Is my Whirlpool range thermal fuse bad? Learn how to test & replace it
Steven E / Wednesday September 11, 2024
Got heating problems with your Whirlpool range? You might have a bad thermal fuse, which helps prevent the unit from overheating. But if it’s bad, the oven won’t heat at all!
Whether you’re working on an appliance for the first time or you just need a refresher, we’re here to walk you through the whole process so you can skip the expensive service call. Let’s get your range working correctly again!
If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Whirlpool range while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.
Important: The troubleshooting information in this article is based on model WFC340S0AB0 and may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes, and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.
What you need
- Multimeter
- Phillips screwdriver
- 1/4-inch nut driver
Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.
Read more: Why your Whirlpool range cooktop element won’t heat & how you can fix it
Safety precautions
When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
- If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
- If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any leaks while you work.
- Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
- Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
- Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
- Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
- Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
- Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
- Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
- When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
- Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
- Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
Read more: Electric Range Too Hot: Top 4 Reasons and Fixes
How to test the thermal fuse
Ready? Let’s find out if your thermal fuse is faulty.
- Carefully pull the range away from the wall to give yourself enough space to work.
- Make sure the range is unplugged from the power outlet. If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply.
- Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screw at the bottom of the terminal block shield.
- Gently push down on the shield and pull it away from the range. Set the shield aside.
- Use the nut driver to remove the screws from the back oven panel, starting from the bottom.
- Carefully pull the panel away from the oven and set it aside.
- Find the thermal fuse and disconnect one of the wires attached to it.
- Grab a multimeter and set it to continuity mode.
- Place the multimeter probes on the thermal fuse terminals. Listen for an audible tone from the meter to indicate continuity.
If there’s no continuity, then the thermal fuse has failed and needs to be replaced.
How to replace the thermal fuse (if necessary)
- Make sure the range is unplugged from the power outlet.
- Remove the remaining wire from the thermal fuse.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the mounting screw that holds the thermal fuse in place.
- Use the Phillips screw to mount the new thermal fuse in the same position as the old one.
- Reattach the wire(s) to the new thermal fuse and make sure they’re secure.
- Secure the back oven panel with the 1/4-inch screws you removed earlier.
- Reinsert the terminal block shield into its mounting slots and lift it up.
- Secure the shield with the last 1/4-inch screw.
- Plug the range back into the power outlet. If you have a gas model, turn the gas back on.
Read more: How to fix an electric Whirlpool range that won’t start after a self-clean cycle
More information
Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Whirlpool range working again.
If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.
If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.
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With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.