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Customer Questions and Answers for Thermistor by Whirlpool

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Manufacturer Part
4.89 (64)
By: Whirlpool
Part Number: OEM18040551
Manufacturer Part Number: WP8577274

The Thermistor is an OEM part for Whirlpool brand dryers. It is a temperature-sensing resistor that monitors air temperature changes during the drying cycle. The thermistor provides feedback to the control board on heating element performance and internal air condition. 

Symptoms of a failed thermistor include:

  • Inaccurate temperature readings and selections  
  • Improper or incomplete drying
  • Safety issues from overheating due to lack of feedback
  • Error codes displayed on the control panel

Causes can be related to normal wear and environmental exposure over time. Failure prevents the dryer from achieving optimal drying conditions.

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

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Questions & Answers

For Whirlpool Thermistor (Part Number: OEM18040551)

1 Answer

Thomas, If the unit is turning and heats but stops heating then you will want to check the venting of the unit. If the vent is clogged it will cause the unit to not heat properly and will turn on and off more rapidly. Also check the thermostats and thermistor on the unit.

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1 Answer

Hello Tom. The thermistor does affect the heat of the dryer. However, thermistors do not show continuity. They change in resistance based on the temp inside the unit.

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1 Answer

Oscar, It's not likely a thermistor problem, not without an error code. You want to check and clean the sensor bars,and the area in the front of the drum at the bottom of the lint filter grille, with rubbing alcohol. If there's a softener build up on the bars, they stop sensing the moisture in the clothes and the dryer will shut off early and the clothes will be damp. You may also have a weak or overheating motor, that after a while the overload protector opens and removes power to the motor.

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1 Answer

Hello Keith. Then you will need to check the wiring. If it is good, then the board will need to be replaced.

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1 Answer

Hello Jason. You will need to order and replace the main control board on the unit.

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1 Answer

Hello CMT. Check the blower wheel belt and pulley and make sure they are good. If so, then check the thermistor in the unit.

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Andy for Model Number Kenmore Elite HE3

Recently my Kenmore Elite HE3 dryer stopped working - would not start when I pressed the start button. I checked all the usual suspects and found no continuity across the thermistor. I ordered a Whirlpool factory certified replacement part, installed it and the dryer started for about 3 seconds then quit. I checked the thermistor and again found no continuity on the new part. Is it possible the new part was faulty or is there something else wrong with my dryer causing the thermistor to fail?

1 Answer

Gerry, Depending on the abient temperature in the room the thermistor is being tested will determine the resistance. Based on the reading that you are getting the ambient temperature would show about 70 degrees which if the room temp is 70 this would be correct. At 77 degrees would be about 10k ohms.

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