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.

Instructions

1. Shut off the power and gas supply

Unplug the dryer to disconnect electrical power. Shut off the gas supply to the dryer.

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 open, vacuum lint and dust from inside the dryer.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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. 

6. 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.

7. Restore power and the gas supply

Plug the dryer into the wall outlet. Turn on the gas supply to the dryer.