Quick answer
A dryer's thermal fuse is a one-time safety device on the blower housing or exhaust duct. When exhaust air gets too hot, it opens and cuts the heat or the whole dryer, depending on the model. It cannot be reset. Test it with the dryer unplugged using a multimeter: no continuity means it has blown. A fuse almost always blows because airflow was restricted by a clogged lint screen, vent duct or outside flap, so clean the vent before replacing it. Never bypass it. Angi puts typical dryer repairs at $100–$430. Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed November 4, 2026· Next review May 2027
The thermal fuse is the dryer's last line of defense against overheating. It is a small part, but how it fails tells you about a bigger problem.
What It Does
The fuse sits on the blower housing or the exhaust duct inside the dryer, where it senses the temperature of the air leaving the drum. If that air gets too hot, the fuse opens permanently. On many dryers that stops the heat; on others the dryer will not run at all.
How to Test It
- 1Unplug the dryer. On gas dryers, close the gas valve too.
- 2Remove the back or lower front panel, depending on the model, and find the fuse on the blower housing or exhaust duct.
- 3Disconnect one wire and test across the two terminals with a multimeter on continuity or ohms.
- 4No continuity means it has blown.
Why It Blew
| Cause | How common |
|---|---|
| Clogged lint screen or vent duct | Most common |
| Crushed or kinked foil duct behind the dryer | Common |
| Outside flap stuck or blocked | Common |
| Failed cycling thermostat | Less common |
| Heating element grounded to the housing | Less common |
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
Replace It, and Fix the Cause
Replace the fuse with the exact part for the model number, and clean the full vent run before using the dryer again. A new fuse on a clogged vent usually blows within days. Never bypass a thermal fuse: it is there to stop a lint fire.
What a Repair Costs
Angi puts typical dryer repairs at $100–$430. A thermal fuse is at the low end. See dryer repair.
The Call
Call when a new fuse blows again, or the vent run is long or hard to reach. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a dryer thermal fuse to blow?
Almost alwaysOverheating from restricted airflow: a clogged lint screen, a crushed or clogged vent duct, or a stuck outside flap. A failed thermostat or heating element can also cause it.
Can you reset a dryer thermal fuse?
NoIt is a one-time fuse. Some dryers also have a resettable high-limit thermostat, which is a different part.
Can I run my dryer without a thermal fuse?
NoBypassing it removes a fire safety device. The U.S. Fire Administration names failure to clean as the leading cause of home dryer fires.
Sources
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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