Troubleshooting Sears Kenmore Dryer Thermal Fuses

Unplug the Kenmore from the electrical outlet and slide the cabinet forward to get behind the appliance.

Unscrew the metal or plastic band around the vent hose where it hooks up to the outlet on the rear of the Kenmore, using a screwdriver. Pull off this hose.

Take out the bolts on the service panel edges using a nut driver. Pull off the panel and move it out of the way. The heating unit in a metal case is mounted toward the left side, looking in the rear of the dryer. The thermal fuse is near the top of the metal case on the left edge.

Grip the two wires hooked up to the terminals on the thermal fuse, holding the slide-on connectors. Pull the wires off the fuse terminals.

Select "ohms" on the multitester and hold the two probes wired to the device against the two terminals on the fuse. If the fuse is working, the multitester will register zero. If the multitester displays an infinity reading, the fuse has overheated and tripped. Wait for it to cool to room temperature. Any other reading means the fuse is defective.