How to replace Frigidaire dryer control thermistor 134587700
Steven E / Tuesday June 4, 2024
Does your Frigidaire dryer leave your clothes damp or, worse, too hot to handle? A faulty control thermistor could be the culprit, but don’t worry—it’s a fix you can tackle yourself without calling in the pros. Dive into our guide, and be sure to check out the step-by-step video below to get your dryer back to optimal performance in no time!
Looking for the right part? Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!
The control thermistor in a Frigidaire dryer lets the control board know how hot the dryer’s internal temperature is. If this part fails, the dryer may run at incorrect temperatures, which can cause insufficient drying times and, if the dryer gets too hot, even damage your clothes. Fortunately, this is a relatively quick and straightforward repair that can be done without the need for professional assistance.
Let’s unpack the steps for replacing the control thermistor so you can get your dryer running again.
You can find a replacement control thermistor here. If you need other replacement parts for your Frigidaire dryer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.
What you need
- Phillips screwdriver
- Putty knife
- Needle-nose pliers
- New control thermistor (make sure it’s compatible with your specific dryer model before installing)
Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.
Read more: Must-Have Tools for Appliance Repair – DIY For Beginners
Check part compatibility
Before you replace the control thermistor, make sure you have an OEM part that’s compatible with your specific Frigidaire dryer model. To do this, you’ll need to find the appliance model number.
The model number will say MOD or Model before the numbers and is typically found on a sticker or a metal plate in one of the following locations:
- Inside the dryer door or on the door frame
- On the back of the dryer, near the top or bottom
- On the side of the dryer cabinet
- On the control panel or console
Once you’ve found the model number, write it down or take a clear photo of it for reference.
Next, visit AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can enter your model number to check if the new control thermistor is compatible with your model.
Read more: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number
Safety precautions
Your safety should always be the top priority when performing any appliance repair.
- Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
- If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
- If you have a gas model, shut off the gas supply to prevent any leaks while you work.
- Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
- Work in a well-lit area so you can 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.
- Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
How to replace the control thermistor
Follow these steps so you can swap out the control thermistor in your Frigidaire dryer.
- Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws from the back of the dryer’s top panel.
- Pull back the top panel slightly and lift it off to remove it.
- Find the access panel, which is held in place by two Phillips screws. Remove these screws.
- Drop the access panel down and pull it off the machine.
- Remove the two screws holding the bottom of the front panel to the frame.
- Press the releases on the two wire harnesses going to the main console and pull them apart to disconnect them.
- Feed the ends of the wire harnesses through the zip tie to pull them out through the front.
- Remove the two screws on each side and the one screw down on each side that holds the front panel. Be careful not to drop these screws.
- Find the four retaining clips holding the front panel, which are located below the screws that were just removed and further down.
- To release the upper panel retainers, use a putty knife between the front and the cabinet. Lift the metal locking tab while twisting the putty knife to pop the clip out. Repeat for the other side.
- If necessary, use the putty knife to free the lower clips, but hold the panel to prevent it from falling as you do this.
- Once the front panel is free, set it aside. Find the control thermistor on the blower housing.
- Note the positions of the wires connected to the old control thermistor. You may want to take a photo to use as a reference point later on.
- Use needle-nose pliers to remove the two wires from the old control thermistor.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the old control thermistor to the blower housing.
- Take the new control thermistor and place a screw in it. Hold the screw with the screwdriver while positioning the thermistor on the blower housing.
- Once both screws are in place, tighten them securely.
- Reconnect the wires to the new control thermistor. If needed, use your note or photo from earlier as a guide.
- Put the front panel back on.
- Align the blower housing seal and lock it in place with the retaining clips.
- Lift the drum to push the front panel in completely.
- Replace the two screws that hold the bottom of the front panel to the frame.
- Reconnect the wire harnesses by feeding them through the zip tie and connecting them. They should only fit one way, so make sure they’re aligned and pressed together.
- Replace the two upper screws inside the cabinet, above the clips.
- Replace the four screws across the top of the front panel.
- Reattach the access panel by aligning the pins with the holes, lifting it into place, and securing it with screws.
- Place the top panel of the dryer back on and make sure it sits in the front groove. The notches should align with the control panel tabs.
- Push the top panel forward to secure it.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to secure the top panel with the two screws at the back.
- Plug the dryer back into the power outlet.
- Run a test cycle to check for any problems.
Read more: How to Clean a Dryer Vent
Additional information
Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the control thermistor on your Frigidaire 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.
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With nearly a decade of experience in providing top-notch customer service regarding appliance parts and repair, Steven enjoys sharing practical advice, troubleshooting tips, and interesting information to help readers stay informed.