Lost a whole afternoon to a bad thermal fuse on a Whirlpool dryer

I spent 3 hours yesterday chasing a no-heat issue on a Whirlpool dryer, model WED5000DW. I replaced the heating element first, which cost me $65, but the real problem was a $12 thermal fuse I didn't check. I should have just run the full continuity test from the start. Anyone have a good system for diagnosing these so you don't waste parts and time?

2 comments

2 Comments

allen.amy3d ago

Yeah, I've been there. My go-to is to check the thermal fuse and the high-limit thermostat first with a multimeter, since they're cheap and fail often. It only takes a minute to see if they have continuity. That saves you from buying the more expensive heating element right off the bat.

oscark153d ago

Good point, but don't forget to check the door switch too.