How to replace a thermal fuse in a gas dryer

This step-by-step dryer repair guide shows how to replace a gas dryer thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that trips if the air flowing through the dryer begins to overheat. A blocked exhaust vent is the most common reason the air overheats. When a gas dryer thermal fuse blows, the drive motor runs but the burner won't ignite. You can't reset the thermal fuse; if it's blown, replace it with the manufacturer-approved dryer part.

These steps work for replacing the thermal fuse on Kenmore, Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana, Roper, Crosley and Estate gas dryers with a lint screen housing located in the top cabinet panel.

We also have instructions for replacing the thermal fuse 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 cabinet open, vacuum lint and dust from the cabinet.

3. Remove the fuse

Pull the wires off of the thermal fuse. Remove the mounting screw using a 1/4" nut driver. Pull the fuse off of the blower housing.

4. Install the new thermal fuse

Position the new fuse and secure it with the screw. Push the wires onto the connection spades on top of the new thermal fuse. It doesn’t matter which wire goes into which terminal on the thermal fuse.

5. 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.

6. Restore power and the gas supply

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

7. Clean the exhaust vent

To prevent the thermal fuse from blowing again soon, remove the flexible vent in the back of the dryer and clean the inside of the flexible vent hose. Clean the air duct going to the outside of your home with a duct cleaning brush. Vacuum the area to clean up dust.