Skip to Content
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • lovely images 15 million satisfied customers
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store

Customer Questions and Answers for Hi-Limit Thermostat by Whirlpool

Best Seller
Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18027138
Manufacturer Part Number: WP3977767

The Hi-Limit Thermostat is an OEM part for Whirlpool dryers. It functions as a critical safety device that monitors and controls the temperature within the dryer, preventing it from overheating. When the dryer reaches a temperature that is too high, this thermostat will cut off the power to the heating element to mitigate the risk of fire.

Symptoms of a bad Hi-Limit Thermostat include:

  • Dryer not heating adequately or at all
  • Clothes taking longer than usual to dry
  • The dryer repeatedly shutting off during a cycle
  • Excessive heat emitted from the dryer even on lower settings

Causes of a bad Hi-Limit Thermostat can include a malfunction due to electrical issues, lint buildup causing restricted airflow and increased temperature, or failure of other components like the cycling thermostat that can cause the dryer to overheat.

This OEM part is also compatible with Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore models.

More
$19.95
Compare At:
$23.94
You Save:
$3.99

IN STOCK
Ships Today Guaranteed
Add to Cart

Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Hi-Limit Thermostat (Part Number: OEM18027138)

1 Answer

Chris, the disc of the hi-limit thermostat WP3977767 should line up and secure down with the terminal connector as seen in the repair video available on the part information page.

Read More...

1 Answer

Kari, Thanks for the question!!! The timer W10846428 could have an issue or a power issue. Check out our YouTube video on for more troubleshooting this issue: https://youtu.be/B2KdV4lpvRQ

Read More...

1 Answer

William, one of the red wires will attach to the element and the other red wire would attach to the thermostat as seen in the repair video. The orange wire in the video can be ignored as your model does not have it.

Read More...

1 Answer

Julie, Before replacing parts, check to make sure that the venting from the blower wheel to the outside of the home is clean. This would be the most common cause for this type of issue.

Read More...

1 Answer

Bret, Check your venting from the blower wheel to the outside of the home to make sure that it is clean and free of any kinks or restrictions. You may also noticing that it takes longer to dry the clothing which is another sign of a blocked vent.

Read More...

1 Answer

Steve, The thermostats would be checked for continuity and should be closed for continuity. As for the reading you got on the heater, the heater should have a resistance value other than 0 ohms and having that reading would indicate a faulty heater.

Read More...
Chris for Model Number LEQ9508PW0

The dryer runs but doesn't generate any heat. I removed the back panel and examined the High-Limit Thermostat, and although it looks the same as shown in the video, there isn't an orange wire connecting to the small terminal at the bottom, only a red wire to the top terminal and a red wire to the white unit below the thermostat. If I order a replacement High-Limit Thermostat and wire it as it is currently configured, will the dryer work properly? Many thanks for any assistance!

1 Answer

Chris, it would be recommended that the terminal block is tested for 240VAC to ensure proper voltage can potentially reach the heating element. If there is proper voltage, the power cord would need to be unplugged and the cycling thermostat WP8318268 and hi-limit/thermal fuse thermostats 279816 would need to be tested for continuity to identify if one has failed. If any of the thermostats do not have continuity, it has failed. The heating element 279838 would be tested for resistance and it should measure between 7.8 to 11.8 Ohms of resistance. If these things check good, the timer WP3406725 would need to be tested for continuity from terminal BK to terminal R when set in timed regular. If there is continuity, the temperature selector 8528330 would need to be tested for continuity as there should be when it is set to a regular heat. If there is continuity, the motor 279827 has failed.

Read More...

1 Answer

Brian, it would be recommended that the red wire and the black wire on the terminal block of the dryer is tested for 240VAC. If there is proper voltage, the next step would be to unplug the power cord and set the timer WPW10185992 to timed dry. The timer would then be tested from terminal C to terminal A for continuity. If there is continuity, the timer is good and the heat switch WP8578354 should have continuity when set to a heat selection. If this all checks good and the heater shows a resistance of 10.6 Ohms, then the motor 279827 would be the cause of failure based on the information that has been provided.

Read More...

1 Answer

AnacondaSlim, with the power supply cord unplugged and the timer WPW10185976 set to air only, the timer would need to be tested for continuity from terminal C to terminal A (wire will need to be removed first). If there is continuity, the timer has failed and would need to be replaced.

Read More...

1 Answer

Hello Jim, This is possibly caused by excessive heat being held in the cabinet of the dryer. You should check for any restrictions in the exhaust duct from the back of the dryer to the outside atmosphere. You will also need to open the unit and make sure there is no lint buildup on the motor assembly which would cause the motor to overheat. You should also check the terminal block where the dryer cord connects to the dryer. Check for loose or burned connections. There also should not be any burned spots on the prongs of the plug which would indicate a loose wall outlet. If not, there could be a shorted motor winding causing the motor to get hot enough to overheat the motor and trip the motor overload. If you could please post a new question including the model number from the units' ID tag, we can provide part numbers and some more specific information. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

Read More...

Have questions? Ask our pros!

Contact us in a way that is convenient for you

Call us 1-877-477-7278
Need Help? Chat with a Pro
Or ask a question by filling in the form

Share your thoughts with other customers

Ask a Question
  • boxes images Over 2.1 Million Parts In Stock
  • time delivery images 2 Day Quick Delivery!
  • box-refresh images 365 Day Return Policy!
  • headphone imagesFree Tech Support!
  • google images Google Trusted Store