Each year, thousands of dryers end up in landfills because they no longer heat up. Often, though, all that’s needed to get them working again is replacing an inexpensive part called the hi-limit fuse. Here’s the thing… dryer manufacturers don’t tell consumers how to do it.
Hi-limit fuses (AKA thermal fuses or hi-limit thermostats) are safety devices that help prevent the dryer from overheating and causing a fire. Your dryer can have up to three of these. They fail because the dryer can’t exhaust the hot, moist air inside. That’s usually because of a clogged dryer vent tube, or one with too many bends.
Many people pay a professional to come in and fix the dryer for around $200, or replace the whole dryer for around $800. Instead, I’ll show you how to replace or reset the hi-limit fuse and get your dryer heating again.
Many brands, like Bosch, LG, Samsung and Miele, offer hi-limit fuses that can be reset by pushing a button instead of replacing them. You’ll find your hi-limit fuses behind the top panel, back panel or lower front panel.
Pro tip: Clear your dryer vent tube before replacing the hi-limit fuse. If you don’t, you’ll blow the fuse.
Access the Hi-limit Fuse
- The dryer shown here is a Whirlpool electric with the hi-limit fuse under the lower front panel. Here’s how to find yours: Locate your dryer model number and access Sears Parts Direct, which lists millions of parts from lots of brands. Enter the model number and you’ll see diagrams of your dryer’s parts. Put the word “hi-limit” in the search bar to find where the fuse is in your dryer. Then you can order a new one right online.
- When the part arrives and you’re ready to install, unplug your dryer to avoid a shock.
- Find the lower panel below the dryer door. Press in on clips with a flat-head screwdriver or a paint scraper. The spring clips are about three inches in from the upper right- and left-hand corners of the lower panel.
- Pull the upper part of the panel toward you and lift the panel off the bottom clips.
- Reach in to locate the furthest-back electrical piece on the left side of the big round burner tube.
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