How to Install the Whirlpool Dryer Kit Number 279816

Whirlpool manufactures dryer kit number 279816 that consists of a thermal cut-off fuse, a high-limit thermostat and a jumper wire. When the dryer heat reaches an unsafe temperature, the thermal cut-off fuse breaks the electrical connection to the heating element. The high-limit thermostat does the same. Should either of these parts fail, the dryer could become too hot and pose a fire hazard. When replacing one of the parts from the kit, you should replace both to ensure your dryer remains safe.

Screwdriver or nut driver set

Instructions

- 1
  Unplug your dryer from the wall outlet or turn off the dryer’s breaker inside the main breaker panel. Pull the dryer away from the wall to access the vent duct.
- 2
  Loosen the screws holding the duct clamp to the dryer. Pull the vent duct off the back of the dryer. Pull the dryer further from the wall until you can get behind the dryer.
- 3
  Remove the hex head screws holding the back panel on the dryer. Remove the panel and set it aside, exposing the blower housing and the exhaust housing.
- 4
  Pull the two wire connectors off the thermal cut-off fuse located at the top left side of the blower housing. Remove the hex head screw holding the thermal fuse to the housing. Pull the thermal fuse off the blower housing.
- 5
  Install the new thermal fuse to the side of the housing. Secure the fuse with the screw you removed from the original thermal fuse. Push the wire connectors you removed from the original fuse onto the replacement fuse.
- 6
  Pull the wire connector from the original high-limit thermostat located on the bottom left of the blower housing. The thermostat is attached to the heating element located directly below the thermostat. Pull the thermostat off the heating element and off the blower housing.
- 7
  Connect the new thermostat to the side of the blower housing. The replacement thermostat does not connect directly to the heating element, so you must secure it with the two screws that came with the Whirlpool dryer kit.
- 8
  Attach the wire connector you pulled from the original thermostat to the top terminal on the replacement thermostat. Slip the jumper wire connector, provided with the kit, onto the thermostat’s bottom terminal. Slip the other end of the jumper onto the left terminal of the heating element to connect the heating element to the thermostat.
- 9
  Replace the back panel onto the dryer. Reconnect the vent duct to the dryer vent and reconnect the power to your dryer.

How to Check Magic Chef Ignition Switches

How to Replace a Smooth Stovetop Coil

Appliance Repair