Bosch Dryer: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Bosch dryer tumbling but not heating? If your clothes remain damp after multiple cycles and settings, this common issue may stem from a faulty heating element, a blown thermal fuse, or airflow restrictions. Addressing this problem promptly is essential to restore your dryer's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Bosch Models

  • Bosch official support lists heating element, thermal fuse, and defective timer as possible causes but recommends expert diagnosis.

Possible Causes

Faulty heating element

How to Identify: Dryer runs but produces no heat; visible break in element or no continuity on multimeter test.

Part: Heating element assembly

Blown thermal fuse / thermal cut‑off

How to Identify: Dryer runs but no heat; continuity test shows open circuit at fuse; often associated with blocked vent airflow.

Part: Thermal fuse/thermal cut‑off

Faulty thermostat or cycling thermostat

How to Identify: Dryer fails to heat consistently or overheats then stops heat; multimeter test of thermostat shows no continuity.

Part: Thermostat / cycling thermostat

Clogged vent or airflow restriction

How to Identify: Reduced/no airflow in exhaust; lint buildup present; dryer overheats or fuse blows repeatedly.

Part: Vent system / lint screen

Power supply/voltage issue

How to Identify: Dryer powers on and spins but heating circuits do not energize; breaker may be partly tripped or outlet not supplying full voltage.

Part: Electric supply (breaker/cord/outlet)

Faulty heater relay or control board

How to Identify: All typical heat components test good; no voltage delivered to heating circuit.

Part: Control board / heater relay

DIY Solutions

Inspect and Clean Vent/Lint System

Easy 15-30 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, vent cleaning brush
  1. Unplug dryer.
  2. Remove lint screen and clean off lint.
  3. Clean lint trap housing with vacuum.
  4. Inspect and clean external vent and ductwork to outside.
  5. Ensure no restrictions remain.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged.

Test Thermal Fuse and Replace if Blown

Moderate 30-60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, multimeter, replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer and access back panel.
  2. Locate thermal fuse (blower housing or exhaust duct).
  3. Disconnect wires and test for continuity with a multimeter.
  4. If no continuity, replace with exact OEM fuse.
  5. Reassemble and test dryer heat.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug appliance before opening.

Check and Replace Heating Element

Advanced 60-90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, multimeter, replacement heating element
  1. Unplug dryer and remove access panels.
  2. Locate heating element assembly.
  3. Disconnect wires and test element for continuity.
  4. Replace element if open, reinstall wires, reassemble dryer.
  5. Restore power and test cycle for heat.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure correct replacement part.

Professional Repairs

Replace Internal Components (Thermostat/Thermal Fuse/Heating Element)

Estimated Cost: $120 - $300

Control Board or Relay Replacement

Estimated Cost: $250 - $500

When to Call a Professional

You are uncomfortable working with electrical components
Dryer still does not heat after DIY tests and parts replacement
Circuit breaker trips repeatedly or power supply issues persist

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restriction that can lead to overheating or thermal fuse blow
    Frequency: after every cycle
  • Clean vent duct: Vent blockage causing poor airflow and heating issues
    Frequency: every 3-6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Bosch Dryer not heating?
Common causes include a faulty heating element, blown thermal fuse, or clogged vent.
How do I fix Bosch Dryer not heating myself?
You can clean the vent system, test the thermal fuse, or check the heating element.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repairs can range from $120 to $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If DIY solutions fail or if you're unsure about repairs, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Thermostat issues (3 mentions)
  • Wiring problems (1 mentions)
  • Venting issues or lint buildup (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and potentially replace the thermostat; ensure proper airflow.

    Success rate: 60.0%

  2. Check wiring connections behind the drum.

    Success rate: 20.0%

  3. Check for overheating due to venting issues or lint buildup.

    Success rate: 20.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Bosch dryer - I replaced the belt but now it won't heat and ...
  2. Bosch 300 Dryer
  3. Bosch Dryer stops blowing hot air
  4. Bosch Vision 500 Series Dryer - Drum turns with no heat

Community Discussions

won't heat

The green/yellow wire was connected to the ground, and the light blue wire was connected behind the drum.

DIY View on Reddit →

Drum turns with no heat

Reinstalled the thermostat and the dryer is now working.

DIY View on Reddit →

hi-limit thermostat kicks every couple months

Check for overheating due to venting issues or lint buildup; consider replacing the thermostat if necessary.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

stops blowing hot air

Check and potentially replace the thermostat; ensure proper airflow.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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