How Do I Check the Dryer Thermostat With a Multimeter?

The thermostat in a clothes dryer is called a cycling thermostat. It is a bi-metal thermostat that tells the dryer when to use more heat and when to use less so that the dryer maintains the set temperature. Dryer thermostats tend to have a long life and rarely need replacing. However, if your dryer does not heat properly, uses far too much heat or has blown thermal fuses, it might require replacement. Check the dryer thermostat with a multimeter before scheduling a repair.

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug your dryer before working on it.
- 2
  Locate the dryer thermostat. These thermostats are often oval-shaped. Look for the thermostat in the venting and exhaust system or on the blower wheel housing. If you cannot find it, contact the dryer's manufacturer.
- 3
  Remove the two wires leading to thermostat by pulling on their metal connectors. Do not pull on the wires. Remove the thermostat from the dryer.
- 4
  Adjust the setting on the multimeter to “R X 1.”
- 5
  Touch one of the multimeter's probes to one of the thermostat's terminals. Do the same to the other probe and the other terminal.
- 6
  Read the multimeter's results. If it produces a result other than zero or infinity, the thermostat is faulty, and you need to replace it.

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