How to Test Dryer Thermostat Cutouts

The thermostat cutout in a laundry dryer controls the heat flowing into the clothes drum. The part is named for the oval cutout shape that attaches with a pair of screws to the heating casing inside the appliance. Many dryers can operate on several cycles that produce different temperatures to suit a variety of fabrics. The thermostat cutout receives signals from the cycle control and adjusts the heat accordingly. If your dryer seems stuck on one heat setting, or will not heat up at all, test the thermostat for proper operation.

Screwdriver set
Multimeter

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off the power to the dryer, either by flipping the circuit breaker switch or unplugging the power cord from the outlet.
- 2
  Unscrew the clamp holding the ventilation tube on the rear of the appliance to take off the tube.
- 3
  Extract the screws holding the cover panel to the rear cabinet at the top, bottom and both sides. Remove the panel and lean it against the wall or beside the appliance. The thermostat cutout is attached to the metal heater case, which is usually near the bottom to the left. Two wires are connected to the thermostat.
- 4
  Grip each wire by the metal clip on the end and slip it off the thermostat's contacts.
- 5
  Twist the selector knob on the multimeter to check circuit continuity in the thermostat. Depending on your model, the multimeter may be labeled "ohms" or "Rx1."
- 6
  Touch the two test wands on the meter against the two contacts on the thermostat and check the meter display. If the thermostat is working properly, the meter should display zero. Any other reading means the thermostat cutout is faulty.
- 7
  Take out the two screws in the cutout plate to release the thermostat. Match this part with a replacement from an appliance repair shop, if necessary.

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