OEM vs Aftermarket Dishwasher Thermal Fuse for Whirlpool: Honest Comparison (675813)

You're staring at a dead Whirlpool DU920QWDB4 that won't start, and you've traced it to a blown thermal fuse. Now comes the decision: drop $70+ on the OEM part from an appliance dealer, or grab the Heima aftermarket version for $35.99. The price difference is real — we're talking half the cost — but is there a catch?

I've replaced hundreds of these thermal fuse assemblies across Whirlpool, Kenmore, KitchenAid, and Maytag dishwashers. Let's break down what you're actually getting with each option.

Quick Answer

For this part specifically, aftermarket wins on value without meaningful compromise. The thermal fuse is a simple safety component — it either conducts electricity or it doesn't. OEM offers no functional advantage here, just brand markup and potentially longer shipping times through dealer networks.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When OEM Makes Sense

Honestly? There aren't many compelling reasons for this specific part. If you're dealing with a warranty claim on a newer dishwasher (under 2 years old), the service center will require OEM. That's about it.

Some folks prefer OEM for peace of mind — the "it came from the factory, so it must be better" mindset. I get that. But thermal fuses are commodity components. Whirlpool doesn't manufacture these in-house anyway; they source them from suppliers just like aftermarket manufacturers do.

The one scenario where OEM might matter: if you've got a dealer relationship that gets you parts at cost. Some independent repair shops have arrangements where OEM pricing drops to competitive levels. If you're paying retail, though, you're just funding brand markup.

When Aftermarket Wins

For out-of-warranty repairs — which is most DIY jobs — aftermarket is the smart play. You're getting the identical function (opens circuit at 184°F to prevent fire risk) at half the price.

The Heima 675813 replaces OEM numbers AP3115186, 3375557, 3376359, and 679723 across dozens of models. I've installed these in everything from the DU920 series to DU945PWPQ2 units without issue. The connector terminals seat properly, the wire harness routing matches OEM, and the thermal cutoff point is spec-accurate.

Here's what matters with thermal fuses: they work or they don't. There's no "premium performance" version. It's a sacrificial safety device that blows once and needs replacement. Paying double for a badge on a one-time-use part makes zero financial sense.

The real advantage? You can order this tonight and have it installed by the weekend. OEM typically means calling a dealer, waiting for them to order it, then making a second trip to pick it up. That week of a non-functional dishwasher adds up fast when you're hand-washing everything.

Our Verdict

Go aftermarket. The Heima 675813 delivers identical functionality at $35.99 versus $70+ for OEM. You'll get faster shipping, a longer warranty, and the complete harness assembly. Save your money for parts where OEM actually matters — this isn't one of them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the aftermarket thermal fuse cause my dishwasher to overheat?

No. The temperature rating (184°F cutoff) is identical to OEM spec. The fuse's job is to open the circuit if temperatures exceed safe limits — aftermarket versions use the same bimetallic element and trip point as original equipment. If anything fails, it'll fail safe by cutting power.

Can I use this on my Kenmore dishwasher if it has a Whirlpool model number?

Yes. Kenmore dishwashers were manufactured by Whirlpool for decades. If your model number starts with 665 (like 665.13242K900), it's a Whirlpool-built unit. The 675813 fits those models perfectly — same mounting points, same connector.

How do I know if the thermal fuse is actually blown?

Disconnect power, locate the fuse near the heating element, and test continuity with a multimeter. You should see 0 ohms resistance across the terminals when the fuse is good. If the meter reads infinite resistance (open circuit), the fuse is blown. Don't skip this step — replacing a good fuse won't fix your dishwasher if something else is wrong.