17438200000404 Genuine OEM Midea Dryer Temperature Sensor (Thermistor)
The 17438200000404 is a Genuine OEM Midea replacement dryer temperature sensor (thermistor) compatible with an extensive range of Midea, Criterion, and Insignia electric and gas dryers. This NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor continuously monitors air temperature inside the dryer and sends resistance-based readings to the control board, which uses this data to regulate heating element cycling, prevent overheating, and maintain consistent drying temperatures throughout the cycle. As the thermistor heats up, its electrical resistance decreases in a predictable way, allowing the control board to calculate the exact temperature in real time.
When this sensor fails — whether shorted, open, or providing drifted/inaccurate readings — the dryer may overheat, may not heat at all, may dry clothes unevenly, may take much longer than normal to complete a cycle, or may trigger a not-heating fault on models with digital displays. As a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Midea to factory specifications, the 17438200000404 directly replaces WF-123X2060 (an alternate catalog cross-reference used by some suppliers, including for compatible Maytag-branded Midea-built units). Installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The 17438200000404 Genuine OEM Midea Dryer Temperature Sensor (Thermistor) fixes Midea, Criterion, and Insignia dryers that are overheating, not heating, drying unevenly, or taking too long to dry. NTC thermistor — resistance drops as temperature rises; ~10,000–12,000 ohms at room temperature (70°F). Genuine OEM. Replaces WF-123X2060. Compatible with Midea MLE41N1AWW, MLE45N1AWW/BWW, MLE45N3BMG/BWW, MLE52N3AWW, MLE52S7AGS/AWW, MLG45N1AWW/BWW, MLG45N3BMG/BWW, MLG52S7AGS/AWW, Criterion CDE41N1AW/CDG41N1AW, and a wide range of Insignia models.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dryer overheating — thermistor not accurately reporting rising temperature to the control board
- Dryer not heating at all — thermistor circuit open or shorted
- Dryer drying clothes unevenly — inconsistent temperature regulation during the cycle
- Dryer taking much longer than normal to complete a cycle
- Not-heating fault code displayed on models with digital control panels
- Multimeter test shows 0 ohms (shorted) or infinite resistance (open) instead of the expected NTC reading
- Dryer cycling heat on and off erratically
Replaces Part Numbers
This temperature sensor directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
17438200000404, WF-123X2060, AP7157538, PS18188581
Contact our support team with your model number if you need confirmation before ordering.
Compatibility
This temperature sensor is compatible with an extensive range of Midea, Criterion, and Insignia dryers, including:
- Midea electric dryers — MLE41N1AWW, MLE41N1AWWC, MLE45N1AWW, MLE45N1BWW, MLE45N1BWWC, MLE45N3BMG, MLE45N3BWW, MLE52N3AWW, MLE52S7AGS, MLE52S7AWW
- Midea gas dryers — MLG45N1AWW, MLG45N1BWW, MLG45N3BMG, MLG45N3BWW, MLG52S7AGS, MLG52S7AWW
- Midea — CLADE67W, MDD160A2301E1305, MDD160VG012F0110EUS13
- Criterion — CDE41N1AW (electric), CDG41N1AW (gas)
- Insignia electric dryers — NSDRE67WH8A, NSDRE67WH8AC, NSFDRE67WH8A, NSFDRE67WH8AC, NSFDRE77WH8B, NSFDRE77WH8BC, NSTDRE67W1, NSTDRE75W1
- Insignia gas dryers — NSFDRG67WH8A, NSTDRG67W1, NSTDRG75W1
Always verify your appliance model number before ordering. Contact our support team if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Genuine OEM part manufactured by Midea to factory specifications — guaranteed fit and performance
- NTC (negative temperature coefficient) thermistor — resistance decreases predictably as temperature rises, allowing precise temperature monitoring
- Sends real-time temperature data to the control board to regulate heating element cycling and prevent overheating
- Approximately 10,000–12,000 ohms of resistance at room temperature (around 70°F) when functioning correctly
- Compatible across both electric and gas Midea-platform dryers, including Criterion and Insignia house-brand models
- Replaces WF-123X2060
- Installs in 20–30 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
17438200000404 |
| Part Type |
Dryer Temperature Sensor (NTC Thermistor) |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Application |
