Maytag Dryer High Limit Thermostat Parts — Models & Compatibility

If your Maytag dryer's running too hot or won't heat at all, the high limit thermostat is usually the culprit. This 303396 thermostat is the thermal safety device that prevents your dryer from overheating — when it fails, you'll either get clothes that come out scorching hot or a drum that spins cold air endlessly. This hub covers the direct replacement part that fits most Maytag electric dryer models from the MDE, LDE, and LSE series.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

Check your dryer's model number before ordering. On most Maytag dryers, you'll find the model plate inside the door opening, along the front rim of the drum, or on the back panel near the power cord. Look for model numbers starting with MDE (like MDE5500AYW or MDE7400AYW), LDE (such as LDE7304ACE or LDE9304ACE), LSE (LSE7806ACE, LSE7804ACE), or MDG for gas models. This thermostat works across multiple series because Maytag used the same heating system design for years.

About This Replacement Part

The 303396 high limit thermostat is a snap-action temperature switch mounted on your dryer's heating element housing. It's designed to open the electrical circuit at around 250°F to prevent fire hazards. When it fails, it either sticks open (causing no heat) or doesn't trip fast enough (letting the dryer overheat). You'll know it's gone bad when your dryer gets so hot it shuts off mid-cycle, or when you pull out clothes that are still soaking wet after an hour. This part replaces Whirlpool factory numbers WP303396, AP6007530, PS11740647, and the older 3-3396 and 481330 part numbers. It's a direct swap — same mounting holes, same wire terminals, same thermal rating.

Common Symptoms When This Part Fails

• Too hot: Clothes come out so hot you can't touch them, or the dryer shuts off with a thermal overload error
• Not heating: Drum spins fine but no heat at all — clothes stay cold and damp no matter how long you run it

Which Maytag Models Use This Thermostat?

This 303396 thermostat fits over 50 Maytag electric and gas dryer models. The most common ones are listed below, but if your model number isn't here, check the full compatibility list on the product page. All these models share the same heating element assembly design, so the thermostat mounts in the exact same spot with identical wiring.

Installation Overview

Replacing this thermostat is straightforward if you've ever changed a dryer belt. You'll need to unplug the dryer, remove the front or top panel to access the heating element housing, disconnect two wire terminals, pop out the old thermostat, and snap in the new one. The whole job takes about 20-30 minutes. No special tools required — just a screwdriver and maybe a nut driver for the panel screws.

Why This Part Fails

High limit thermostats wear out from repeated thermal cycling. Every time your dryer heats up and cools down, the internal contacts open and close. After a few thousand cycles, the contacts can weld shut or the bi-metal spring loses its tension. Lint buildup around the heating element accelerates failure — if your dryer vent is clogged, the thermostat trips constantly trying to protect the system, which burns it out faster. That's why you should always clean your vent system when replacing this part.

Part Specifications

• Part Number: 303396 (replaces WP303396, AP6007530, PS11740647, 3-3396, 481330)
• Trip Temperature: Approximately 250°F
• Compatible Brands: Maytag, Whirlpool, Admiral, Kenmore (select models)
• Dryer Type: Electric and gas models
• Warranty: Standard manufacturer warranty applies