137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is a temperature-sensing and control device used in Frigidaire washing machines that include a water-heating or temperature-regulation function. As a thermostat, it is designed to provide a temperature-dependent electrical response-either by changing resistance (thermistor-style) or by opening/closing a contact at a set temperature (bi-metal thermostat-style)-and is typically mounted in proximity to the heater assembly or tub to monitor and/or control wash and rinse temperatures.
Inside the appliance, the thermostat interfaces directly with the washer’s heater circuit and control module. It provides the control board with real-time temperature information or it interrupts power to the heater when a setpoint is reached,and in some designs it also serves as an over-temperature cutout to prevent overheating. The component thus interacts with the heating element, the electronic control board or timerand the wiring harness; it’s electrical behavior under temperature change is an crucial parameter for correct cycle performance and for the safe operation of thermal management subsystems.
In this article you will find a technical overview of the thermostat’s intended function, guidance on model compatibility and how to confirm that 137116700 is the correct replacement for a given machine, common failure symptoms (for example, no heating, persistent temperature errorsor heater cycling problems), practical troubleshooting checks such as visual inspection and multimeter resistance/continuity testingand key replacement considerations including safety precautions, correct mounting and connector integrity. The aim is to give technicians, engineersand appliance owners the context needed to diagnose, testand replace the thermostat in a methodical and safe manner.
Table of contents
- Function and role of the Washer thermostat in Temperature Regulation and Wash-Cycle Control
- How the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat Works Inside the Appliance
- Common Failure Symptoms and Electrical/Mechanical Indicators of Thermostat fault
- Troubleshooting Procedures and Diagnostic Tests for Thermostat Faults and Replacement Decisions
- Q&A
- Key Takeaways
Function and Role of the Washer Thermostat in Temperature Regulation and Wash-Cycle Control
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is the temperature-sensing switch or sensor used to report wash-bath or drum temperature to the washer’s control electronics. In operation it changes electrical state (opens/closes a circuit or varies resistance) at a specific setpoint so the control board can enable or disable heating elements, select appropriate cycle timingor prevent unsafe conditions.Different washer models may implement this function with a mechanical bimetal switch or an electronic thermistor-style sensor; replacement units must match the original part’s electrical behavior, mounting, and connector pinout to maintain correct temperature feedback and control logic.
- No-heat or persistent overheating during wash cycles.
- Erratic or truncated wash cycles tied to temperature-dependent steps.
- Diagnostic trouble codes referencing temperature or heater circuits.
- Field tests: continuity or resistance check at ambient and warmed conditions to verify switching or resistance changes.
Technicians should treat the thermostat as a measurement interface between the thermal system and the controller: if the controller is commanding a heater but the thermostat does not indicate temperature rise, confirm wiring and then bench-test the thermostat for the expected electrical change under heat. Practical replacement requires matching the switching setpoint (or the sensor’s resistance vs. temperature curve), connector styleand mounting to avoid altered cycle behavior; using a unit with a different setpoint can cause underheated washes or premature shutoff. For troubleshooting, measure continuity or resistance with a multimeter, inspect the connector and harness for corrosionand compare observed behavior against the washer’s service manual or OEM specifications.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Role | Provides temperature feedback to control board; enables heater control, timingand safety interlocks. |
| Common failure symptoms | No heating, overheating, incorrect cycle progressionor temperature-related error codes. |
| Test method | Multimeter continuity/resistance at ambient and with applied heat; inspect connector and wiring integrity. |
| Compatibility note | Replacement must match electrical characteristics, connector pinoutand mechanical mounting of the original part. |
How the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat Works Inside the appliance
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is a temperature-sensing switch mounted to the tub assembly or water jacket that provides the washer control board with a temperature indication used to regulate heating and cycle logic. In practice this component either changes resistance (thermistor-style) or actuates a snap-action contact at calibrated setpoints; the control electronics interpret that change to energize the heater element, advance program statesor register a temperature condition. Replacement parts bearing this number are manufactured to match Frigidaire’s connector, mounting, and electrical interface for the compatible model range, so technicians should confirm model fit and connector pinout before installation.
