Whirlpool 280148 Thermal Cut Off OEM Part

First ran the built-in diagnostic tests. Got error code indicating that the inlet thermistor was open. Removed lower access panel and did continuity checks on the inlet thermistor, thermal cutoff and heating element. Even doing these checks is very difficult on this model due to the location of these parts and the limited access through the so-called access panel. But was able to get an open reading on the heating element, so I knew that at least that part was faulty. Could not get a reliable reading on the thermistor or the thermal cutoff due to their location. After reviewing the video for replacing the heating element, it was pretty clear I was going to have to pretty much completely disassemble the dryer to get to the heating element, so I ordered the heating element and the thermal cutoff kit (includes the inlet thermistor and the thermal cutoff), just in case they were bad and had caused the heating element to fail. The video supplied by Appliance Parts Pros was very helpful, although there were a couple of steps that didn't quite match my model. The most difficult part of this repair for my model was figuring out how to get the front panel/bulkhead assembly removed so I could get to the heater assembly. Once I got that apart and had the drum removed, replacement of the heating element and the thermal cutoff components was trivial. As at least one other reviewer noted, the most difficult part of the reassembly for a single person is reinstalling the drum - you might want to enlist a second person to support the weight of the drum while you position the front bulkhead, which has the rollers that the drum must rest on, underneath the front edge of the drum. I did it myself, but it is not easy. This repair takes a bit of time and, although I have to confess to uttering more than one cuss word due to the idiotic design choices on this model, one of the benefits of having to remove everything to get to the heating element was that I was able to give the inside of the dryer a good thorough cleaning. This was the original heating element in this dryer and it had lasted 11 years. A lot of lint and dog hair had accumulated inside the dryer in those 11 years. By the way, don't put too much faith in the error codes you get from the built-in diagnostics - turns out that once I could get clear access to the thermistor and thermal cutoff to run continuity checks, they tested good. But I replaced them anyway and set the originals aside as spares.

Replace the thermal cut off and the thermostat

I replaced the heating element and the thermal cutoff and fuse since I had the dryer open and these things seem to be typical problems for whirlpool dryers. I also removed the back panel and gave it a thorough vacuuming as there was a lot of lint build up. The parts arrived incredibly quick, barely 2 days with the cheapest shipping option. Appliance Parts Pros rocks!

This is a Kenmore washer about 8 years old, I had to release top panel clips, raise the top panel, remove the door panel, the lint trap cover, removed back panel, the front drum support panel, released the drum belt by releasing the belt idler arm, then removed the drum and felt seal. Used multimeter to test for continuity of the heating coil and the two heating element thermistors. Removed the element cover and verified the element was separated on the bottom coil. The cutoff thermistor was suspect so decided to replace both along with the coil. I disassembled the washer by myself and this is not an easy job for a 77 year old with arthritis, in a limited space area. I had one of your troubleshooting guides, so it only took 30 minutes to disassemble, but over an hour to put back together. Son's extra hands for me was a must to reassemble. This is the 3rd time I've used your parts, and they always come as shown and they have always arrived in less than two days, once within 27 hours, which is a great benefit!! I once ordered a part from Sears and it took 4 days on an expedited order. I always recommend you to friends, but I don't offer to help them, only to supervise! Thank you for great service and user friendly website.

Replaced heating element and thermostat. Job took about thirty minutes not too difficult. Dryer is working fine now.