How to Replace the Cycling Thermostat in Your Whirlpool Dryer

In order for your clothes to dry, the temperature inside your Whirlpool electric dryer can reach as high as 135 degrees Fahrenheit. When the temperature hits its peak, your appliance’s cycling thermostat, also known as an operating thermostat, turns off the dryer’s heating element, causing the temperature to drop. The opposite occurs when the temperature falls below a certain degree, meaning the cycling thermostat turns the heating element back on to ensure the dryer is hot enough to fully dry your clothes. A malfunctioning cycling thermostat can cause your dryer to either overheat, which can lead to a fire hazard, or it can cause a lack of heat, meaning your clothes won’t dry. If your dryer is presenting either symptom, you will most likely need to replace the cycling thermostat.

Appliance Repair Safety Tips

• Unplug your dryer or switch it off at your home’s circuit breaker.
• Wear work gloves and safety goggles to protect your hands and eyes as you repair your appliance.
• If you run into an issue while replacing the cycling thermostat, and you no longer feel safe completing the repair, please stop what you’re doing, and contact an appliance repair technician to finish fixing your dryer.

How to Replace the Cycling Thermostat in Your Whirlpool Electric Dryer

1. Pull your dryer forward and away from the laundry room wall. Using a quarter-inch nut driver, unthread the screws that hold on the lower, back access panel. Once the screws are out, take the panel off the dryer.
2. Locate the cycling thermostat, which is likely attached to the air duct housing.
3. Disconnect the wires running to the thermostat.
4. Using your quarter inch nut driver, loosen and take out the screw that secures the cycling thermostat to the duct housing. Then, remove the thermostat from the back of the dryer.
5. Insert the new thermostat into the opening on the air duct housing, and then secure it with a mounting screw.
6. Reconnect the thermostat wires to their proper terminals.
7. Now that the new Cycling thermostat is installed, you can reattach the lower, back panel.
8. Finish off your repair by plugging your appliance in and pushing it back into place.

If replacing the cycling thermostat did not resolve your dryer’s malfunction, please contact us today, and we’ll be happy to assist you in diagnosing and repairing your appliance.