XPARTCO 279816 Dryer Thermostat Kit
The XPARTCO 279816 is an aftermarket replacement thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat combo kit for Whirlpool-built dryers. These are the dryer's two thermal safety devices, and they're bundled together in this kit because they tend to fail around the same time and share a common cause: restricted airflow that lets heat build up beyond safe levels. The high-limit thermostat is the first line of defense, opening at approximately 250°F (L250-80F) to interrupt heating if the dryer runs too hot. If that isn't enough to bring the temperature back down, the thermal fuse is the final failsafe, opening permanently at approximately 309°F to cut power to the dryer entirely.
That's an important distinction between the two parts: the high-limit thermostat is a cycling safety device that can open and close as temperature rises and falls, while the thermal fuse is a one-time device — once it blows, it's done, and the dryer won't run again until it's replaced. This kit includes both components plus mounting screws and a wiring set with a jumper wire and extra terminals, which is used specifically when replacing an older-style thermostat that had a wire pressing directly onto the heating element. A dryer that won't start at all, with no lights or response, usually means the thermal fuse has blown; a dryer that runs but won't heat, or that stops heating partway through a cycle, points more toward the thermostat. It directly replaces 2651, 279816VP, 3399848, 3977393, 3390291, AP3094244, AH334299, EA334299, EAP334299, PD00002348, and PS334299.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 279816 Dryer Thermostat Kit fixes Whirlpool-built dryers that won't start at all, won't heat, or stop heating partway through a cycle. Includes a thermal fuse (opens ~309°F), a high-limit thermostat (opens ~250°F), mounting screws, and a wiring set. Replaces 2651, 279816VP, 3399848, 3977393, 3390291, AP3094244, AH334299, EA334299, EAP334299, PD00002348, PS334299. Always inspect and clean the dryer venting when replacing this kit — a blown fuse or tripped thermostat is a symptom of restricted airflow, and skipping this step means the new parts are likely to fail again.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
Dryer won't start at all — no lights, no tumble, no response to any button
Dryer runs and tumbles but produces no heat
Dryer heats for a while, then stops heating partway through a cycle
Dryer that stopped working suddenly, especially after running unusually hot
Clothes coming out extremely hot right before the dryer stopped heating or stopped entirely
Repeated blown fuses or tripped thermostats on a dryer with a known venting restriction
Continuity test shows an open circuit across the old fuse or thermostat
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:
279816, 279816VP, 3399848, 3977393, PD00002348, AWP39198, EAP334299, AH334299, EA334299, AP3094244, PS334299.
3977393 is the thermal fuse component and 3390291 is the "new-style" high-limit thermostat component included in this kit. 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-built dryers across the Whirlpool family of brands, including:
Whirlpool electric and gas dryers — WED series
Maytag electric and gas dryers — NED series (select Whirlpool-built models)
Admiral, Amana, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Magic Chef, and Roper dryers (select models)
Kenmore and KitchenAid dryers (select Whirlpool-built models)
Verified model numbers include: WED6200SW1, NED4600YQ0, NED4600YQ1, NED4655EW1, and LER3624EQ.
Note: The wiring set included in this kit is designed for replacing an older-style thermostat that used a wire pressed directly onto the heating element. If your dryer uses the true old-style push-on thermostat and fuse combination (part 3977767), you'll need a different kit (commonly listed as APN197) instead of this one. Always verify your full model number before ordering. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure which kit fits your dryer.
Key Features
Complete combo kit — thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, mounting screws, and wiring set in one package
Thermal fuse opens at approximately 309°F as a one-time, non-resettable safety cutoff
High-limit thermostat opens at approximately 250°F (L250-80F) as a cycling safety device
Resolves "won't start at all," "runs but doesn't heat," and "stops heating mid-cycle" symptoms
Wiring set includes jumper wire and extra terminals for older-style push-on thermostat connections
Replaces 2651, 279816VP, 3399848, 3977393, 3390291, AP3094244, AH334299, EA334299, EAP334299, PD00002348, and PS334299
Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, Admiral, Amana, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Magic Chef, Roper, Kenmore, and KitchenAid dryers
Aftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards
Product Specifications
Part Number
279816
OEM Part Number
279816
Part Type
Dryer Thermal Fuse & High-Limit Thermostat Kit
Condition
Aftermarket Replacement
Kit Contents
Thermal fuse, high-limit thermostat, mounting screws, wiring set
Thermal Fuse Opening Temp
Approx. 309°F (one-time, non-resettable)
High-Limit Thermostat Opening Temp
Approx. 250°F / L250-80F (cycling)
Wiring Set
Jumper wire + extra terminals for older-style push-on thermostats
Quantity
1 kit
Compatible Brands
Whirlpool, Maytag, Admiral, Amana, Crosley, Estate, Inglis, Magic Chef, Roper, Kenmore, KitchenAid
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: remove the screws securing the panel to reach the blower housing area where both the thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat are mounted, usually close together near the heating element or blower assembly. Photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything, and note whether your old thermostat used a push-on wire connection at the heating element — if so, use the included jumper wire and extra terminals to make the new connection correctly. Remove the mounting screws holding each old component in place and disconnect their wire terminals. Before installing the new parts, test the old fuse and thermostat with a multimeter to confirm which one (or both) is actually open, rather than assuming. This is the most important step: 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. A blown fuse or tripped thermostat is a symptom of restricted airflow, and skipping this step means the new parts are likely to fail again. Install the new thermal fuse and thermostat from this kit in the same mounting positions, reconnect the wire terminals (using the included wiring set if applicable), and secure the mounting screws. Reinstall the rear panel, restore power, and run a test cycle to confirm normal heating and shutoff behavior. Tools needed: Phillips or nut driver (model-dependent), multimeter, vent brush or vacuum attachment for cleaning ductwork, work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this kit include two different parts instead of just one?
The thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat work together as a two-stage safety system, and they're bundled because they commonly fail together — both are reacting to the same underlying overheating condition, usually restricted airflow. The high-limit thermostat trips first at a lower temperature and can cycle open and closed; if that's not enough to control the heat, the thermal fuse trips at a higher temperature and shuts the dryer down permanently until replaced. Replacing both together addresses the full safety chain rather than just one link in it.
My dryer won't start at all versus my dryer runs but doesn't heat — which part is which?
A dryer with absolutely no response — no lights, no tumbling, nothing — usually points to the thermal fuse, since it's wired to cut power more broadly when it blows. A dryer that tumbles and runs normally but produces no heat, or that starts heating and then stops partway through, points more toward the high-limit thermostat. Testing both components with a multimeter will confirm exactly which one has failed.
I replaced both parts and the dryer failed again. What's going on?
This is a strong sign that the underlying cause — almost always restricted airflow — was never addressed. Neither of these parts fails from age; they trip or blow because the dryer overheated. If new parts fail again, 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. If airflow checks out and the parts still fail, have the heating element checked as well, since a shorted element can also drive excess heat.
Do I need the wiring set included in this kit?
Only if your dryer's original thermostat used a wire that pressed directly onto the heating element (an older-style connection) rather than a standard push-on terminal. If your dryer already uses a straightforward terminal connection, you can skip the jumper wire and extra terminals and connect the new thermostat directly.
Is this an OEM or aftermarket part?
This is an aftermarket replacement part built to OEM-equivalent quality standards. It is not a genuine Whirlpool OEM part, but is manufactured to match the opening temperatures, terminal configuration, and mounting positions of the original 279816 thermal fuse and high-limit thermostat kit used in compatible Whirlpool, Maytag, and related dryers.
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