How to Bypass the Thermal Fuse on a Whirlpool Senseon Electric Dryer

The Whirlpool Senseon electric clothes dryer uses a coil heating element to produce warm air. The element fits inside a steel casing that is wired to a thermal fuse, which is essentially a temperature-sensitive switch that shuts off the element if the temperature exceeds the rated capacity of the fuse. If the thermal fuse wears out or is defective, the heating element will not work. A simple way to test the fuse involves running a bypass. If the dryer begins heating after the bypass, the fuse is defective.

Screwdriver
Electrical tape
Scissor

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect the Senseon power cord and wait for the dryer to cool to room temperature.
- 2
  Loosen the screw in the vent-hose clamp to pull off the hose.
- 3
  Take out the screws holding the back panel to the Senseon cabinet. Pull off the panel and move it out of the way. The thermal fuse is mounted on the upper left side of the metal case on the lower left.
- 4
  Slip off the two wires from the two electrodes on the thermal fuse.
- 5
  Hold the clips on the two wires together and wrap them loosely with a piece of electrical tape. Do not fold the tape tightly on the wires, as you will need to reconnect the wires to the thermal fuse.
- 6
  Remove your hands and all tools from the back of the dryer before plugging in the power cord for the bypass test.
- 7
  Shut the Senseon dryer and dial the control knob to any heated cycle. Press the "Start" button. If the dryer begins to heat normally, the thermal fuse is faulty and must be replaced. There is no repair for a thermal fuse.

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