Clothes dryer with its vent duct in a small laundry closet
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Replace the thermal fuse and cycling thermostat (electric dryer, Whirlpool-built rear access)

On Whirlpool-built electric dryers the thermal fuse and cycling thermostat mount on the blower housing behind the rear panel. A blown fuse is a symptom: always find the cause (vent restriction, stuck cycling thermostat, grounded element) and replace the cycling thermostat when it is suspect. Swap both parts one wire at a time, clean the blower area, and verify airflow before leaving.

Cross-checked ~45 min easyBrands: Whirlpool, Kenmore (Whirlpool-built), Maytag (Whirlpool-built), Amana, Roper, Estate

Before you start

  • Unplug the dryer, or switch off both legs of its 240 V breaker, before removing the rear panel; the rear exposes the terminal block and heater wiring.
  • Never bypass or jumper a thermal fuse, even briefly, to 'see if it heats'.
  • Replace with the exact rated parts; a wrong-temperature fuse or thermostat is a fire risk.

Diagnostic steps

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Replace the thermal fuse and cycling thermostat (electric dryer, Whirlpool-built rear access) · OnCall Tech