Whirlpool & Kenmore Dryer High Limit Thermostat Parts — Models & Compatibility

Your dryer drum spins but won't heat? Before replacing the element, check the high limit thermostat — it's the safety cutoff that prevents overheating, and when it fails, you're left with cold air tumbling your clothes for hours. This 3977767 high limit thermostat (replaces WP3977767, AP6009043) fits over 100 Whirlpool, Kenmore, Maytag, and Roper dryer models and typically fails after years of lint buildup forcing it to trip repeatedly.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your dryer's model number against our compatibility list below. You'll find it on a metal tag inside the door opening or on the back panel. Kenmore models starting with 110 and Whirlpool models beginning with 4K or 7E are the most common matches. If your model number appears in this list, you're ordering the correct part.

About This Replacement Part

The high limit thermostat is a one-time safety device mounted on the heating element housing or blower housing. It's designed to open (break the circuit) if temperatures exceed 250-280°F, which happens when airflow gets restricted by clogged lint screens or blocked exhaust vents. Once it trips, it won't reset — you need a replacement. This part typically causes three symptoms: complete loss of heat, dryer won't start at all, or ironically, overheating if the contacts weld closed. One repair tech noted: "Replaced the heating element and fuse. Had continuity through circuit but still wouldn't work. Replaced additional thermostats etc., it turns out that when the heating element shorted it also damaged the breaker, so I lost one leg of the circuit. Hence the drum would turn but no heat. Check the breaker for 240." That's solid advice — if you've replaced thermostats and the element but still have no heat, test your 240V supply at the breaker.

Installation Overview

This is an easy repair taking 30-60 minutes. You'll need a nutdriver and screwdrivers to remove the dryer's front or rear panel (depends on model). The thermostat has two wire terminals — disconnect them, remove the mounting screw, and reverse the process with your new part. Clean out all lint from the blower housing while you're in there, or you'll be replacing this again in six months.

Compatible Whirlpool & Kenmore Models

This thermostat works across multiple brands under the Whirlpool corporation umbrella. Below are confirmed compatible models — if yours isn't listed but shares the same part number (check your original thermostat), it'll fit.