WP8577891 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer High-Limit Thermostat
The WP8577891 is a genuine Whirlpool OEM high-limit thermostat for Whirlpool, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, and Roper dryers. This part combines two functions in a single component: it acts as a safety mechanism that shuts off the heating element when the dryer overheats, and it includes an inlet thermistor that monitors the temperature of the inlet air feeding into the dryer.
Rated L260-68F: the heating element cuts out once internal temperature reaches 260°F, and kicks back in once temperature drops to 192°F, a 68°F differential built into the design. Weighing approximately 0.08 lbs, with package dimensions of 4.33" x 3.43" x 0.79". Because this is a safety-critical component, a malfunctioning thermostat can shut off the dryer even when it isn't actually overheating, in addition to producing the more expected overheating symptom if it fails to trip when it should. Symptoms include the dryer overheating, blown thermal fuses, or the dryer shutting off unexpectedly during a cycle. It directly replaces 8577891, 314654, AP6013527, AWP48573, EAP11746753, OEM18040590, L260-68F, L126.7-37.7C, PD00003286, PS11746753.
Quick Answer
The WP8577891 Genuine OEM Whirlpool Dryer High-Limit Thermostat fixes Whirlpool, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, and Roper dryers with overheating, blown thermal fuses, or unexpected shutoffs during a cycle. L260-68F rating. Replaces 8577891, 314654, AP6013527, AWP48573, EAP11746753, OEM18040590, L260-68F, L126.7-37.7C, PD00003286, PS11746753. Test the old thermostat's continuity with a multimeter before ordering — one customer found this quick check would have confirmed the part was actually needed before they bought a replacement.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dryer overheating during a cycle
- Dryer blowing thermal fuses repeatedly
- Dryer shutting off unexpectedly, even when it doesn't seem to be overheating
- Dryer not heating properly due to a malfunctioning safety cutoff
- Irregular or inconsistent drying cycles
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 For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.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 high-limit thermostat directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
WP8577891, 8577891, 314654, AP6013527, AWP48573, EAP11746753, OEM18040590, L260-68F, L126.7-37.7C, PD00003286, PS11746753
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This high-limit thermostat is compatible with select Whirlpool electric dryers, and also fits select Maytag, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, and Roper dryers built on the Whirlpool platform, including model numbers such as MED6600TQ0, WED6200SW0, WED6200SW1, WED6600VU0, WED6600VW0, WED6600WL0, YMED6600TQ0, YWED6200SW1, YWED6600VU0, YWED6600VW0, and YWED6600WL0.
Note: Always verify your full model number before ordering, since Whirlpool uses different high-limit thermostat designs across its dryer lineup. Contact our support team with your model number if you're unsure.
Key Features
- Genuine Whirlpool OEM part — factory-specified opening and reset temperatures
- Combines high-limit thermostat and inlet thermistor functions in one component
- Resolves "overheating," "blown thermal fuses," and "unexpected shutoff mid-cycle" symptoms
- L260-68F rating — opens at 260°F
- Automatically resetting — no replacement needed after each trip
- Direct drop-in replacement matching the original mounting and terminal configuration
- Replaces 8577891, 314654, AP6013527, AWP48573, EAP11746753, OEM18040590, L260-68F, L126.7-37.7C, PD00003286, PS11746753
- Compatible with Whirlpool, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, and Roper dryers
- Genuine OEM replacement — guaranteed fit, materials, and performance
- Approximately 30-minute repair
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
WP8577891 |
| Part Type |
Dryer High-Limit Thermostat with Inlet Thermistor |
| Condition |
Genuine OEM |
| Brand |
Whirlpool |
| Rating |
L260-68F |
| Type |
Automatically resetting |
| Weight |
Approx. 0.08 lbs |
| Package Dimensions |
4.33" x 3.43" x 0.79" |
| Repair Difficulty |
Easy — approx. 30 minutes |
| Quantity |
1 high-limit thermostat |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Maytag, Jenn-Air, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Amana, Magic Chef, Admiral, Norge, Roper |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — Test With A Multimeter Before Assuming It's This Part Disconnect power at the outlet or shut off the circuit breaker before beginning. Wear work gloves. Unscrew and remove the dryer's exhaust vent hose, then use a nut driver to remove the back panel. Locate the high-limit thermostat, typically mounted near the heating element housing. Before removing the old part, test it with a multimeter set to continuity — a healthy thermostat shows continuity; one that doesn't should be replaced. Photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything. Disconnect the wire terminals from the old thermostat, remove its mounting screw, and pull it free. Install the new WP8577891 in the same position, reconnect the wire terminals, and secure the mounting screw. Reattach the back panel and exhaust vent hose. Restore power and run a full test cycle to confirm normal, consistent heating with no premature shutoffs. Tools needed: nut driver, flat-head screwdriver, multimeter, work gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if this thermostat has actually failed before I order one?
Test the old thermostat with a multimeter set to continuity before ordering — it's a simple, quick check. One customer specifically noted they wished they had tested the part first: they ordered a replacement, then discovered testing the old one with a multimeter was easy to do and would have confirmed whether they actually needed the new part before buying it.
My dryer shuts off even though it doesn't feel like it's overheating. Could this still be the thermostat?
Yes. A malfunctioning high-limit thermostat can shut off the dryer even when actual temperatures are normal, not just when the dryer is genuinely running too hot. If your dryer stops mid-cycle without an obvious overheating cause, this thermostat is worth testing.
Should I replace other parts at the same time as this thermostat?
If your dryer has also blown a thermal fuse, it's worth replacing the fuse and any related thermal cutoff components together with this thermostat, since they often fail from the same underlying overheating cause. Also check your exhaust venting for restrictions while you have the dryer open, since blocked airflow is a common root cause of repeated thermal component failures.
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 matches the original opening and reset temperatures and mounting configuration of the high-limit thermostat originally installed in your dryer.
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