XPARTCO 8557403 Dryer High-Limit Thermostat with Thermistor Replaces WP8557403
The XPARTCO 8557403 is an aftermarket replacement dryer high-limit thermostat and thermistor sensor assembly compatible with a wide range of Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Admiral, Norge, and Magic Chef electric dryers — including the Whirlpool Duet and Maytag MED series. This single component combines two functions: the high-limit thermostat (rated L146-44C, opens at 295°F) acts as a resettable safety switch that cuts power to the heating element if the dryer air temperature exceeds safe limits, and the integrated 50-ohm thermistor continuously monitors air temperature and sends resistance-based readings to the control board to regulate the drying cycle.
When this part fails — whether the thermostat opens permanently or the thermistor provides incorrect temperature data — the dryer may produce no heat, run too hot, take too long to dry, overheat, or display temperature-related error codes. It measures 1-5/8"L x 1-5/8"W x 2"H with approximately 1-5/8" between mounting holes and is constructed from black/gray plastic and metal. It directly replaces WP8557403, 1180102, AP6013164, EAP11746386, PD00003588, and PS11746386. Note: the exhaust duct thermostat and thermal fuse are separate parts — if those have also failed, they must be ordered separately. Installs in 15–20 minutes with basic hand tools.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO 8557403 Dryer High-Limit Thermostat with Thermistor fixes Whirlpool Duet, Maytag MED, and related dryers with no heat, overheating, or erratic temperature. Combined part: L146-44C high-limit thermostat (opens at 295°F, auto-resets) + 50-ohm NTC thermistor. 1-5/8"L x 1-5/8"W x 2"H, ~1-5/8" between mounting holes. Replaces WP8557403, 1180102, AP6013164, EAP11746386, PD00003588, PS11746386. For Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, and Admiral electric dryers.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dryer produces no heat — high-limit thermostat has failed open
- Dryer overheating — thermostat not opening at the correct temperature
- Dryer takes too long to dry — thermistor providing incorrect temperature readings to the control board
- Dryer cycling on and off erratically — thermistor fault causing incorrect cycle control
- Temperature-related error codes on models with digital displays
- Multimeter test shows open circuit on the thermostat at room temperature
- Multimeter test shows open or shorted thermistor (not ~50 ohms at room temperature)
Replaces Part Numbers
This thermostat/thermistor assembly directly replaces the following OEM and cross-reference part numbers:
WP8557403, 8557403, 1180102, AP6013164, AWP48681, EAP11746386, PD00003588, PS11746386.
If your part number is not listed above, contact our support team before ordering and we will verify compatibility.
Compatibility
This high-limit thermostat and thermistor is compatible with select electric dryers only from the following brands:
- Whirlpool electric dryers — Duet, WED5000, WED5500, WED5600, WED5620, WED8000, WED8200, WED8500, WED9200, WED92HEF, WED7000 series and related models
- Maytag electric dryers — MED3500, MED5630, MED6630, MED7230, MEDB835 series and related models
- Kenmore / Sears electric dryers — 110-series (Whirlpool-built models)
- Amana electric dryers (select models)
- KitchenAid electric dryers (select models)
- Jenn-Air electric dryers (select models)
- Roper electric dryers
- Admiral electric dryers
- Norge electric dryers
- Magic Chef electric dryers
Note: This part is for electric dryers only. The exhaust duct thermal fuse and cycling thermostat are separate parts — if those have also failed, they must be ordered separately. Always verify your model number before ordering.
