How to Bypass the Thermal Device in a Dryer

Clothes dryers operate with a thermal sensor wired to the heating element for monitoring the temperature. This thermal device is essentially a fuse that cuts power to the heating element if the appliance starts to overheat. When the dryer cools the thermal device closes the circuit, and the appliance can be used normally. When the thermal sensor wears out the circuit is interrupted. Bypassing the thermal sensor lets you determine in seconds if the thermal device is broken or if there is some other problem with the dryer.

Screwdriver
Electrical tape
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug the dryer's power cord.
- 2
  Remove the access panel over the heating element on the back of the dryer, using the screwdriver to take out the screws around the edges.
- 3
  Unclip the two wires on the thermal device, which is mounted either on the top or left side of the cannister containing the heater unit. The wires terminate in slide-off connectors for quick removal from the contacts on the thermal device.
- 4
  Fold a piece of electrician's tape over the two wire connectors, which should be touching each other. This creates a circuit bypass, avoiding the thermal device.
- 5
  Plug in the dryer's power cord. Avoid touching any components inside the appliance while the cover is removed.
- 6
  Latch the door closed and start any cycle. If the dryer produces heat with the bypass of the thermal device, the device is faulty and must be replaced.

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