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

If your Frigidaire or Kenmore dryer is blowing cold air or displaying an E65 error code, the high limit thermostat has likely tripped to protect your machine from overheating. This 3204267 high limit thermostat is a critical safety component that shuts down the heating element when internal temperatures exceed safe limits — usually because lint buildup is restricting airflow through your vent system.

Is This the Right Part for Your Model?

This thermostat fits across multiple Frigidaire, Kenmore, Electrolux, and Gibson dryer series. You'll find your model number on a sticker inside the door opening or on the back panel near the power cord. Cross-check it against our compatibility list below — we've verified this part works with 30-series commercial units, FFLE front-loaders, CFLE compact models, and Kenmore 110-series dryers.

About This Replacement Part

The high limit thermostat is your dryer's fail-safe against fire hazards. It's mounted on the heating element housing and opens its circuit when temperatures hit around 250°F, cutting power to the heater. The most common reason it trips? Restricted airflow from lint-clogged vents. As one tech put it after a repair: "heater had fried" — that's what happens when the thermostat fails and can't shut things down in time. Before you replace this part, thoroughly clean your entire vent system, including any bends or transitions. If your vent runs more than 15 feet or has multiple 90-degree turns, consider having a professional clean it. The replacement itself takes 1-2 hours with basic screwdrivers and pliers — you'll disconnect the old thermostat's wire terminals and mount the new one in the same location on the heater assembly.

Common Symptoms

• E65 error code displayed: The thermostat has tripped due to overheating, usually from blocked vents
• Dryer blows cold air: Thermostat stays open and won't allow the heating element to activate
• Dryer runs but doesn't heat: Circuit remains broken even after the dryer cools down
• Excessive heat during cycles: Thermostat is failing and not opening when it should

Compatible Models

This 3204267 high limit thermostat has been verified to fit the following Frigidaire, Kenmore, Electrolux, and Gibson dryer models:

Installation Overview

Difficulty: Easy | Time: 1-2 hours

You'll need pliers and screwdrivers. Unplug the dryer, remove the front or rear panel to access the heating element housing, disconnect the wire terminals from the old thermostat, and mount the replacement in the same position. Make sure the thermostat makes solid contact with the metal housing for accurate temperature sensing.

Troubleshooting the E65 Error

When you see E65, the dryer is telling you the high limit thermostat tripped. Don't just replace the part and call it done — that's treating the symptom, not the cause. Pull your vent hose off and check for lint buildup. Run your hand through the vent opening on the back of the dryer. If airflow feels weak or you can pull out clumps of lint, that's your problem. Clean the entire vent path from the dryer to the outdoor termination before installing the new thermostat, or you'll be right back here in six months.

Part Specifications

• Part Number: 3204267
• Replaces: AP2131477, 508516, PS446428, AH446428
• Price: $44.99
• Compatible Brands: Frigidaire, Kenmore, Electrolux, Gibson
• Function: Safety cut-off thermostat for heating element

Why This Part Fails

The high limit thermostat trips due to restricted airflow from lint buildup in the vent tube. Every time your dryer runs, tiny fibers make it past the lint screen and accumulate in the exhaust duct. Over months or years, this buildup restricts airflow, causing heat to build up inside the dryer cabinet. The thermostat does its job and opens the circuit to prevent a fire, but once it's tripped multiple times or been exposed to extreme temperatures, it can fail in the open position permanently. That's when you need a replacement.

Order Your Replacement Part

Ready to get your Frigidaire or Kenmore dryer heating again? This 3204267 high limit thermostat ships fast and includes all necessary mounting hardware. Verify your model number above, and don't forget to clean those vents before installation.