How to test & replace a thermal fuse on a Kenmore electric dryer: A guide from the experts

Is your Kenmore dryer not heating or turning on? You might be dealing with a blown thermal fuse, but don’t worry—here’s how you can test and replace it yourself like a pro.

If you need any replacement parts for your Kenmore 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 troubleshooting information in this article is based on model 11068722700 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

• Putty Knife
• 1/4 inch nut driver
• 1/4 inch socket
• Multimeter

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.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or its parts. 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.
• 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.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

How to test & replace the thermal fuse on a Kenmore electric dryer

Step 1. Access the thermal fuse

1. Unplug the dryer or turn off the circuit breaker to ensure safety.
2. Open the dryer door and remove the lint screen.

3. Use a putty knife to press in on the two clips holding the bottom panel in place, and remove the panel.
4. Using a ¼-inch nut driver, remove the screws that hold the blower wheel housing and remove the housing.
5. Locate the white thermal fuse on top of the blower housing, which is connected to two light blue wires.

Step 2. Test the thermal fuse

6. Remove one of the blue wires from the thermal fuse.
7. Set a multimeter to continuity mode and test the two terminals on the thermal fuse. If there is no continuity, the fuse is defective and needs to be replaced. If there is continuity, the thermal fuse is functional, and the issue is elsewhere.

Step 3. Remove the faulty thermal fuse

8. If the fuse is faulty, remove both wires and use a ¼-inch socket to remove the single screw securing the fuse.
9. Slide the thermal fuse out of its position.

Step 4. Install the new thermal fuse

10. Insert the new thermal fuse and secure it with a single screw.
11. Reconnect the two blue wires to the new fuse.

Read more: How To Replace A Thermal Fuse In A Dryer

Step 5. Reassemble the dryer

12. Reattach the blower housing cover and secure it with the screws.
13. Reinstall the bottom panel by snapping it back into place.
14. Reinsert the lint screen and close the dryer door.
15. Plug the dryer back in or turn the circuit breaker on.

Optional: Check the dryer vent

If the dryer is not drying clothes properly, run a load of laundry with the vent removed. If the clothes dry normally, the issue is with the vent. If not, the problem is with the dryer.

Read more: How Do I Know If My Dryer’s Thermal Fuse Is Blown?

Need more help?

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the thermal fuse in your Kenmore 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 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.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel.

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