What Do I Do When the Wire to the Thermostat on the Dryer Is Burnt?

Burnt Wire Symptoms

• A burnt wire to your thermostat indicates your thermostat isn't receiving enough power to work. Your dryer may run but not actually heat, leading to performance issues. In some cases the thermostat may be preventing the dryer from working at all. A malfunctioning thermostat doesn't sense heat correctly and may overheat the dryer, leading to a blown thermal fuse.

Narrow Down the Problem

• If you find a burnt wire leading to your thermostat, narrow down the issue. You know the wire is burnt, but this could have been caused by an overload in another system or cause a similar problem in a different component. Often, the thermostat itself will be damaged, or the sensors that the thermostat uses will show signs of damage. You can use an ohmmeter to test for electrical current to see what circuits are still functioning correctly.

Buy New Components

• Once you have narrowed down the problem, you'll need to order the new component. Often, thermostats, thermistors and other dryer components will come with new wiring for you to use anyway, so you won't need to worry about replacing an individual wire. Order from your dryer manufacturer, specifying the type of thermostat or other device that has broken, and prepare your dryer for work. Remove it from power, close the gas valve and position it for easy access. If you don't have experience with appliances, don't hesitate to call in a professional.

Replace Components

• Replace your dryer components once preparation is complete. For most dryer work, you can reverse the wires for a two-terminal thermostat, and the component will still operate correctly. Be sure you have the right thermostat for the job, since dryers can use several different kinds for different cycles. Test operation for heat and efficiency.