Answer Hello. This is a thermistor WP2188820. It does not open and close, but reads different resistance based on the temperature of the unit. You can test this with a multi-meter TJMA-DMT3. Here is a link on how to use a multi-meter. Hope this helps. http://forum.appliancepartspros.com/oven-repair-including-ranges-cooktops/4810-how-check-continuity-ohmmeter.html Read More... Answered by AppliancePartsPros.com | Wednesday, December 28, 2011