How to Test a Thermostat on a Clothes Dryer

All dryers have a high-limit thermostat located on the side of the heating element. The high-limit thermostat is a safety mechanism that is required by law, and is designed to prevent a dryer fire. The thermostat monitors the temperature of the heating element, and if the element gets too hot, it cuts power to the element. If the thermostat trips, it cannot be reset and must be replaced. If you are unsure if your thermostat has tripped, test it for continuity using a multimeter.

Things You'll Need

• Screwdriver
• Multimeter

Instructions

1. Pull the dryer away from the wall so that the rear is accessible. Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet.

2. Loosen the screw securing the dryer vent to the rear of the dryer, then remove the vent.

3. Remove the screws securing the rear panel of the dryer, then remove the panel.

4. Locate the high-limit thermostat, which is located on the side of the heating element, just above the heating element terminals.

5. Pull the wire off the top of the high-limit thermostat, then pull the thermostat off the dryer terminal.

6. Set your multimeter to the lowest possible setting to measure ohms of resistance. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

7. Calibrate the multimeter following the instructions in the multimeter's owner's manual.

8. Touch one of the terminals on the thermostat with one of the multimeter prongs.

9. Touch the other terminal with the other multimeter prong.

10. Look at the multimeter display. If the display shows an infinite number of ohms of resistance, or does not move significantly, then the thermostat is bad and must be replaced. If the display shows 0 ohms of resistance, the thermostat has continuity and is properly functioning.

References

• Repair Clinic: High Limit Thermostat
• YouTube; Thermal Fuse Testing; Repair Clinic; Jan. 26, 2011