How to Check a Thermostat in a Dryer

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The thermostat in your clothes dryer is an important component to the unit. If you've ever pulled clothes out only to find that they were still damp, or found that your dryer was not shutting off at the timer, the thermostat may be the first thing to troubleshoot. Thermostats regulate the heat used in the drying process. If the thermostat is faulty, you may need to replace it. You can use these steps to determine if your thermostat is the cause of malfunction, or if you have another heating component that's not operating properly.

Get Product Support Solve Any Problem

wH
Hi there! Do you have a question about how to use or repair your home appliance? I’ve read the manuals so you don’t have to. Select your product, brand, and model, then ask away!
*
*

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. Unplug the appliance from the wall, or cut the circuit to the dryer at the main fuse or breaker box. [1]
  2. Pull the dryer from the wall and locate the rear access panel.
    • Remove the metal screws of the panel with a Phillips screwdriver.
    Advertisement
  3. Check the blower wheel housing and vent systems and look for a small, oval thermostat, about 1 1/2 inches (3.81 cm) in length. [2]
  4. The dryer thermostat will have 2 wires connecting it to the heating element. Label each wire prior to removal so you will know how to reconnect them. [3]
    • Identify the metal slip connector attached to the wires.
    • Pull the wires by these connectors. If necessary, use needle-nose pliers.
  5. Ohms are used to indicate electrical flow. [4]
    • Use a multimeter to test the thermostat's resistance by setting it to the RX 1 setting.
    • Place each of the meter's probes onto the wire terminals. You should receive a reading of 0. Resistance that is low, or near 0, means that the electrical flow is good. If the meter does not indicate 0, but reads infinity, your thermostat should be replaced.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How many ohms should a dryer thermostat have?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    At room temperature, the thermostat should give you a resistance reading of 0 or close to 0. This indicates that there is good continuity within the thermostat. If you warm the thermostat, you may see the ohms reading jump up to around 10.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How can you tell if a thermal fuse is bad?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Set your multimeter to Rx1 resistance, then attach the leads to terminals on the fuse. If the multimeter needle doesn’t move, the fuse is blown.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    Can you run a dryer without a thermal fuse?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    You can bypass the fuse, but it’s not safe to run a dryer without a thermal fuse. Luckily, replacing a blown fuse is a pretty quick and easy fix. Put in a new fuse as soon as possible, and don’t run your dryer in the meantime!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Test your thermostat at room temperature for best results.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      • If your thermostats reading are normal, you will need to troubleshoot the dryer's timer, thermal fuses, motor or heating elements.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Phillips screwdriver
      • Needle-nose pliers
      • Multimeter

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Install a Whirlpool Electric Dryer
      How to
      Disconnect a Washing Machine
      How to
      Release a Stuck Washing Machine Door
      Samsung Washer Door Locked and Not Opening? Try One of These Solutions
      How to
      Bypass a Magnetic Lid Switch on a Whirlpool Washer
      Everything You Need to Know About Resetting Samsung Washers
      How to
      Clean LG Front and Top Loading Washers with the Tub Clean Cycle
      How to
      Use a Washing Machine
      How to
      Find and Clean the Filter in Your Washing Machine
      How to
      Change a Clothes Dryer Belt
      How to
      Use Bleach in Your Washing Machine
      How to
      Install a Washing Machine
      How to
      Unlock a Whirlpool Washer
      How to
      Reset Your Whirlpool Washing Machine
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ http://www.acmehowto.com/howto/appliance/dryer/edryer/check/thermostat.php
      2. ↑ https://www.easyapplianceparts.com/Dryer+test-thermostat+repair.htm
      3. ↑ https://www.partselect.com/Dryer+test-thermostat+repair.htm
      4. ↑ https://www.partselect.com/Dryer+test-thermostat+repair.htm

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 260,643 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement