Thermal Fuse, Safety Fuse, Temperature Fuse

W10436434, W10545255, WPW10545255VP, AP6023257, PS11757181, EAP11757181, W10258275, W10136011, W10258274

Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Amana, Kenmore

WhirlpoolWFE525S0HZ0, WFE525S0HZ1, WFE525S0HZ2, WFE525S0HZ3, WFE525S0HV0, WFE525S0HV1, WFE525S0HV2, WFE525S0HV3, WFE525S0HW0, WFE525S0HW1, WFE525S0HW2, WFE525S0HW3, WFE525S0HS0, WFE525S0HS1, WFE525S0HS2, WFE525S0HS3, WFE540H0EZ0, WFE540H0EZ1, WFE540H0EZ2, WFE540H0EZ3, WFE540H0EW0, WFE540H0EW1, WFE540H0EW2, WFE540H0EW3, WFE540H0ES0, WFE540H0ES1, WFE540H0ES2, WFE540H0ES3, WFE540H0EB0, WFE540H0EB1, WFE540H0EB2, WFE540H0EB3, WFE550S0HZ0, WFE550S0HZ1, WFE550S0HZ2, WFE550S0HZ3, WFE550S0HV0, WFE550S0HV1, WFE550S0HV2, WFE550S0HV3, WFE550S0HW0, WFE550S0HW1, WFE550S0HW2, WFE550S0HW3, WFE550S0HS0, WFE550S0HS1, WFE550S0HS2, WFE550S0HS3, WFG525S0HZ0, WFG525S0HZ1, WFG525S0HZ2, WFG525S0HZ3, WFG525S0HV0, WFG525S0HV1, WFG525S0HV2, WFG525S0HV3, WFG525S0HW0, WFG525S0HW1, WFG525S0HW2, WFG525S0HW3, WFG525S0HS0, WFG525S0HS1, WFG525S0HS2, WFG525S0HS3

KitchenAidKFEG500EBS0, KFEG500EBS1, KFEG500EBS2, KFEG500EBS3, KFEG500ESS0, KFEG500ESS1, KFEG500ESS2, KFEG500ESS3, KFEG500EWH0, KFEG500EWH1, KFEG500EWH2, KFEG500EWH3, KFEG500EBL0, KFEG500EBL1, KFEG500EBL2, KFEG500EBL3, KFGG500EBS0, KFGG500EBS1, KFGG500EBS2, KFGG500EBS3, KFGG500ESS0, KFGG500ESS1, KFGG500ESS2, KFGG500ESS3, KFGG500EWH0, KFGG500EWH1, KFGG500EWH2, KFGG500EWH3, KFGG500EBL0, KFGG500EBL1, KFGG500EBL2, KFGG500EBL3, KFEG550EBS0, KFEG550EBS1, KFEG550EBS2, KFEG550EBS3, KFEG550ESS0, KFEG550ESS1, KFEG550ESS2, KFEG550ESS3, KFEG550EWH0, KFEG550EWH1, KFEG550EWH2, KFEG550EWH3

MaytagMER6600FZ0, MER6600FZ1, MER6600FZ2, MER6600FZ3, MER6600FW0, MER6600FW1, MER6600FW2, MER6600FW3, MER6600FB0, MER6600FB1, MER6600FB2, MER6600FB3, MER6600FS0, MER6600FS1, MER6600FS2, MER6600FS3, MER8600FZ0, MER8600FZ1, MER8600FZ2, MER8600FZ3, MER8600FW0, MER8600FW1, MER8600FW2, MER8600FW3, MER8600FB0, MER8600FB1, MER8600FB2, MER8600FB3, MER8600FS0, MER8600FS1, MER8600FS2, MER8600FS3, MGR6600FZ0, MGR6600FZ1, MGR6600FZ2, MGR6600FZ3, MGR6600FW0, MGR6600FW1, MGR6600FW2, MGR6600FW3, MGR6600FB0, MGR6600FB1, MGR6600FB2, MGR6600FB3

Jenn-AirJES1450DS00, JES1450DS01, JES1450DS02, JES1450DS03, JES1450FS00, JES1450FS01, JES1450FS02, JES1450FS03, JES1450WS00, JES1450WS01, JES1450WS02, JES1450WS03, JGS1450DS00, JGS1450DS01, JGS1450DS02, JGS1450DS03, JGS1450FS00, JGS1450FS01, JGS1450FS02, JGS1450FS03, JGS1450WS00, JGS1450WS01, JGS1450WS02, JGS1450WS03

