279769 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Thermostat Kit
The 279769 is a genuine Whirlpool OEM thermal cut-off and high-limit thermostat kit for Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Estate, Crosley, and Admiral electric dryers. This kit bundles two components that guard against overheating at different thresholds: the 3390291 high-limit thermostat (rated L250-80F) monitors internal temperature and interrupts power at approximately 250°F to prevent overheating, then resets itself automatically once the dryer cools — no replacement needed after each trip. The 3977394 thermal cut-off fuse is the backup: rated at 352°F, it's a one-time safety device that permanently opens the circuit if temperatures climb high enough that the thermostat alone didn't prevent an overheat.
These two parts are sold together and should be replaced together as a set, since they protect the same circuit and tend to be stressed by the same underlying problem. Whirlpool's own guidance is direct: when the thermal cut-off fails, it usually indicates a venting problem, and failing to correct that airflow issue will cause repetitive failures even with new parts installed. Symptoms include the dryer not heating, clothes coming out extremely hot, or the dryer not running at all. This kit is commonly used alongside heating element 4391960. It directly replaces 279548, 2796769, 279769VP, 2821, 2004, 3387812, 3389946, 3398671, 3977394, 695563, 80001, SET184, SET198, TJSET198, ET184, AP3094224, AH334278, EA334278, EAP334278, PD00002485, PS334278, WP3390291, AP6008306, 3390291, 696397, and PS11741441.
Quick Answer
The 279769 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer Thermostat Kit fixes Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Estate, Crosley, and Admiral electric dryers with no heat, no power at all, or clothes coming out dangerously hot. Includes the 3390291 high-limit thermostat (250°F, auto-resetting) and the 3977394 thermal cut-off fuse (352°F, one-time). Replaces 279548, 2796769, 279769VP, 3387812, 3389946, 3398671, 3977394, 695563, 80001, AP3094224, PS334278, WP3390291, AP6008306, 3390291, 696397, PS11741441. Always inspect and clean the exhaust venting when replacing this kit — a blown thermal fuse is a symptom of restricted airflow, and skipping the vent check leads to repeat failures.
What's In The Kit
Component
Rating
Function
3390291 High-Limit Thermostat
L250-80F (~250°F)
Interrupts power to prevent overheating, resets automatically once the dryer cools.
3977394 Thermal Cut-Off Fuse
352°F
One-time backup safety device — permanently opens the circuit if temperature exceeds safe limits. Cannot reset.
Common Problems This Kit Fixes
Dryer won't start at all — no lights, no tumble, no response
Dryer runs but produces no heat
Clothes coming out extremely hot, hot enough to be uncomfortable to handle
Dryer that stopped working suddenly after running unusually hot
Repeated thermal cut-off failures on a dryer with a known venting issue
Dryer that shuts off prematurely mid-cycle
Cross Reference Information
Part numbers can change over a product's lifecycle as manufacturers update designs or release new appliance models. For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.
