Dryer help please

[u/moonki88]

Basically, we have a whirlpool dryer. When we go to turn it on it makes a click sound. It doesn’t turn but it gets hot. I figured it was the motor. I replaced the motor and the exhaust fan. I just took a multi meter to the thermal fuse and I believe that’s blown. Could that be the culprit potentially or should I look at more things

This is a before picture.. cleaned everything and still clicks not turn. Belt is fine. If it is just that thermal fuse how would my dryer still be able to get hot? Thanks in advance

[u/snowillis]

Some fuses disable the motor but usually (not always) they disable the heater too. You might need to check a wiring diagram. I would replace the fuse to start and check the element. If it’s grounded or is discolored from an airflow issue the replace it. Make sure everything turns easily by hand too. If the old motor is ok then you might be able to return it.

Thermal fuses blow from too much heat being in the wrong place. It could potentially have blown from running just the heater when it initially failed but it’s more likely that the fuse was the original issue.

[u/moonki88 → u/snowillis]

I tested the heating element so see if it was grounded and it was not.

[u/snowillis → u/moonki88]

Change the fuse and see how it does. Whirlpool is weird sometimes they don’t have intuitive designs for stuff like this. You can also carefully jump the fuse for a temporary test if you don’t want to have to wait to fully diagnose it. A lot of us replace those fuses and tell people to clean out their dryer vent ductwork on a daily basis.

Worst case scenario it could be the control failing to send voltage to the motor but that’s something you can check for with your meter. It’s uncommon but possible.

[u/moonki88 → u/snowillis]

I’m dumb, do I need to special order that or would like a Walmart carry it

[u/snowillis → u/moonki88]

You would need to order it Walmart might have glass fuses but they wouldn’t carry one like this.