the probes of the multimeter to the terminals of the thermal fuse.
- If the multimeter shows a reading of zero, it means the thermal fuse is faulty and needs to be replaced.
- If the multimeter shows a reading of infinity, it means the thermal fuse is working correctly.
Please note that testing a thermal fuse is not the same as bypassing it. While bypassing a thermal fuse can determine if it is faulty, it is not a recommended solution.
It is best to replace a faulty thermal fuse with a new one to ensure the safety and efficiency of your dryer.
Replacing a Blown Thermal Fuse
If your Whirlpool dryer keeps blowing the thermal fuse, it’s usually an indication of a problem with the dryer’s venting system.
A clogged or restricted vent can cause the dryer to overheat, which can lead to the thermal fuse blowing.
If this happens, the dryer won’t start or run, and you’ll need to replace the blown thermal fuse.
Here are the steps to replace a blown thermal fuse on a Whirlpool dryer:
- Unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet or turn off the circuit breaker that powers the dryer.
- Locate the thermal fuse, which is typically located on the blower housing or near the heating element.
- Use a multimeter to test the thermal fuse for continuity. If the thermal fuse has no continuity, it has blown and needs to be replaced.
- Remove the old thermal fuse by disconnecting the wires and removing any mounting screws.
- Install the new thermal fuse by connecting the wires and securing it with any mounting screws.
- Reassemble the dryer and plug it back in or turn the circuit breaker back on.
- Test the dryer to make sure it’s working properly.
It’s important to note that simply replacing the thermal fuse won’t fix the underlying problem with the dryer’s venting system. If the vent is clogged or restricted, the new thermal fuse will likely blow again.
It’s recommended that you clean the dryer vent and ductwork regularly to prevent this from happening.
Preventing Future Thermal Fuse Issues
#1. Proper Load Size
One of the most common causes of thermal fuse issues is overloading the dryer. Overloading can cause the dryer to overheat, leading to blown thermal fuses.
To prevent this, always make sure to load your dryer with the appropriate amount of clothing. Refer to your dryer’s manual for specific guidelines on load size.
#2. Regular Cleaning
Another important step in preventing thermal fuse issues is regular cleaning. Lint buildup in the dryer can cause the dryer to overheat, leading to blown thermal fuses.
Clean the lint screen after each use and make sure to deep clean the dryer at least once a year. Use a vacuum or dryer vent cleaning brush to remove any lint buildup from the dryer vent and hose.
#3. Ventilation Check
Finally, it’s crucial to ensure proper ventilation for your dryer. A blocked or clogged vent can cause the dryer to overheat, leading to blown thermal fuses.
Check the vent and hose regularly to make sure there are no blockages. If you notice any blockages, remove them immediately.
Additionally, make sure the vent hose is not kinked or crushed, as this can also cause ventilation issues.
Proper load size, regular cleaning, and ventilation checks are essential for keeping your dryer running smoothly and efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you reset the thermal fuse on a Whirlpool dryer?
You cannot reset the thermal fuse on a Whirlpool dryer. Once it has blown, it needs to be replaced. Attempting to reset the fuse can be dangerous and may cause a fire hazard.
Why does the fuse keep blowing on my tumble dryer?
There are several reasons why the thermal fuse on your Whirlpool dryer may keep blowing. One common cause is a clogged dryer vent, which can cause the dryer to overheat and blow the fuse. Other possible causes include a faulty heating element, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a damaged control board.
What happens if thermal fuse blows in dryer?
If the thermal fuse blows in your Whirlpool dryer, the dryer will not start or run. This is because the thermal fuse is a safety device that shuts off power to the dryer’s heating element if it overheats. This helps prevent fires and other hazards.
How do I know if my Whirlpool dryer thermal fuse is blown?
If your Whirlpool dryer won’t start or run, it may be due to a blown thermal fuse. To check if the thermal fuse is the problem, you can use a multimeter to test for continuity. If the thermal fuse has no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
How long does a thermal fuse last in a dryer?
The lifespan of a thermal fuse in a Whirlpool dryer can vary depending on usage and other factors. In general, a thermal fuse can last for several years, but it may need to be replaced sooner if the dryer is used frequently or if there are other issues with the dryer’s heating system.
Kenmore dryer high limit thermostat keeps blowing.
If the high limit thermostat on your Kenmore dryer keeps blowing, it may be due to a clogged dryer vent or a malfunctioning heating element. Other possible causes include a faulty thermostat or a damaged control board. It’s best to have a professional technician diagnose and repair the issue to ensure proper and safe operation of the dryer.