Electric and Gas Dryers (Midea platform) |
| Sensor Type |
NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) |
| Resistance at Room Temp |
Approximately 10,000 – 12,000 ohms (~70°F) |
| Location |
Blower housing/exhaust duct or drum cavity, depending on model |
| Compatible Brands |
Midea, Criterion, Insignia |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting (Shut Off Gas First on Gas Models) Disconnect power before beginning (and shut off the gas supply first if you have a gas dryer model). Midea dryers typically have 2–3 temperature sensors: an exhaust thermistor on the blower housing or exhaust duct, a drum thermistor inside the drum cavity, and on heat pump models, an evaporator thermistor — confirm which sensor location matches your symptom and part diagram before starting. Access the sensors by removing the back panel on vented models, or the side/bottom panels on heat pump models. Photograph the connector position before disconnecting. Unplug the old sensor's connector and inspect it for corrosion or heat discoloration on the wires — discoloration indicates prior overheating in that area. Remove the mounting clip or screw securing the old sensor and pull it free. Install the new 17438200000404 sensor in the same position, reseat the connector firmly, and secure the mounting hardware. Reassemble the panel, restore power, and run a test heat cycle to confirm normal temperature regulation. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, multimeter (for testing).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I test if the temperature sensor (thermistor) has failed?
Unplug the dryer, disconnect the sensor's connector, and set your multimeter to resistance mode. At room temperature (around 70°F), a working NTC thermistor should read approximately 10,000 to 12,000 ohms. If the sensor reads 0 ohms, it has shorted internally. If it reads infinite resistance (open circuit, often shown as "OL" on the multimeter), the sensor has failed open. Either reading confirms the sensor needs replacement. If you have multiple sensors testing bad at the same time, check the shared ground wire — a broken ground connection can cause all sensors on that circuit to read as open even if the individual sensors are fine.
My Midea dryer has more than one temperature sensor — how do I know which one to replace?
Midea dryers typically use 2–3 temperature sensors depending on the model: an exhaust thermistor mounted on the blower housing or exhaust duct, a drum thermistor inside the drum cavity, and — on heat pump/ventless models — an evaporator thermistor in the refrigerant circuit area. The 17438200000404 is used across this Midea/Criterion/Insignia platform, but confirming the exact mounting location for your specific symptom (e.g., overheating vs. uneven drying) and model number before ordering will help ensure you're replacing the correct sensor.
What is the difference between 17438200000404 and WF-123X2060?
These are the same temperature sensor. WF-123X2060 is an alternate catalog cross-reference number used by some parts suppliers for the identical Midea-manufactured thermistor — it appears in listings for compatible Maytag-branded Midea-built units as well as the standard Midea, Criterion, and Insignia models. If your dryer's parts diagram shows either number, the 17438200000404 is the correct part.
Does this sensor fit my Insignia or Criterion dryer?
Yes — Insignia (Best Buy) and Criterion (Sears/Kmart) are house brands whose dryers in this size and configuration are manufactured by Midea and use the same internal components, including this temperature sensor. Confirmed compatible models include Insignia NSDRE67WH8A, NSFDRE67WH8A, NSFDRE77WH8B, NSTDRE67W1, NSTDRE75W1 (electric) and NSFDRG67WH8A, NSTDRG67W1, NSTDRG75W1 (gas), as well as Criterion CDE41N1AW (electric) and CDG41N1AW (gas). Always verify your specific model number before ordering.
Is this a Genuine OEM or aftermarket part?
This is a Genuine OEM part manufactured by Midea to factory specifications. It is the exact same NTC thermistor temperature sensor installed in compatible Midea, Criterion, and Insignia dryers from the factory — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance.
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