Customer Questions and Answers for Thermostat Heater by Whirlpool

Hello Sean, Sounds like the thermal cutout 279769 has probably opened. If this is the case, there are two things you need to be sure to do. First and most important, check the exhaust duct. The reason is simply because the thermal cutout is opened by temperature. The majority of the thermal cutout failures are attributed to the exhaust being crimped, clogged, or excessively long. You see, if the exhaust has too much back pressure, it blows past the felt drum seals and re-enters the cabinet, where the room temperature air is normally circulated through the unit. When the hot, moist air is re-circulated through the unit, it allows the thermal fuse is located and it is opened. This can be rectified by correction of the exhaust. The other thing you have to do is install the COMPLETE kit. The reason for this is the thermal fuse should open before the high limit thermostat does. The high limit thermostat is self resettable and this should prevent the thermal cutout from opening. In light of this, the high limit could not have operated properly and requires replacement. This is why the two components come in the kit together. Post an e-mail address and I can provide you with some illustrated instructions that will provide you all of the information on component location and access in addition to testing procedures.