During a wash program the thermostat is sampled by the control board and will command heating or stop heating when its setpoint is reached. Common failure modes include open circuits (no heater operation), shorted/closed contacts (continuous heating)and intermittent contacts (erratic temperature control or nuisance fault codes).Technicians commonly verify operation by measuring continuity at ambient temperature and observing resistance change with a controlled temperature source,or by confirming expected switching behavior during a monitored heated cycle. Proper replacement requires matching mechanical fit, electrical characteristicsand setpoint calibration to avoid under- or over-temperature conditions in normal cycles.
- Primary functions: temperature sensing, heater enable/disable, feedback to control board
- Typical symptoms of failure: no heating, overheating, inconsistent cycle times, fault codes related to temperature
- Service checks: continuity/resistance measurements, visual inspection of terminals and mounting, verification in a live heated cycle
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Opens or changes resistance at calibrated temperatures to signal the control board and control heater operation |
Common Failure Symptoms and Electrical/Mechanical Indicators of Thermostat Fault
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is a temperature-switching device that controls the washer’s heating circuit or signals the control board about water temperature. When the thermostat fails, you will frequently enough see temperature-related faults: the heater may never energize (open-circuit condition), the washer may overheat (stuck-closed condition)or the machine may terminate or hang mid-cycle as the control board receives incorrect temperature feedback. Compatibility checks require matching the part’s terminal configuration and mounting style to the washer model; replacing the thermostat with the correct OEM-design part preserves expected thermal thresholds and mechanical fit so that the control logic and heater element behave predictably after repair.
- Washer never reaches set temperature or water stays cold
- Water becomes too hot or cycles end prematurely
- Intermittent heating or erratic cycle behavior
- Visible corrosion or burnt terminals at the thermostat connector
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Electrical indicators | Open circuit or high/variable resistance at ambient, loss of continuity when heated/cooledor intermittent contact under vibration |
| Mechanical indicators | Loose or damaged mounting, melted or distorted housing, mechanical breakage of the sensing element, or connector corrosion |
diagnosing a faulty thermostat uses a multimeter to verify continuity and change of state with temperature: measure across the thermostat terminals at room temperature, then apply controlled heat (e.g., warm water or a heat gun on low) to confirm the device opens or closes as specified.Check wiring and connectors in-line for resistance spikes that indicate poor connections, and inspect the sensing pocket or contact area for scale or debris that can mask true temperature readings. For safe troubleshooting, disconnect power before removing the part; if electrical measurements and mechanical inspection indicate failure, replace the thermostat with the correctly matched 137116700 part and verify the heater element and control board are functioning to rule out secondary causes.
Troubleshooting Procedures and Diagnostic Tests for Thermostat Faults and Replacement Decisions
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is a temperature-actuated switch used to monitor and control thermal conditions in the washer’s heating or steam systems. As a mechanical or electro-mechanical device it changes state at a defined setpoint: normally closed at lower temperatures and opening as the sensed temperature reaches the cut-out value (or vice versa for some configurations). Compatibility depends on the actuator type, mounting footprint, terminal style and setpoint; replacing with a physically similar part does not guarantee correct operation unless the electrical ratings and switching characteristics match the original specification. Technicians should verify the part number, connector type and any model-specific wiring diagrams before installation to ensure correct behavior within the control circuit.
Safety: disconnect power and isolate the heater/water supply before testing. Troubleshooting begins with a visual inspection for corrosion,charring or loose terminals,then proceeds to electrical verification: use a multimeter to check continuity at ambient temperature,then apply controlled heat (heat gun or warm water) while monitoring for contact change to confirm switching action. For systems that monitor temperature electronically, measure voltage across the thermostat terminals under normal cycle conditions to confirm it is opening/closing under load; intermittent or slow transitions under gradual temperature changes often indicate contact wear or internal mechanical binding. Replace the thermostat if contacts fail to change state at the expected temperature, if resistance is outside expected ranges for the device typeor if physical damage or intermittent faults are observed during flex or vibration testing.
- Symptoms: incorrect water/steam temperature, no heating, tripped thermal safety, intermittent cycle faults.
- Basic tests: visual inspection, multimeter continuity at ambient, heat-to-trip verification, voltage check under load.
- Replacement triggers: no continuity where expected, contacts welded or pitted, inconsistent switching during simulated cyclesor mechanical damage.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Continuity at ambient | Closed or low resistance for a normally-closed thermostat; should change state when heated to its setpoint. |
| Heat simulation | Apply controlled heat while monitoring contacts to verify trip point and repeatability. |
| Compatibility check | Match part number, terminal type and electrical ratings to the original assembly before replacement. |
Q&A
What is the Frigidaire part 137116700 and what does it do in the washer?
