How to Replace the Thermal Cutoff on a Kenmore Dryer
- 1). Follow appropriate safety precautions when repairing your Kenmore dryer. Unplug the dryer from its electrical outlet and disconnect the supply of gas, if applicable.
- 2). Remove the bottom kick panel to access the thermal cutoff; note that the thermal cutoff sometimes is positioned behind the rear panel in older Kenmore dryer models. Locate the metal clips 4 inches in from either side of the kick panel; apply pressure to the clips with a putty knife or flathead screwdriver until the panel comes free of the dryer cabinet. Take out the four corner screws to remove the rear dryer panel if you are unable to locate the thermal cutoff behind the appliance's bottom kick panel.
- 3). Identify the thermal cutoff among the exposed dryer components. Look for a thin strip of opaque white plastic with a wire attached to each end. Grasp the wires between your thumb and forefinger and pull gently to disconnect them from the thermal cutoff. Remove the small screw at the center of the plastic strip to free the thermal cutoff. Discard the old Kenmore thermal cutoff as it cannot be reused.
- 4). Line up the screw hole at the center of the new thermal cutoff with the screw hole on your Kenmore dryer. Insert and tighten the removed screw to hold the new thermal cutoff in place. Attach one of the removed wires to each end of the new thermal cutoff.
- 5). Replace the bottom kick or rear dryer panels to complete the thermal cutoff replacement process. Line the sides of the kick panel up with the sides of the dryer cabinet; press against the panel to snap it into place. Hold the rear panel to the back of the dryer cabinet, then insert and tighten the four removed corner screws. Restore electricity or gas to the appliance.
