How to Test and Replace a Blown Dryer Thermal Fuse

Time required: 20-30 mins · Difficulty 2/5

Est. DIY Parts: $9 - $15 · Pro Service: $150 - $250 · Est. Savings: $135 - $240

* Estimates based on regional/national contractor rate benchmarks. Actual part prices vary by brand and retailer.

Parts & Tools You'll Need

Unplug the dryer Unplug the dryer from the outlet (or shut off the gas valve for gas dryers) before opening any panels.
Access the thermal fuse Remove the back panel (electric dryers) or the front/lower panel near the blower housing (most gas dryers) to reach the thermal fuse, usually mounted on the exhaust duct housing.
Test the fuse with a multimeter Disconnect the two wire terminals from the fuse and set your multimeter to the lowest ohms setting. Touch a probe to each fuse terminal — no continuity (infinite resistance) means the fuse is blown.
Remove the old fuse Unscrew the mounting screws holding the fuse to its bracket and pull it free.
Install the new fuse Screw the new fuse into the same bracket position and reconnect both wire terminals — polarity doesn't matter, but a secure connection does.
Check for the root cause before closing up A blown thermal fuse is almost always a symptom of restricted airflow — inspect and clean the dryer vent duct (see the Dryer Vent guide) before reassembling, or the new fuse will blow again.
Reassemble and test Replace the panel, plug the dryer back in, and run a cycle to confirm it heats and completes normally.