- 1). Turn off the dryer and let it cool before testing the thermal switch. On Maytag, Whirlpool and Kenmore dryers, the switch is on the fan housing. Older GE dryers place them under the lint filter. Newer GE dryers install them on the front of the fan blower.
- 2). Remove the wires from each end of the thermal switch. The wires attach to the switch differently depending on the model. Use needle-nose pliers to unwind the wiring from each end or a small flat screwdriver to remove screws that connect the wiring on each end to the component.
- 3). Connect a jumper wire to each end of the switch to bypass the switch. A jumper wire is an insulated copper wire. Any small copper insulated wire is useful in this procedure. Auto supply stores sell jumper wires in many lengths.
- 4). Wind one end of the jumper wire to the wire that was on one end of the switch. Wind the two copper ends together in a clockwise direction. Place a wire nut on the junction by pushing it on and turning clockwise at the same time. Repeat this procedure for the wire on the other end of the switch.
- 5). Turn the dryer on and wait for about five minutes. Open the dryer door and put your hand inside after it quits turning to see if the air is hot. If the air is heating, the switch is not working properly and needs replacement.
- 6). Replace the switch with either a new one or the old one that is working. Detach the jumper wire from each end of the switch wiring by removing the wire nuts and untwisting the wires in a counterclockwise direction. Reconnect the wiring to each side of the switch.
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