Maytag MDE17CS - Testing the Thermal Fuse

5-8
Electrical Shock Hazard
Disconnect power before servicing.
Replace all parts and panels before operating.
Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.
THERMAL FUSE
Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
Turn off gas supply to dryer.
Disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse.
Access the thermal fuse (See page 4-29).
Set ohmmeter to the R X 1 scale.
Set digital ohmmeters to lowest scale.
Touch one ohmmeter test lead to the
thermal fuse terminals. The meter should
indicate continuity (0 Ω). If the meter
indicates an open circuit (infinite Ω), replace
the thermal fuse.
NOTE: Once the thermal fuse has opened,
it will not reset, and must be replaced.
Check for a failed operating thermostat, a
shorted heater element or blocked exhaust.
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ELECTRIC DRYER: The thermal fuse is
round and silver. The thermal fuse is wired
in series with the dryer drive motor. If the
thermal fuse opens, at 91ºC (196ºF), power
to the motor is turned off. The centrifugal
switch on the motor opens the electric element
circuit.
GAS DRYER: The thermal fuse is wired in
series with the dryer gas valve. If the thermal
fuse opens power is shut off to the gas valve
and the gas valve closes.
Thermal Fuse
- Electric -
Thermal Fuse
- Gas -