Key Features
- Combined high-limit thermostat and thermistor in a single assembly — replaces both functions in one part
- High-limit thermostat rated L146-44C — opens at 295°F (146°C), resets automatically when cooled
- Integrated 50-ohm NTC thermistor — continuously monitors dryer air temperature and sends readings to the control board for cycle regulation
- Dimensions: 1-5/8"L x 1-5/8"W x 2"H; approx. 1-5/8" between mounting holes
- Black/gray plastic and metal construction
- Electric dryers only — not for gas dryer models
- Replaces WP8557403, 1180102, AP6013164, EAP11746386, PD00003588, and PS11746386
- Compatible with Whirlpool Duet, Maytag MED, Kenmore, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Admiral, Norge, and Magic Chef electric dryers
- Aftermarket replacement built to OEM-equivalent quality standards
- Quick DIY repair — installs in 15–20 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
8557403 |
| OEM Part Number |
WP8557403 |
| Part Type |
Dryer High-Limit Thermostat with Integrated Thermistor Sensor |
| Condition |
Aftermarket Replacement |
| Application |
Electric Dryers Only |
| Thermostat Rating |
L146-44C — opens at 295°F (146°C), auto-resets |
| Thermistor |
50-ohm NTC (at room temperature ~25°C) |
| Dimensions |
1-5/8"L x 1-5/8"W x 2"H |
| Mounting Hole Spacing |
Approx. 1-5/8" center to center |
| Color |
Black / Gray |
| Material |
Plastic / Metal |
| Compatible Brands |
Whirlpool, Maytag, Kenmore, Amana, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Roper, Admiral, Norge, Magic Chef |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Dryer Before Starting — Electric Dryers Only Disconnect power before beginning. The 8557403 thermostat/thermistor assembly is typically located on the heating element housing or duct inside the dryer — access it by removing the back panel. On Whirlpool Duet and Maytag front-load-style dryers, the component may be accessible by removing the lower front panel. Photograph all wire connections before disconnecting — the thermistor wires and thermostat wires must be reconnected to the correct terminals. Remove the two mounting screws and pull the old assembly off. Note the position and orientation before removing. Install the new 8557403 assembly in the same position and orientation, reconnect all wires, and reinstall the mounting screws and panel. Restore power and run a test heat cycle to confirm normal operation. Tools needed: Phillips screwdriver, 1/4" nut driver.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this part unusual — why does it combine a thermostat and a thermistor?
The WP8557403 is a combined assembly used on newer Whirlpool Duet and Maytag MED series dryers that use electronic temperature control rather than purely mechanical thermostats. The high-limit thermostat (L146-44C) provides the traditional safety function — it opens the circuit if dryer temperature exceeds 295°F. The integrated NTC thermistor continuously reports resistance-based temperature data to the electronic control board, which uses the data to regulate the heating element and control cycle timing. Both functions are built into a single compact housing, making this a unique part that replaces what older dryers used to handle with separate components.
How do I test the thermostat and thermistor?
Set your multimeter to continuity or resistance mode. For the thermostat portion: probe the thermostat terminals — at room temperature, a working thermostat shows closed continuity (near-zero resistance). An open circuit at room temperature confirms the thermostat has failed. For the thermistor portion: probe the thermistor terminals — at room temperature (approximately 25°C/77°F), a working 50-ohm NTC thermistor should read approximately 50 ohms. A reading of zero ohms (shorted) or open circuit (no continuity) confirms the thermistor has failed. Either failure mode warrants replacing the complete 8557403 assembly.
What is the difference between 8557403 and WP8557403?
These are the same part. WP8557403 is the updated Whirlpool OEM part number that superseded the original 8557403. The 1180102 is also a cross-reference for this same assembly. This aftermarket replacement is compatible with all of these numbers.
Do I also need to replace the thermal fuse or cycling thermostat?
The 8557403 replaces the high-limit thermostat and thermistor mounted on the heating element housing area. The exhaust duct thermal fuse (WP3392519 on most Whirlpool-family dryers) and cycling thermostat (WP3387134) are separate components located on the exhaust duct and are not included in or replaced by the 8557403. If your dryer has no heat, test all thermal components before ordering — check the 8557403 assembly, the thermal fuse, and the cycling thermostat, then order only what has failed. If an overheating event caused the high-limit to fail, the other thermal components may be stressed as well.
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 from plastic and metal with an L146-44C thermostat and 50-ohm NTC thermistor to match the specifications and performance of the original WP8557403 assembly.
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