How to Replace the Fuses on a Kenmore Dryer

The thermal fuse in a dryer will blow when there is too much heat. When this happens, the dryer will not heat up. The likely cause is that the dryer vents are clogged and not allowing heat to escape. The vents should be cleaned out first. Afterward, you need to know how to replace the fuses on a Kenmore dryer.

Disconnect the power to the dryer by unplugging it from the outlet. The thermal fuse is located on the heating element can. The can is located on the bottom right in the dryer and holds the heating element.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Putty knife

1. Open the door to the lint trap and remove the two attaching screws using a screwdriver. Then pull the lint trap screen out.

2. Remove the two to four screws that attach the control panel to the top of the dryer using a screwdriver. Lift the control panel up and disconnect the wiring harness by pressing in on the plastic tab and pulling it free. Set the console out of the way.

3. Insert a putty knife from the front right corner seam about 2 inches from the side. Press in to release the retaining clip that attaches the top of the dryer and lift up to raise the corner. After it is released, lift the top panel to release the other clip and set the panel out of the way.

4. Remove the two attaching screws that connect the top of the front panel to the sides using a screwdriver. Swing the top out and lift up to remove it from the lower tabs.

5. Locate the heating element can that the element sits inside. The thermal fuse is attached to the box. Remove the two wires connected to the fuse by pulling the terminal leads off the terminals. Pull the fuse out of the box by twisting counterclockwise to release it.

6. Attach the wires to the new fuse by connecting the terminal leads to the terminals on the fuse. Insert the fuse into the box and turn it clockwise to lock it in.

7. Align the front panel on the lower mounting tabs and reattach it to the sides with the attaching screws.

8. Place the top panel back on the dryer and gently snap it back into the retaining clips.

9. Reconnect the wiring harness to the control panel by pushing the connector back into the washer. Attach the control panel to the dryer top with the four screws.

10. Insert the lint screen back into the lint trap. Insert and tighten the two attaching screws on the lint trap.

11. Reconnect the power supply to the dryer and push the dryer back into its permanant location.

Tips & Warnings

• Always unplug appliances before servicing them.

References

• Replace Thermal Fuse
• Thermal Fuse on a Kenmore
• Thermal Fuses