How to replace the cycling thermostat in an electric Whirlpool dryer

Is your laundry coming out of the dryer damp and frustratingly not-so-fresh? It might be a malfunctioning cycling thermostat keeping your Whirlpool dryer from getting the job done. Don’t worry, though—our step-by-step guide and accompanying how-to video will have you back to enjoying perfectly dried clothes in no time!

If you’re wondering why your Whirlpool dryer isn’t quite drying like it used to, it could be a sign of a cycling thermostat that needs replacing. This little device is crucial for regulating your dryer’s temperature so your laundry gets perfectly dry without overheating. If your dryer’s heat cycle is more unpredictable than the weather, it’s time to take matters into your own hands!

If you need a replacement cycling thermostat, head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. Once you’re there, enter your model number to find your new part. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we’ve got all the resources you need to make installation a breeze.

Let’s bring the heat back to your laundry routine in the most satisfying way – by fixing it yourself!

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What you need

• 1/4-inch inch socket or nut driver
• Putty knife
• Replacement cycling thermostat (use your model number to check for compatibility at AppliancePartsPros.com)

READ MORE: Electric Dryer Leaving Black Marks On Clothes: Top 5 Problems and Fixes

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

READ MORE: Whirlpool dryer keypad not working: A troubleshooting guide

Replacement steps

1. Use your putty knife to press on the two clips and remove the bottom access panel.
2. Find the cycling thermostat on the top of the blower housing. It will have a red with a white stripe and a solid red wire.
3. Remove both wires and use a 1/4-inch socket to remove the two screws.
4. Remove the defective thermostat.
5. Install the new thermostat and secure it with the two screws.
6. Re-attach your wiring and then the access panel.

WATCH: How to clean a dryer vent

Dryer maintenance tips

• After every load, clean the lint filter to allow for proper airflow and prevent buildup that could start fires. Remove any lint or debris that’s accumulated in the filter. Rinse and scrub the filter with a mild detergent to remove stubborn debris; make sure it’s completely dry before reinstalling.
• Periodically check the mesh screen of the filter for tears and replace it if it’s damaged.
• Regularly inspect and clean the venting system to ensure it’s free from blockages. Use a vacuum cleaner or a long-handled brush to remove any lint or debris that may have accumulated in the vent housing. Be sure to clean the entire length of the duct and the vent attached to the back of the dryer.
• Clean the drum regularly to remove any accumulated lint or debris. Use a soft brush or a clean cloth to wipe down the interior of the drum.
• Check the door seal (gasket) regularly and replace it if it’s not sealing properly.
• Check the vent hood on the outside of your home for debris and damage. Replace it with a new one if needed. Use a vacuum or cleaning kit with a long-handled brush to remove lint and other debris inside the ducting.
• Don’t overload the dryer with laundry. The more items you put in the dryer, the longer they’ll take to try, which can mean a lot of extra wear and tear on your machine.
• Keep the dryer level and on a flat surface. Avoid using a dryer on uneven surfaces, which can cause it to wobble excessively or “walk” across the floor while in use.
• Don’t load soaking wet clothes into the dryer. This can make the dryer work harder and even damage it in some cases. Always let your washer finish its full cycle and wring out excess moisture before transferring laundry to the dryer.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the cycling thermostat in your electric Whirlpool dryer.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common dryer problems here.

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