THERMAL FUSE BLOWN
Kenmore · 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer
No heat or won't start. One-time-use fuse blown from overheating. Replace fuse AND clean exhaust vent.
Error THERMAL FUSE BLOWN on the Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer means: Thermal Fuse Blown. The top-ranked community fix is “Replace the Thermal Fuse and Inspect Heating Element” (medium difficulty, ~45 min, DIY cost: $10-$20). 2 community-ranked fixes available below.
Published February 2026 · 2 fixes · dryer
Content is based on manufacturer service documentation, community repair experience, and OEM technical bulletins. Always verify with your owner's manual.Learn about our editorial standards.
While many dryer repairs can be done safely at home, consider hiring a qualified technician if:
Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150-$220.
Dryer Belt Broken
Child Lock Active
Exhaust Duct 80% Blocked
Exhaust Duct 90% Blocked
Exhaust Duct 95% Blocked
Drum Glides Worn
Drum Rollers Squeaking/Thumping
Heating Element Burned Out
The Kenmore 796.81382 Elite Electric Dryer has 8 other known error codes:
Error code THERMAL FUSE BLOWN also appears on 1 other Kenmore model:
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