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Customer Questions and Answers for Temperature Selector Switch (Rotary, 3-Position) by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18040620
Manufacturer Part Number: WP8578337

This rotary, 3-position temperature selector switch lets you choose the cycle's temperature. When it wears out, settings may not respond or temperatures may be wrong. Replacing it restores accurate temperature selection and dependable performance.

  • Provides user control of temperature with three selectable positions
  • Sends the chosen setting to the appliance's control system to achieve the requested temperature
  • Common signs of failure: only one setting works, temperature doesn't match the selection, or the selector is loose/hard to turn
  • Visible damage to the switch shaft or terminals
What's included: 1 rotary temperature selector switch Install notes:
  • Disconnect power at the breaker before servicing
  • Access the switch from the control panel/console
  • Note wire locations and transfer them one-by-one (or take a photo for reference)
  • Reinstall the existing knob, aligning the flat on the shaft as removed

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Temperature Selector Switch (Rotary, 3-Position) (Part Number: OEM18040620)

James for Model Number shawnskih@gmail.com

Hello. I'm working on a Inglis washer machine and it only fills with water when warm or hot water is selected, it does not fill on the cold water setting. I have cleaned the inlet valve filters and check the voltage on the inlet valves. It's was 120V on the cold line and 120V on the hot line. My guess now is it is the temp selector switch. Is the a way I can check for continuity between the 6 pins. The switch is part WP8578337. Thank you!

1 Answer

James, We will need to have the model number of your model to be able to assist with your question. Please resubmit your question with the model number.

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Mike for Model Number WTW5540SQ0

Greetings. I'm working on a Whirlpool washing machine, model WTW5540SQ0, that only fills with cold water. I suspect the Temperature Switch (part WP8578337). I considered the Water Inlet Valve (bi-metal), but when I measured voltages at the connectors, hot was always ~20 VAC and cold was always 120 VAC, regardless of the temp switch setting. Other Q&As mention an Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) feature which controls the inlet valve separately. Does this model have an ATC? Can the timer be overriding the temperature switch? How can I test the temperature switch? What pins (1-6) should have continuity for the 3 switch settings (Cold, Warm, Hot)? Also, with galvanized pipes, it is possible the hot inlet screen is blocked. Could this cause a failure of the switch or valve, if little water is flowing? Thank you for your expert advice!

1 Answer

Mike, Based on the information provided I would suggest checking the control setting and then with a multi-meter check for voltage to the hot water solenoid to see if the machine is calling for hot water.

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1 Answer

Jeannette, The Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) electronically senses and tries to maintain a uniform water temperature by regulating incoming hot and cold water. Even in Cool wash, some warm water is let into the washer to maintain a minimum temperature of approximately 70ºF. The first thing to check is the water supply faucets, the debris screens in the fill hoses and the inlet of the fill valve. Then if the problem persists replace the fill valve. Thanks,

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1 Answer

Mike, for the washer to not fill with cold water during the rinse cycle, the timer WP8577356 would have to be sending power through terminal 11 to the temperature switch WP8578337 and causing the hot water valve to be activated. From the information given, the timer would be the most likely cause for this issue.

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Rosie for Model Number RTW4340SQ0

Did not use to do this. (...so I am looking for the part to fix this issue.) I've washed clothes for years using this washer and when I set the temp switch to hot - I got hot. (I didn't get mixed water temperatures during the fill process - hot was hot - warm was warm - cold was cold.) I really miss my hot temp cycle. I wash a lot of items that require hot water for sanitation. Please ask around to other repair technicians to find out if anyone has seen and fixed this in the field. I do not want to go to HE washer and matching dryer. (I like the older models. I'm old school.) Speed Queens are too expensive for our budget and the ones that are in our price range have all those sensors and push buttons to open the lid or interrupt the various cycles. (Truly unnecessary features/regulations!)

1 Answer

Rosie, This would be considered normal operation for this washer. The only 2 parts that would control the temperature would be the water valve and the temperature switch and both of those you replaced and there would not be any other part to correct this issue.

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Rosie for Model Number RTW4340SQ0

I ordered the temp switch before asking my initial question; installed it and water temp still switched from hot to warm to cold to hot (etc.); I returned the temp switch and then ordered the intake water valve that you suggested might be the problem part; I install the water valve & the water temp still fluctuates from hot to warm to cold to hot (etc.) on the fly when using the hot temp selection; I will be returning the water valve next. So my follow up question: Is there any other part that could be causing my roper washer's temperature selection to change from hot to warm to cold and then back to hot several times during the fill process?

1 Answer

Rosie, This unit has a bi metal that will cause the unit to cycle cold water in and this would be a normal issue when the unit is filling with water.

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1 Answer

Rosie, There is a thermistor on your water valve that would most likely be causing this unit to change the flow from hot to cold and hot fill.

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1 Answer

Linda, You will want to check to see if there is power getting to the water valve. If there is not 120 vac getting to the valve then the temp switch would be the next item that would possibly be faulty. If there is power going to the water valve but no water coming in then the issue will be a faulty water valve.

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1 Answer

Chad, you'll need the temp switch if the shaft broke that the knobs installs onto. For the knob use part number WPW10196503 and for the temp switch use part number WP8578337. Thanks.

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