AmanaAER6603SFS0, AER6603SFS1, AER6603SFS2, AER6603SFS3, AER6603SFW0, AER6603SFW1, AER6603SFW2, AER6603SFW3, AER6603SFB0, AER6603SFB1, AER6603SFB2, AER6603SFB3, AGR6603SFS0, AGR6603SFS1, AGR6603SFS2, AGR6603SFS3, AGR6603SFW0, AGR6603SFW1, AGR6603SFW2, AGR6603SFW3, AGR6603SFB0, AGR6603SFB1, AGR6603SFB2, AGR6603SFB3

Kenmore790.91312013, 790.91312014, 790.91312015, 790.91312016, 790.91313013, 790.91313014, 790.91313015, 790.91313016, 790.91314013, 790.91314014, 790.91314015, 790.91314016, 790.92312013, 790.92312014, 790.92312015, 790.92312016, 790.92313013, 790.92313014, 790.92313015, 790.92313016, 790.92314013, 790.92314014, 790.92314015, 790.92314016

Professional Repair Time: 30-45 minutes
DIY Repair Time: 45-60 minutes
Difficulty Rating: Moderate (2.5/5) — Requires rear panel removal and thermal fuse location; straightforward component replacement with moderate mechanical skill

1. Turn off the circuit breaker to the range at the electrical panel to ensure complete power disconnection. For gas ranges, also turn off the gas supply valve.
2. Verify power is off by attempting to turn on the range. The display should be blank and the range should not respond.
3. Allow the range to cool completely if it was recently used. The thermal fuse and surrounding components can retain heat for several hours.
4. Pull the range away from the wall to provide adequate working space for accessing the rear panel.
5. Take multiple photos of the range back panel and any visible wiring before disassembly. This helps with reassembly.
6. Remove the rear access panel of the range by locating and removing the screws that secure it (typically 6-10 screws around the perimeter). Set the panel aside.
7. Locate the thermal fuse inside the range. It's typically mounted on the back wall of the oven cavity, near the control board, or on the oven vent assembly. The fuse appears as a small cylindrical or rectangular component with two wire terminals.
8. Take a photo of the thermal fuse location and wire connections before disconnecting anything. This is critical for proper reassembly.
9. Test the old thermal fuse with a multimeter (optional but recommended). Set the multimeter to continuity or resistance mode. Touch the probes to the two fuse terminals. A good fuse shows continuity (low resistance or beep). A blown fuse shows no continuity (infinite resistance or no beep). This confirms the diagnosis.
10. Disconnect the wire terminals from the thermal fuse. The wires are typically connected with push-on spade connectors. Carefully pull the connectors straight off the fuse terminals.
11. Label the wire connectors with masking tape to identify their positions (e.g., "left terminal," "right terminal") for reassembly.
12. Remove the mounting screw or clip that secures the thermal fuse to the mounting bracket or oven wall (typically 1 screw or a metal clip).
13. Carefully remove the old thermal fuse from its mounting location.
14. Inspect the old fuse for visible damage such as burnt terminals, melted housing, or discoloration. This confirms the fuse has blown due to overheating.
15. Inspect the mounting area for signs of excessive heat damage, burnt wiring, or melted components. If damage is present, the root cause of overheating must be identified and fixed before installing the new fuse.
16. Clean the mounting area with a clean cloth to remove any debris or corrosion.
17. Unpack the new WPW10545255 thermal fuse from its packaging. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the terminals.
18. Compare the new fuse to the old one to verify the terminal configuration, mounting hole position, and overall appearance match. Ensure you have the correct replacement part.
19. Position the new thermal fuse in the same location and orientation as the old fuse.
20. Secure the fuse with the mounting screw or clip, tightening firmly but not over-tightening (which can crack the fuse housing).
21. Reconnect the wire terminals to the thermal fuse, matching the labels you applied earlier. Ensure the connectors are fully seated on the fuse terminals.
22. Verify the connections are secure by gently tugging on each wire. The connectors should not pull loose.
23. Verify no wires are pinched or kinked between the fuse and the mounting bracket or oven wall.
24. Inspect the oven vent for blockages. A blocked vent is a common cause of thermal fuse failure. Remove any debris, food particles, or obstructions from the vent opening.
25. Inspect the oven thermostat and heating elements (if accessible) for signs of malfunction. A faulty thermostat or heating element can cause overheating that blows the thermal fuse.
26. Reinstall the rear access panel by aligning it with the range and securing all screws.
27. Push the range back into position against the wall.
28. Turn the circuit breaker back on to restore power. For gas ranges, turn the gas supply valve back on.
29. Verify the range display lights up and responds to button presses.
30. Set the oven to 350°F and attempt to preheat.
31. Verify the oven heats properly during preheating. The oven should reach 350°F within 10-15 minutes.
32. Monitor the oven temperature with an oven thermometer (if available) to verify the thermostat is functioning properly and the oven is not overheating.
33. Allow the oven to preheat to 350°F and hold that temperature for 10-15 minutes to verify the thermal fuse does not blow again.
34. If the range does not turn on, verify the thermal fuse connections are secure and the circuit breaker is on. Test the new fuse with a multimeter to verify it has continuity.
35. If the oven overheats, turn off the range immediately and identify the root cause. Common causes include a faulty thermostat, stuck heating element relay, or malfunctioning control board.
36. If the new thermal fuse blows immediately, there is an underlying problem causing overheating. Do not replace the fuse again until the root cause is identified and fixed. Common causes include a faulty thermostat, shorted heating element, or blocked oven vent.
37. Run a baking test with a simple recipe (such as cookies or a cake) to verify the oven maintains consistent temperature throughout the cooking cycle.
38. Monitor the range for 24-48 hours of normal use to ensure it operates properly without blowing the thermal fuse again.