Replaces Part Numbers
This dryer thermostat kit directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
279769, 2004, 279548, 2796769, 279769VP, 2821, 3387812, 3389946, 3398671, 3977394, 695563, 80001, AH334278, EA334278, AP3094224, OEM9282681, SET184, SET198E, AP334278, L250-80F, PS334278, AWP39149, PD00002485.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This thermostat kit is compatible with select Whirlpool electric dryers, and also fits select Kenmore, Roper, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Estate, Crosley, and Admiral dryers built on the Whirlpool platform, including model numbers such as:
7MWET4027HW0
WET3300XQ0
WET4027EW0, WET4027EW1
WET4027HW0, WET4027HW1, WET4027HW2
WETLV27FW0, WETLV27HW0, WETLV27HW1, WETLV27HW2, WETLV27HW3
YWET4027EW1, YWET4027HW0, YWET4027HW1, YWET4027HW2
Note: This kit was used on Whirlpool-built electric dryers primarily from 1985 to 1995. Always verify your full model number before ordering, since Whirlpool used several different thermostat and fuse designs across its dryer lineup over the years. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
Genuine Whirlpool OEM part — factory-specified thresholds for both components
2-piece kit: 3390291 high-limit thermostat (250°F, auto-resetting) and 3977394 thermal cut-off fuse (352°F, one-time)
Resolves "no heat," "no power at all," and "clothes coming out extremely hot" symptoms
Addresses two overheat-protection thresholds in the same circuit at once
Commonly used alongside heating element 4391960
Direct drop-in replacement for both original components
Replaces 279548, 2796769, 279769VP, 3387812, 3389946, 3398671, 3977394, 695563, 80001, AP3094224, PS334278, WP3390291, AP6008306, 3390291, 696397, and PS11741441
Compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Estate, Crosley, and Admiral electric dryers
Genuine OEM replacement — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance
Product Specifications
Kit Part Number
279769
Kit Contents
1x High-Limit Thermostat (3390291), 1x Thermal Cut-Off Fuse (3977394)
Condition
Genuine OEM
Brand
Whirlpool
High-Limit Thermostat Rating
L250-80F (~250°F, auto-resetting)
Thermal Fuse Rating
352°F (one-time, non-resettable)
Companion Heating Element
4391960 (commonly used together)
Repair Difficulty
Easy to Moderate — basic tools required
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool, Kenmore, Roper, KitchenAid, Maytag, Amana, Estate, Crosley, Admiral
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — Inspect And Clean The Venting Before Reassembling Disconnect power at the outlet or shut off the circuit breaker before beginning. Wear work gloves. Access is typically through the rear panel, near the heating element and blower housing where both components are mounted. Photograph the wiring connections before disconnecting anything, since the thermostat and fuse can be easy to swap positions by mistake. Remove each old component from its mounting position, noting orientation, and disconnect its wiring. Before reassembling, fully inspect and clean the dryer's exhaust vent, from the lint trap housing all the way to the exterior vent hood, checking for lint buildup, crushed sections, or excessive length. When the thermal cut-off fails, it usually indicates a venting problem, and failing to correct that airflow issue will cause repetitive failures even with these new parts installed. Install the new 3390291 thermostat and 3977394 thermal fuse from this kit in the same positions as the parts they replace, reconnecting wiring exactly as photographed. Reassemble the panel, restore power, and run a full test cycle to confirm normal, consistent heating with no premature shutoffs. Tools needed: Phillips or nut driver (model-dependent), work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
My clothes are coming out extremely hot, hot enough to burn my hands. Is this the right kit?
Yes, this is a documented symptom this kit addresses. If the high-limit thermostat fails to regulate temperature correctly, the dryer can run far hotter than it should, producing dangerously hot clothing at the end of a cycle. Whirlpool's own parts support has specifically pointed customers with this exact complaint toward this kit. Stop using the dryer if you notice this symptom and replace both components promptly.
Why do I need to replace both the thermostat and the fuse together?
These two parts protect the same circuit at different thresholds and tend to fail from the same underlying cause. If the high-limit thermostat isn't regulating temperature correctly, the thermal fuse often ends up blowing as the backup safety measure. Replacing only one risks the other failing again shortly after, so they're sold and serviced together as a set.
I replaced this kit and the dryer failed again. What should I check?
This is a strong sign the underlying cause — almost always restricted airflow — was never addressed. Thoroughly inspect and clean the entire exhaust path from the lint trap housing to the outside vent hood, checking for lint buildup, crushed or kinked ductwork, or a vent run that's too long. Failing to correct a venting issue will cause repetitive failures of this kit even when it's brand new.
Should I replace the heating element at the same time?
It's worth considering if your dryer's heating element (commonly 4391960 on compatible models) is original and has been running alongside a failing thermostat, since sustained overheating can stress the element as well. It's not required, but since you'll already have the panel open for this repair, it's a reasonable time to inspect the element for visible damage.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a genuine OEM part, manufactured by Whirlpool to factory specifications — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance. It includes the same temperature thresholds and mounting configuration as the high-limit thermostat and thermal cut-off fuse originally installed in your dryer.
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