Frigidaire part 137116700 is a temperature-sensing/control device used in some Frigidaire washers. Its job is to detect or regulate the wash water temperature so the machine can call for heating or maintain a set temperature. Depending on the specific washer design, the part can be a simple bi‑metal thermostat (a temperature-activated switch) or a temperature sensor/thermistor that reports temperature to the control board.
How do I know if 137116700 is the correct replacement for my washer?
Confirm the part number against the number on the old thermostat/sensor and against your washer’s model number in the Frigidaire parts lookup or the repair manual. Physically compare connector types, mounting points and wire harness plug. If the part number printed on the unit or the parts diagram for your model matches 137116700, it is the correct OEM replacement.
What are common symptoms that 137116700 has failed?
Typical symptoms include wash cycles not reaching the proper water temperature, the heater never turning on, the washer overheating or shutting the heater off unexpectedlyor erratic temperature behavior (too hot or too cold). Visible signs of failure can include corrosion,cracked housing,or burnt connectors at the thermostat location.
How can I test 137116700 to see if it’s working?
First disconnect power.Identify whether the part is a switch (thermostat) or a thermistor: a thermostat acts as an open/closed switch, while a thermistor changes resistance with temperature. For a thermostat, use a multimeter on continuity/ohms across its terminals-at room temp you should see either continuity (closed) or open depending on its rated trip point; gently heat the sensor (hair dryer or warm water) and watch for the switch to change state. For a thermistor, measure resistance at room temperature and then heat it slightly; an NTC thermistor will show decreasing resistance as temperature rises. Compare your readings with specifications from the service manual if available.
How do I replace part 137116700 safely and what tools are required?
Always unplug the washer and turn off the water supply before starting. Typical tools: screwdriver set, nut driver or socket set, pliersand a multimeter for testing. Access usually requires removing the control console or rear panel to reach the thermostat/sensor. Note and label wire positions (take a picture), disconnect wiring harness or terminals, remove mounting screws or clip, install the new part, reconnect wiresand reassemble. After reassembly, restore power and run a test cycle to verify operation. If unsure, consult a service manual or hire a qualified technician.
Can I bypass 137116700 to make the washer heat again?
You should not bypass the thermostat or temperature sensor. It is a safety/operational device-bypassing can cause overheating,damage the washer,or create a fire hazard. If the thermostat is faulty, replace it with the correct OEM part (137116700) and verify the rest of the heating circuit (element, relays, control board) is functioning normally.
how long does replacement typically take and are there any adjustments after installing 137116700?
For a competent DIYer, replacement usually takes 15-45 minutes depending on access and model. There are no calibration procedures for most thermostats/thermistors-install the new unit, restore connections and run a cycle to confirm proper temperature control. If the washer still fails to reach temperature, further diagnosis of the heating element, heater relay, wiring and control board may be required.
Where can I buy an authentic 137116700 thermostat and are there aftermarket alternatives?
You can purchase the OEM 137116700 from Frigidaire-authorized dealers, major appliance parts retailersor online parts marketplaces-verify the seller and part number. aftermarket equivalents may exist; if using one, ensure connector compatibility, correct temperature rating and proper mounting.For safety and reliability it’s generally recommended to use the OEM or a high-quality equivalent that matches the original specifications.
Key Takeaways
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat plays a central role in regulating water temperature and safeguarding the washer’s heating components. By sensing and controlling temperature,this thermostat helps maintain consistent wash performance,protects circuitry from overheating,and contributes to energy efficiency and fabric care. Proper function of this component is therefore important to overall appliance reliability and cleaning effectiveness.
Accurate diagnosis is essential before replacing the 137116700 thermostat. Verifying the thermostat’s condition through appropriate testing and following manufacturer service procedures helps avoid needless parts replacement and ensures the real cause of a temperature-related issue is addressed. When replacement is required, using the correct part number and observing safety and installation guidelines-whether performed by a qualified technician or a knowledgeable DIYer-reduces the risk of improper fitment or further failures.
attention to the 137116700 Frigidaire washer Thermostat-through correct troubleshooting and timely, compliant replacement when needed-supports safe operation, consistent wash resultsand longer appliance life. Prioritizing proper diagnosis and installation helps ensure the washer returns to reliable, efficient performance.
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