Safety Notes: Always turn off the circuit breaker before working on the range. For gas ranges, turn off the gas supply valve. Never bypass or jumper the thermal fuse—it's a critical safety device that prevents fires and equipment damage. If the new thermal fuse blows repeatedly, there is a serious problem with the range that must be diagnosed and fixed by a professional. Do not attempt to use the range if the thermal fuse keeps blowing—this indicates a fire hazard or electrical fault.

Always identify and fix the root cause of thermal fuse failure. A blown thermal fuse indicates the range overheated. Simply replacing the fuse without identifying the cause will result in the new fuse blowing again. Common causes include a faulty oven thermostat (most common), stuck heating element relay, blocked oven vent, shorted heating element, or malfunctioning control board. Diagnose and fix the root cause before declaring the repair complete.

Inspect the oven vent for blockages. A blocked oven vent is a frequent cause of thermal fuse failure. The vent allows hot air to escape from the oven cavity. If the vent is blocked by food debris, grease buildup, or other obstructions, heat builds up inside the oven and triggers the thermal fuse. Clean the vent thoroughly and verify airflow before installing the new fuse.

Test the oven thermostat. The oven thermostat controls the heating element and maintains the set temperature. A faulty thermostat can cause the heating element to stay on continuously, causing overheating and blowing the thermal fuse. If the oven temperature fluctuates wildly or is consistently higher than the set temperature, the thermostat is likely faulty and needs replacement.

Verify the heating element is functioning properly. A shorted or stuck heating element can cause continuous heating and overheating. If the heating element stays on when the oven is off, or if the oven overheats excessively, the heating element may be faulty. Test the heating element with a multimeter or replace it if damage is suspected.

Check for proper electrical connections. Loose or corroded electrical connections can cause resistance that generates excessive heat, blowing the thermal fuse. Inspect all electrical connections in the range for corrosion, looseness, or damage. Clean corroded connections with a wire brush and tighten loose connections.

This thermal fuse is a one-time-use device. Once the thermal fuse blows, it cannot be reset and must be replaced. It's not like a circuit breaker that can be reset. Always keep replacement fuses on hand for emergency repairs.

Never bypass or jumper the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a critical safety device that prevents fires and equipment damage. Bypassing it by connecting wires directly or installing a jumper wire is dangerous and voids the warranty. Always replace the fuse with an identical OEM part.

Monitor oven temperature with an oven thermometer. After replacing the thermal fuse, use an oven thermometer to verify the oven is maintaining the correct temperature. If the oven is overheating or the temperature is inconsistent, the thermostat or another component may be faulty.

This fuse is model-specific. The WPW10545255 is designed for specific Whirlpool and affiliated brand ranges. Always verify your range model number matches one of the compatible models before ordering. Using an incorrect fuse can result in non-fit or improper thermal protection.

If the new thermal fuse blows immediately, do not use the range. Repeated thermal fuse failure indicates a serious electrical or heating problem that requires professional diagnosis. Continuing to use the range could create a fire hazard. Contact a professional technician for diagnosis and repair.

Keep detailed records of thermal fuse failures. If the thermal fuse blows multiple times, document the dates and circumstances. This information helps identify patterns and can assist a professional technician in diagnosing the root cause.

Consider professional diagnosis if uncertain. Thermal fuse failure can indicate serious electrical or heating problems. If you're uncomfortable diagnosing the root cause, consult a professional technician to ensure proper diagnosis and safe repair.

• Range does not turn on (completely dead control panel)
• Oven does not heat (burners may work but oven doesn't)
• Control panel does not respond to button presses
• No display lights or indicator lights
• Range works intermittently before failing completely
• Oven temperature fluctuates wildly
• Oven overheats excessively
• Burnt smell coming from range
• Visible damage to thermal fuse or terminals
• Range shuts down during cooking
• Control board is not receiving power
• Oven stops heating mid-cycle