How to Replace 134587700 Dryer Control Thermistor on Frigidaire Electrolux Kenmore — Step-by-Step

Your Frigidaire dryer is either roasting your clothes to a crisp or running ice cold — and the culprit is probably the control thermistor. This small temperature sensor (part 134587700) tells your dryer's control board exactly how hot the drum is getting. When it fails, you'll see wildly inconsistent temperatures or no heat at all. The good news? You don't need to call a tech for this one.

What You Need Before Starting

This is a straightforward replacement that most homeowners can handle in under 30 minutes. Here's what you'll need:

• Phillips screwdriver
• Putty knife or flat-blade screwdriver
• Work gloves (those sheet metal edges are sharp)
• Towel or blanket to protect your floor

Repair Time: 20-30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Safety First

Always unplug your dryer before starting any repair work. If you have a gas dryer, turn off the gas supply valve as well. The thermistor is located inside the dryer cabinet, so you'll be working with sheet metal panels that can have sharp edges — wear gloves to protect your hands. There's no electrical danger once unplugged, but give the dryer at least 30 minutes to cool down if you've been running it.

Step 1: Access the Dryer Cabinet

Start by removing the lint filter, then locate the two screws inside the filter housing. Remove these screws with your Phillips screwdriver. Next, use a putty knife to release the spring clips holding the top panel — insert it between the top and front panel about 2-3 inches from each corner, push in, and lift up. The top should swing back on its hinges.

Step 2: Remove the Front Panel

With the top open, you'll see the screws securing the front panel (usually two at the top corners). Remove these screws. Now disconnect the door switch wire harness — press the tab and pull it apart. Lift the front panel up slightly and pull it forward to unhook it from the bottom clips. Set it aside carefully.

Step 3: Locate the Control Thermistor

The control thermistor is a small white or gray component mounted on the blower housing or near the heating element assembly. It's typically held in place with a mounting bracket and has two wire leads connected to it. On most Frigidaire models like the AEQ6000CES2 or CAQE7001LW1, you'll find it on the left side of the blower housing. Don't confuse it with the cycling thermostat — the thermistor has a smooth cylindrical shape with wire leads, not snap-on terminals.

Step 4: Disconnect and Remove the Old Thermistor

Take a photo of the wire connections before disconnecting anything — this'll save you headaches during reassembly. Disconnect the wire harness from the thermistor by pressing the locking tab and pulling gently. Remove the mounting screw or bracket holding the thermistor in place. The old thermistor should slide right out of its mounting bracket.

Step 5: Install the New 134587700 Thermistor

Slide your new thermistor into the mounting bracket in the exact same position as the old one. The sensor tip should make good contact with the blower housing or mounting surface for accurate temperature readings. Secure it with the mounting screw. Reconnect the wire harness — you should hear a distinct click when it locks into place. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it's secure.

Step 6: Reassemble the Dryer

Reverse the disassembly process: reattach the front panel by hooking the bottom clips first, then tilting it into position. Reconnect the door switch harness. Replace the screws at the top corners. Lower the top panel and push down firmly until the spring clips lock it in place. Replace the lint filter housing screws.

Testing After Installation

Plug your dryer back in (or turn the gas valve back on). Run a test cycle with a few damp towels on medium heat. The dryer should heat up normally within 5-10 minutes and maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cycle. Check your clothes after 20 minutes — they should be warm but not scorching hot. If the dryer still overheats or won't heat at all, you may have additional issues with the heating element, cycling thermostat, or control board.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my dryer thermistor is bad?

The most common signs are overheating clothes (dryer runs too hot) or no heat at all. You might also see error codes on electronic models. A multimeter test can confirm failure — the thermistor should show changing resistance as temperature changes, typically around 50,000 ohms at room temperature. If it reads infinite resistance or zero, it's definitely failed.

Can I run my dryer with a bad thermistor?

Don't risk it. A faulty thermistor that reads too high can cause your dryer to underheat, leaving clothes damp and extending cycle times. Worse, if it reads too low, your dryer will overheat — potentially damaging clothes, scorching fabrics, or even creating a fire hazard. Replace it as soon as you notice temperature problems.

Will this thermistor work on my Kenmore or Electrolux dryer?

Yes, part 134587700 is a direct replacement for multiple brands including Frigidaire, Electrolux, Kenmore, and Crosley models. It replaces older part numbers AP3866842, PS1149368, 1156925, and 134216500. Just verify your model number is on the compatibility list — this thermistor works with dozens of models including the AEQ and CARE series Frigidaire dryers.