How to Fix a High-Limit Thermostat for a Dryer That Is Too Hot

The high-limit thermostat is in charge of monitoring the temperature inside the drum. It prevents your dryer from being too hot by shutting the appliance off when it recognizes that internal temperature of the drum exceeds a certain level. If your dryer is overheating, the high-limit thermostat may be faulty and cannot trip when it needs to. You would need a digital multimeter to see if your dryer's high-limit thermostat is working like it should be.

What is the High-Limit Thermostat?

The high-limit thermostat, or thermal fuse, is a round switch that is activated by temperature change. When the dryer’s internal temperature reaches a certain point beyond safe limits, the thermostat trips and cuts the power to your dryer. This is a safety mechanism that prevents your dryer from causing a fire.

FIX TIP

Once the thermostat trips, you need to replace the thermostat as it is not resettable.

Where is the High-Limit Thermostat Located?

The high-limit thermostat is typically found in the dryer’s panel, attached to a housing. However, the location could depend on your dryer’s model. Be sure to consult your user’s manual before proceeding.

General Location of the High-Limit Thermostat

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the High-Limit Thermostat

1. As with all repairs, begin by unplugging your dryer. If you have a gas dryer, shut off the gas supply and disconnect the gas lines.
2. Remove the back panel.
3. Disconnect the wires attached to the thermostat.
4. After unthreading any mounting screws, remove the thermostat and check it for damage.

How to Test the High-Limit Thermostat

1. Set your multimeter to read in ohms (some devices call this mode ‘RX1’ or ‘X1’). If your multimeter has a setting that tests for continuity by making an audible sound, you may set it to that as well.
2. Touch the probes onto the wire terminals and check the reading – a good thermostat will read ‘0’ at room temperature. Alternatively, listen for a sound.
3. Replace your thermostat if it reads otherwise or does not make a sound.

How to Install a New High-Limit Thermostat

1. Insert the new thermostat into its slot and secure it.
2. Reconnect the wires to the new thermostat, according to its respective terminals.
3. Replace the back panel cover.
4. Replace the duct.

Next: Troubleshooting the Heating Element

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