How to Troubleshoot a Whirlpool Dryer's Cycling Thermostat

Testing a dryer's thermostat requires a multimeter.

The cycling thermostat in a Whirlpool dryer regulates the internal temperature of the dryer. Over time, this thermostat can break down. Once the thermostat breaks, your dryer will completely fail to heat, causing the dryer to take forever to dry your clothes. If your dryer isn't heating up like it should, one of the first steps is testing the cycling thermostat. A simple digital multimeter can tell you whether the thermostat is operational. On most Whirlpool dryers, the cycling thermostat can be accessed by removing the dryer's rear panel. The thermostat is mounted on the dryer's exhaust vent.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips and hex nut screwdrivers
• Digital multimeter
• Replacement cycling thermostat
• Tape

Instructions

1. Disconnect your dryer from the electrical outlet. Slide the dryer out from the wall, and disconnect the dryer vent from the back of the dryer. Give yourself enough room to work behind the dryer.

2. Remove the screws holding the dryer's rear panel in place. Slide the panel to the side. Depending on your dryer, the screws will either be Phillips or hex nut screws.

3. Disconnect the wires from the cycling thermostat. Use tape to label each wire so you can easily reconnect them later. Typically the cycling thermostat is located near the bottom of the dryer's exhaust vent. The wires use slip-on connectors, so slide them up and off of the contact posts on the thermostat.

4. Set your multimeter to measure for ohms. Touch your multimeter's probes to the contact posts on the thermostat. If your thermostat is cold, the multimeter should read zero. If the thermostat has been fully heated, the multimeter should read infinity. If you get a reading different from these two, the thermostat is bad and should be replaced.

5. Remove the screws holding the thermostat in place and slide it out of the exhaust vent housing. Slide a new thermostat in place and replace the screws. Reconnect the wires and replace the dryer's rear panel. Reconnect the dryer vent and plug the dryer back into the electrical outlet.

Tips & Warnings

• Never test or replace the thermostat while the dryer is still plugged in.

References

• PartSelect: Testing a Dryer Thermostat