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Dryer High-limit thermostat: What It Does and Signs It's Failing

The high-limit thermostat is a safety switch, usually on the heater housing, that shuts the heat off if the dryer starts to overheat. Unlike the thermal fuse, it switches back on once it cools. Many older models also have a cycling thermostat on the blower housing that holds the drum temperature around 155°F (68°C).

How it works

A heat-sensitive disc inside snaps open at its rated temperature and closes again after it cools. On one Frigidaire part, it opens at 260°F (127°C) and doesn't reset until it's about 70°F (39°C) cooler. If it wears out or keeps tripping, the heat cuts in and out or stays off.

Signs it is failing

• No heat, or heat that comes and goes
• Dryer running too hot
• Heat staying on after the drum stops
• Thermal fuse blown at the same time

Heating codes and some airflow codes involve this part. If it trips over and over, the dryer isn't moving enough air.

Can you replace it yourself?

Unplug the dryer and take off the back or front panel to reach the heater housing. Clear the lint screen, blower and vent before you blame the thermostat. Never bridge its terminals to get heat back.

Buying the right part

It's often sold as a kit with a thermal fuse. Order by model number so the cut-out temperature matches.

Error codes linked to the high-limit thermostat

• d80Exhaust vent is restricted (Flow Sense)LG
• hEHeating errorSamsung
• F3E3Inlet temperature sensor (thermistor) faultWhirlpool

Last reviewed 2026-10-19.