XPARTCO WE4M137 Dryer High Limit Thermostat
The XPARTCO WE4M137 is an aftermarket replacement high limit thermostat for GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore dryers. Mounted on the upper right side of the heater housing, this safety thermostat monitors the temperature of the heating circuit and cuts power to the heating element (and in some conditions the motor) if the dryer runs hotter than it should — typically from restricted airflow, a clogged vent, or a failing cycling thermostat. Unlike a one-time thermal fuse, this is an auto-resetting high limit thermostat (rated L315-65F): it opens at approximately 315°F to stop overheating, then automatically closes again once the unit cools down, without needing to be replaced after each trip.
This is a direct-fit aftermarket replacement built to the same temperature rating and mounting as the original thermostat. If this component trips repeatedly, it's worth checking the underlying cause of the overheating at the same time — a clogged lint trap or restricted exhaust vent is the most common root cause.
Quick Answer
The XPARTCO WE4M137 High Limit Thermostat fixes a GE, Hotpoint, or Kenmore dryer that shuts off a few minutes into a heat cycle, stops early and won't restart until it cools down, or cycles on and off intermittently. Auto-resetting, rated to open at approximately 315°F. Classic symptom: dryer runs fine for a few minutes then quits on heat, and won't restart again until it's had time to cool.
Common Problems This Part Fixes
- Dryer shuts off a few minutes into a heat-dry cycle
- Dryer stops early and won't restart until it cools down
- Intermittent shutdowns during the drying cycle
- Clothes coming out damp because the cycle keeps cutting short
- Dryer won't start at all if the thermostat has failed in an open position
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 For your convenience, we've included any known superseded, alternate, or cross-reference part numbers that match this item.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 thermostat directly replaces the following part numbers:
WE4M137, WE4M457, 276438, WE04M0137, WE04X25197, 559C131G04, AGE25626, AH267900, AP2042565, EAP267900, EA267900, PD00001228, PS267900
These numbers span several generations of GE's own part numbering for this thermostat as model lines and sub-assemblies were updated — all are the correct replacement for this component regardless of which number appears on your dryer's parts diagram.
Compatibility
This thermostat is compatible with 28+ GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore dryer models, including:
- Kenmore 2661532110, GE 2661532210
- Numerous additional GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore dryer and washer-dryer combo models
Note: This thermostat has also been referenced for some Fisher & Paykel dryer applications in sourcing, though we were not able to confirm a specific Fisher & Paykel model list. Confirm your model number against your dryer's parts diagram, or contact our support team to verify fit before ordering.
Key Features
- Direct-fit aftermarket high limit thermostat for GE-built dryers
- Auto-resetting design — no need to replace after each trip, unlike a one-time thermal fuse
- Rated to open at approximately 315°F to prevent overheating damage
- Resolves early-shutoff, won't-restart-until-cool, and intermittent cycling symptoms
- Fits 28+ GE, Hotpoint, and Kenmore dryer and washer-dryer combo models
- Straightforward swap — typically 15–30 minutes with basic hand tools
Product Specifications
| Part Number |
XPWE4M137 |
| OEM Part Number |
WE4M137 |
| Part Type |
Dryer High Limit Thermostat (Auto-Reset) |
| Condition |
Aftermarket Replacement |
| Temperature Rating |
L315-65F (Opens ~315°F, Auto-Resets on Cooling) |
| Location |
Upper Right Side of Heater Housing |
| Application |
GE, Hotpoint & Kenmore Dryers |
Installation Notes
⚠️ Unplug Power Before Installing Unplug the dryer or switch off its circuit breaker before beginning. Remove the dryer's rear or front panel per your model's service guide to access the heater housing — the thermostat is mounted on its upper right side. Disconnect the wire terminals from the old thermostat, noting their positions, and remove the mounting screw holding it in place. Install the new thermostat in the same position and reconnect the wire terminals. Before closing the dryer back up, clean out the lint trap and check the exhaust vent for restrictions — a clogged vent is the most common cause of this thermostat tripping repeatedly, and clearing it now can prevent a repeat failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
My dryer shuts off a few minutes into the cycle and won't restart — is this the part I need?
Yes, this is a classic symptom of a failing high limit thermostat. It's designed to cut power when the dryer overheats and automatically reset once things cool down, so if your dryer won't restart until it's had time to sit, this thermostat is a likely cause.
Is this a one-time fuse like the thermal fuse, or does it reset itself?
This is an auto-resetting thermostat, not a one-time thermal fuse. It opens to cut power when the dryer overheats, then closes again automatically once the unit cools — it doesn't need to be replaced every time it trips. If yours has failed and won't reset or close again, that's when replacement is needed.
Why does my dryer keep tripping this thermostat?
Repeated tripping is usually caused by restricted airflow — a clogged lint trap, a crushed or blocked exhaust duct, or a bird's nest or lint buildup in the outside vent hood — or a failed cycling thermostat elsewhere in the heating circuit. Clear the airflow path when you replace this thermostat, or the new one may trip again.
How do I test if this thermostat has failed?
With the dryer unplugged, you can test the thermostat with a multimeter for continuity across its terminals at room temperature. No continuity when it should be closed (cool) is a sign it has failed and needs replacement.
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