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Customer Questions and Answers for Thermal Cut Off Kit by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM9282978
Manufacturer Part Number: 279973

The Thermal Cut-Off Kit is an OEM replacement part for Whirlpool dryers, responsible for protecting the dryer from overheating by interrupting the power flow to the heating element if the dryer air temperature reaches a dangerously high level.  

Symptoms of a bad Thermal Cut-Off Kit include:

  • The dryer not heating up 
  • Excessive heat buildup within the dryer drum 
  • Clothes not drying properly  

Causes of failure can include restricted airflow from a clogged lint filter or venting system or a malfunctioning heating element causing excessive temperatures. These issues can lead to the thermal cut-off being triggered to prevent overheating, necessitating the replacement of the kit.

This OEM Whirlpool part can also be used on Maytag, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper, and Kenmore/Sears brand appliances.

Note: It's possible some models may use part number 280148 in place of this. Look at photo's for verification.

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Thermal Cut Off Kit (Part Number: OEM9282978)

1 Answer

Kiki, If the thermal fuse blows then it does not reset and would need to be replaced.

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1 Answer

Casey, the wire placement on the thermal cut-off is not necessarily important as the cut-off is a switch with only one path. In regards to the element, new elements tend to have a slight odor the first time or two as they heat up any dust that may have accumulated.

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1 Answer

Sadie, The only way to tell whether the hi-limit and thermal cutoff are bad would be to test them. You can test them for continuity and the best way to get to them will be to go in through the front of the unit.

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1 Answer

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

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1 Answer

Gary, a cutoff can fail due to age, a failed cycling thermostat, a grounded out element, and lint build up in the dryer cabin.

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Jim for Model Number Kemore 110.86572500 Electric Dryer

The dryer stopped providing heat so I pulled the heat element that had a crack in the metal plate (not the coil) but still had continuity across the connectors. I then pulled the high-limit thermostat which had continuity. I then pulled the thermal fuse which did not have continuity. I replaced all three and the dryer worked for approximately three cycles. One week after I replaced the parts and on the first cycle this past weekend the dryer stopped as it had blown a breaker. I reset the breaker and the dryer came back with a PF code which I understand is a power failure code. After I turned the dryer on I hit the start button and the dryer started and immediately blew the breaker. I reset the breaker and hit the start button again and there was a load bang and the breaker tripped again. I took off the kick panel on the front of the dryer and observed that the thermal fuse had blown apart with the connectors hanging with the wires. I have order the Thermal Cut-off Kit (part number #279973 (AP3094323)) but I am afraid that if I install the new parts I will blow the fuse again. Any suggestions on what could be causing the issue?

1 Answer

Hello Jim, likely the heating element WP8544771 is causing the problem and is likely shorted to ground, unless there is a wire in that area that has grounded.

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1 Answer

Roland, based on the information provided, the main control W11124284 is either not receiving the feedback from the sensors (wires will need to be inspected for any breaks) or is not registering the feedback properly. If the wires from the main control to the sensors are not broken, the main control would need to be replaced.

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Earl for Model Number MEDB850WQ0

This is a follow-up to the overheating problem with Maytag Bravos Dryer Model Number MEDB850WQ0. I followed your advice, and found that the heater relay was definitely a closed circuit (continuity). Thank you! That should be my problem. In reading the Tech Sheet for my unit, on page 5, "Heat will not shut off" section, it says to measure the resistance between P4-3 and P4-6 at the connector. Just as a check, I did this and could get no continuity across these two leads, therefore, no resistance measurement. I know the Exhaust Thermistor is good since I replaced it and checked it for continuity. Please explain. I was hoping that my problem of overheating is with the heater relay. The dryer is in very good shape, and the wiring harness looks fine, and not pinched anywhere. Thanks again! It should read as an open circuit, if closed then replace the main control board.

1 Answer

Earl, The reading from P4-3 to P4-6 should read 10k ohms if not the circuit is open, possibly a bad thermistor and/or a loose connection or an open wire.

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Earl for Model Number MEDB850WQ0

I have a Maytag Bravos electric dryer, Model MEDB850WQ0. It began to get too hot in the lower temperature modes, then overheated and would not run. The Power button worked, but the dryer would not start even when pushing the Start button. Using your website and the Tech Sheet, I found that the Thermal Fuse, Exhaust Thermistor, and the Thermal Cut-off had no continuity. The heater element is in in good shape, and not shorted against the duct. I therefore ordered and replaced the following components: Thermal Fuse, Exhaust Thermistor, Thermal Cut-off, and Inlet Thermistor. My exhaust duct is clean, and air flow is very good. When I turned the dryer on to test it, it was blowing very hot air in the Air Fluff cycle, when no heat should be on at all. Can you please provide any additional troubleshooting help? Thanks!

1 Answer

Hello Earl, since you have already checked the heater element and it is not grounded then check the heater relay on the main control board. Unplug dryer from the electrical outlet or turn off the dryer's circuit breaker and locate the heater relay on the main control board, it has black and red wires going to it, disconnect the wires and using a multimeter test for continuity. It should read as an open circuit, if closed then replace the main control board.

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