How to Replace a Thermal Fuse in a Dryer

Dryers depend on proper airflow and safe temperature regulation to operate effectively and safely. A thermal fuse is a small but critical safety device inside your dryer. If it overheats due to airflow obstruction or other problems, the fuse “blows” and stops the dryer from running — and it cannot be reset once it fails.

To fix this issue and get your dryer working again, you will need to replace the thermal fuse in your dryer.

Why Dryer Thermal Fuses Blow

The thermal fuse is designed to prevent overheating. It blows when the dryer’s internal temperatures rise above safe operating levels — often caused by blocked vents, excessive lint buildup, or a restricted airflow system.

Once the fuse is blown, electrical continuity is broken, and either the dryer won’t start or your dryer won’t heat.

Pro Tip: A blown thermal fuse typically prevents an electric dryer from running while a gas dryer often won’t heat when its thermal fuse is blown.

If you feel unsure about performing this repair yourself, a Sears Home Services technician can handle the replacement and inspect your dryer’s airflow system to prevent future issues.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace Thermal Fuse in a Dryer

Tools You’ll Need

• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Work gloves
• Vacuum cleaner or shop vac
• Dryer vent cleaning brush#

Repair Video

This video shows how to replace the thermal fuse in a common type of dryer:

Repair Steps

1. Disconnect Dryer Power

Safety first: unplug the dryer from the electrical outlet before starting any work. For a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply valve.

Wear work gloves to protect your hands.

2. Access the Thermal Fuse

The thermal fuse is often located on the back panel of the dryer near the blower housing.

Remove the access panel screws with a nut driver and set the panel aside.

3. Remove the Blown Fuse

Carefully disconnect the wires attached to the old thermal fuse.

Use your nut driver to remove the mounting screw and take the fuse out of the housing.

4. Install the New Thermal Fuse

Place the new thermal fuse where the old one was mounted and secure it with the screw.

Push the wire connectors firmly onto the fuse terminals (wire order usually does not matter).

5. Reassemble the Dryer

Replace the access panel and tighten all screws. Plug the dryer power cord back into the wall outlet.

Open the gas supply cut-off valve if you have a gas dryer.

6. Clean the Dryer Vent

To help ensure the new fuse doesn’t blow prematurely, clean your dryer’s vent hose and exhaust system to remove lint and debris. Good airflow prevents overheating.

Note: The location of the dryer thermal fuse varies by model. If your dryer is different from the one shown above, find the location on the parts diagram for your model on our Sears PartsDirect.

Here’s a parts diagram image that shows another typical location of the dryer thermal fuse:

You'll need to unplug the dryer and remove the front panel to access the thermal fuse when it's in this location.

Remember: If you feel unsure about performing these steps yourself, a Sears Home Services technician can handle the thermal fuse replacement and inspect your dryer’s airflow system to prevent future issues.

Dryer Maintenance & Use Tips to Avoid Blowing the Thermal Fuse Again

• Clean the lint screen after every load.
• Wash the lint screen using water and soft-bristle brush monthly to remove fabric softener residue from the screen holes.
• Follow the guidelines in the owner’s manual for using and maintaining the dryer.
• Avoid overloading the dryer — it strains airflow and heating elements.
• Inspect and clean dryer exhaust vent ducts at least once a year.
• Schedule professional dryer maintenance yearly to keep your dryer in top shape and operating safely.

Taking the time to clean the vent system and following these dryer use and maintenance practices will help keep your appliance in top shape and prevent repeated blown fuses.