Whirlpool Oven Temperature Sensor Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your Whirlpool oven's temperature sensor (also called a thermistor or RTD sensor) is the brain behind accurate baking temperatures. When it fails, you'll notice erratic temperatures — either your oven runs too hot and burns everything, or it barely heats at all. The W10181986 sensor fits multiple Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Kenmore oven models, making it one of the most common replacement parts for these brands.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

The temperature sensor looks like a thin metal probe that extends into the oven cavity, usually located on the back wall. To verify you need part number W10181986, check your model number (found on the door frame or inside the oven door) against our compatibility list below. This sensor replaces older part numbers WPW10181986, AP6016450, 8273902, and W10131826 — if any of those are referenced in your manual, this is your part.

About This Replacement Part

The temperature sensor is a resistor that changes resistance as the oven heats up. Your control board reads this resistance to determine the actual cavity temperature. When the sensor degrades or develops an open circuit, the control board can't accurately read temperatures — leading to several telltale symptoms. You'll notice little to no heat when baking, the oven running too hot and burning food, or uneven heating across the cavity. In some cases, a failed sensor will prevent the oven from starting at all, as the control board sees an error condition. Broiling may also be affected if the sensor can't communicate proper temperatures to cycle the broil element.

Compatible Whirlpool Models

This temperature sensor fits the following 20 model series. Each listing shows the exact model number — verify yours matches before ordering:

• WFE540H0AS0 — Whirlpool freestanding electric range
• WFE540H0ES0 — Whirlpool freestanding electric range
• WFC310S0AW0 — Whirlpool 30-inch electric range
• 4KMER7685EW1 — Whirlpool double oven range
• 4KWFC120MAW0 — Whirlpool slide-in electric range
• 4KWFE7685ES0 — Whirlpool freestanding range
• GFG464LVS1 — Whirlpool gas range (sensor for electric oven)
• RF364PXPQ2 — Whirlpool 30-inch range
• ACR2303MFW0 — Amana electric range
• ACR2303MFW1 — Amana electric range
• ACR4303MEB0 — Amana 30-inch range
• ACR4303MES0 — Amana freestanding range
• ACR4303MEW0 — Amana electric range
• ACR2303MFW2 — Maytag electric range

This sensor is used across dozens of additional models from Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana, and Kenmore brands. If your model isn't listed above but shares the same chassis design (typically 30-inch freestanding or slide-in electric ranges from 2010-2020), check the part number on your existing sensor to confirm compatibility.

Installation Overview

Replacing the temperature sensor requires disconnecting power, removing the oven's back panel (accessed from inside the cavity), and unplugging the sensor from its wire harness. The sensor threads into a mounting bracket and is held by a single screw or clip. Most DIYers complete this repair in 20-30 minutes with basic hand tools. Always verify the new sensor reads around 1080-1100 ohms at room temperature using a multimeter before installation — this confirms it's functioning correctly out of the box.

Troubleshooting Temperature Issues

Before replacing the sensor, test it with a multimeter. At room temperature (around 70°F), it should read approximately 1100 ohms. As the oven heats, resistance should increase smoothly — if you see an open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading far outside the normal range, the sensor has failed. Also check the wire harness for visible damage or loose connections, as a broken wire can cause identical symptoms.