How to replace a Whirlpool dryer high limit thermostat WP3391912

Is your Whirlpool dryer not heating up as it should? A faulty high-limit thermostat might be the culprit, impacting both your appliance’s efficiency and safety. Don’t worry—with our step-by-step guide and an easy-to-follow how-to video just below, you’ll have it working like new in no time!

If your Whirlpool dryer isn’t heating up, the issue may be a faulty high-limit thermostat. This important safety component shuts off power to the heating circuit when temperatures get too high. Replacing a defective high-limit thermostat is a straightforward repair that can get your dryer heating properly again.

Watch the full repair here

Safety first

Make sure to unplug the power cord or turn off the circuit breaker for the dryer. This prevents electrocution hazards while working.

Now gather the necessary tools and new parts.

Tools and parts needed

Tools:

• Phillips head screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver
• 1/4″ nut driver
• Needlenose pliers

Part:

• Whirlpool high-limit thermostat (part #WP3391912)

With everything ready, we can get started.

Read article: How to Clean a Dryer Vent

Disassembling the dryer

The first step is removing the top panel and control panel:

• Use a 1/4″ nut driver to unscrew the two back panel screws. Slide the top back and lift off.
• Remove the control panel corner screws. Unplug the wire connections and slide out the panel.

Next, open the dryer door and remove the lint screen. Take out the Phillips screws along the inside edge of the front panel.

• Close the door, tilt back the dryer on a wood block, and remove the front panel screws. Detach the door switch wire and remove the panel.

Now you can remove the drum:

• Remove the front bulkhead screws. Disconnect the moisture sensor plug.
• Lift the belt and slide the drum out of the dryer. Set it aside.

You now have access to the high-limit thermostat.

Read article: Why Is My Dryer Overheating? Understanding The Common Causes And Solutions

Removing the old thermostat

• Use a flathead screwdriver to detach the two thermostat wires from the terminals.
• Remove the two screws securing the thermostat to the burner tube using a 1/4″ nut driver.
• Take the old high-limit thermostat off the burner tube and discard it.

Now you can install the new replacement part.

Installing the new thermostat

• Position the new thermostat on the burner tube, lining up the screw holes.
• Secure it in place with the two screws using the 1/4″ nut driver.
• Reconnect the two wires to the thermostat terminals. Make sure they clip on properly.

Now the new high-limit thermostat is installed.

Reassembling the dryer

• Grab the drum belt and slide the drum back into the dryer, resting it on the support rollers.
• Loop the belt around the pulleys. Turn the drum manually to check the belt tension.
• Reattach the front bulkhead using the 1/4″ nut driver. Reconnect the moisture sensor plug.
• Replace the front panel, braces, control panel, and top panel in the reverse order of disassembly.

With all the parts securely back in place, the dryer is ready to be tested.

Plug in the dryer and verify it is heating up properly. The new high-limit thermostat will shut off power if temperatures exceed the safety limit. Take your time and follow each step carefully.

More information

Thanks for reading! We hope this article helped you replace the high-limit thermostat in your 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.

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