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Just swapped out a thermal fuse versus a whole heating element on a dryer
Customer's Whirlpool dryer stopped heating, and the old me would have just ordered the whole element assembly for $85 and called it a day. This time, I checked the thermal fuse first with my multimeter. It was blown, a $12 part. The swap took 20 minutes and the dryer works perfectly now. I felt like a hero for not overcharging them for a part they didn't need. It's a small win, but it reminds me to always start with the cheapest, simplest fix. Anyone else have a go-to 'check this first' part for common no-heat calls?
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terrybennett5mo ago
Wait, you actually used the multimeter on a thermal fuse before ordering the whole element?
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josephl675mo ago
Used to be the same way, always jumping to the whole heating element. Changed my tune after a string of dryers where it was just the thermal cutoff or a bad thermostat. Now the multimeter comes out first every single time. Saves the customer money and honestly makes the job faster once you get in the habit. That little fuse is the culprit more often than not.
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spencerm465mo ago
Man, isn't it crazy how often the simplest part is the problem? I feel you, @josephl67, I used to make the same jump and just assume the whole heating unit was shot. You're totally right that grabbing the multimeter first saves so much time and hassle for everyone. It's one of those lessons you only learn after getting burned a few times, right? Now I check that little thermal fuse almost on autopilot.
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