The Whirlpool Corporation equips each of their residential gas dryers with a fire-prevention safety feature known as a thermal fuse. This fuse has a single purpose: to disrupt the gas ignition system if the dryer overheats to unsafe temperatures. While this prevents the appliance from catching fire, it also prevents the dryer from producing heat. Before calling for repair service or attempting to replace the component yourself, test the thermal fuse to ensure that it is actually causing the problem. In Whirlpool gas dryers, the thermal fuse is located in one of two places, depending on the width of the appliance.
Instructions
1. Unplug the dryer from its power source and turn off the supply of gas to ensure your safety during the appliance repair process. Do not proceed to Step 2 until you are certain that you have disconnected all electricity and gas from the appliance.
2. Remove the bottom toe panel to access the thermal fuse in Whirlpool 27-inch gas dryers; insert a putty knife into the space just above the panel and use it to apply pressure to the panel's metal clips until they release. Set the toe panel aside. Remove the rear panel to access the thermal fuse in Whirlpool 29-inch gas dryers; use a Phillips screwdriver to take out the four corner screws. Set the removed panel and screws aside.
3. Locate the thermal fuse mounted to the side of the heating element can in 27-inch dryers; in 29-inch dryers, the thermal fuse is mounted to the blower housing. Note that Whirlpool gas dryer thermal fuses are approximately 1-inch long pieces of opaque white plastic with a wire attached to each end.
4. Tape the two thermal fuse wires together with black electrical tape to bypass the fuse while you run a brief diagnostic test to determine whether or not the component is still functional.
5. Replace the bottom toe or rear dryer panel. Plug the appliance back into the appropriate electrical outlet and turn the supply of gas back on. Set the dryer to run a heated drying cycle and press the Start button; the thermal fuse is faulty if the dryer runs and produces heat while the fuse is bypassed. Open the dryer door to stop the drying cycle and replace the thermal fuse immediately.
Tips Warnings
Removing a faulty thermal fuse in a Whirlpool gas dryer is as simple as disconnecting the two attached wires and removing the single screw that holds the component in place.
Install a new thermal fuse by aligning the screw hole in the component with the screw hole on the dryer; replace and tighten the removed screw. Reattach the wires to the ends of the thermal fuse.
Troubleshooting or repairing your Whirlpool gas dryer may void the manufacturer's warranty. Contact Whirlpool customer service for more information.
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