How to Troubleshoot a Dryer's Thermal Cutoff Switch

Unplug the appliance power cord from the outlet.

Loosen the screw in the clamp surrounding the vent pipe on the back of the appliance, using a screwdriver. Pull off the flexible pipe.

Remove the screws around the edges of the rear panel to take off the panel, using the screwdriver. Locate the case for the heating element, which is usually on the left. On GE appliances, the element case is round and in the center.

Set the multimeter to "RX1" for testing the thermal cutoff switch, which is on the outside of the element case, usually along the left edge near the top.

Pull off the two wires attached to the blade terminals on the cutoff switch. The wires slide off with metal clips on the ends.

Clip the test probes on the multimeter to the blades on the cutoff switch. A zero reading at room temperature is normal. An infinity reading means the switch has tripped. Wait for it to cool and test again. Any other reading means the switch is bad and must be replaced.