How to Fix the Operating Thermostat for a Dryer When Your Clothes Come Out Wrinkled

If your clothes are coming out of your dryer wrinkled, its operating thermostat might be at fault. Also known as a cycling thermostat, an operating thermostat is responsible for turning on and off the heating element within your dryer as needed. If it malfunctions or is bad and needs replacing, it can cause your dryer to start or stop heating your clothes at the wrong time. Wrinkled clothes are a good indicator that something has gone wrong with the timings, as excess or not enough heat can impact the pressing of your clothes and the proper completion of the cycle.

What is an Operating Thermostat?

An operating thermostat, or a cycling thermostat, is a device within your dryer that detects the internal temperature of your dryer at certain points of the drying cycle and communicates with the control board to turn the heating element either on or off.

Where is the Operating Thermostat Located?

The operating thermostat is located near the blower housing within your dryer so that it can detect when the air temperature gets too hot. If you need help finding your operating thermostat, you can use our general 3D rendering location guide below. The exact location of your operating thermostat is available in your user manual.

General Location of the Operating Thermostat in a Dryer

How to Access, Remove, and Inspect the Operating Thermostat in a Dryer

1. Make sure to unplug your dryer from the wall outlet, to avoid electrocution.
2. Depending on your model, you may need to remove parts of the top panel before you can access the rear or front of the machine. Consult any user manuals before disconnecting anything.
3. Using the appropriate screwdriver or wrench, disconnect the back panel from the dryer.
4. After locating the thermostat, remove any wires connected to it. Remember to take photos of the wiring first, so that you can see how to reconnect it later.
5. Disconnect any screws that are keeping your thermostat attached to the interior of the dryer, then you should be able to remove it.

How to Test the Operating Thermostat

1. Using a multimeter, touch the probes to the outer terminals which will appear as small, fingernail-sized pieces of metal that stick out from the thermostat. Some dryer models have three terminals, others may have two.
2. If the multimeter detects a current, indicating that the contacts are closed and the circuit is complete, there is electrical continuity. If there is little detection from the multimeter, it means that the thermostat does not work at room temperature.

How to Install a New Operating Thermostat

1. Reconnect any screws or wires to secure the new thermostat within the dryer cabinet.
2. Reconnect the top panel, if necessary, and reconnect any other wires or screws that you previously disconnected. Now your repair is complete!

Next: Troubleshooting the High-Limit Thermostat

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