How do I know if the thermal fuse is bad on my Samsung dryer?

If your Samsung dryer isn’t heating, you might be wondering if the thermal fuse is blown. This little safety device shuts the dryer down when a certain temperature is reached.

Let’s unpack how to test the thermal fuse so you can get your dryer back on track!

If you need any replacement parts for your Samsung dryer, 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 information provided in this article 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 is a thermal fuse?

A thermal fuse is a safety device designed to prevent a dryer from overheating by monitoring the temperature inside. If the temperature exceeds a certain threshold (usually due to a clogged vent or other issues), then the fuse will blow, which cuts off power to the heating element (in electric models) or igniter and valve assembly (in gas models). The thermal fuse is typically located near the heating element or blower housing, depending on the model.

Signs of a bad thermal fuse

• Dryer runs but doesn’t heat
• Dryer won’t start
• Overheating or a burning smell coming from the dryer

Read more: Samsung Dryer Not Heating Help

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.

How to test the thermal fuse

1. Disconnect the dryer from the power supply.
2. Depending on your model, remove the back panel or access the blower housing to find the thermal fuse.
3. Carefully disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse terminals.
4. Switch your multimeter to the lowest setting for resistance (Ω).
5. Place the multimeter probes on the terminals of the thermal fuse.
6. Check the meter reading. If the multimeter shows a reading close to 0, the fuse is good. If the multimeter shows “OL” or infinite resistance, the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.

NOTE: Refer to the manufacturer’s technical information for the most accurate resistance guidelines.

FAQs

Looking for more? Check out these frequently asked questions about Samsung dryers.

Do dryer thermal fuses reset?

No, dryer thermal fuses don’t reset. Once a thermal fuse has blown, it must be replaced. There’s no way to reset a thermal fuse since it’s a one-time safety device designed to protect the dryer from overheating.

Will a dryer still run if the thermal fuse is blown?

Depending on the type of dryer you have, it may still run if the thermal fuse is blown, but it won’t heat. If you notice that the dryer runs but doesn’t produce heat, the thermal fuse should be one of your first checks.

Read more: Samsung Dryer Repair Help

Additional information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you fix your Samsung dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We have over two million parts in stock and most orders arrive in just two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

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