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.

Instructions

1. Shut off the power

Unplug the dryer to disconnect electrical power.

-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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Plug in the dryer

Plug the dryer into the wall outlet to restore electrical power.