137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is a temperature-sensing thermostat used in select Frigidaire washing machines to monitor and regulate tub or water temperature during wash cycles. The component is a factory-designated temperature control device that either provides a switching contact or a temperature-dependent electrical signal to the appliance control system; it is typically mounted in proximity to the tub, heater assemblyor water flow path and connects to the wiring harness via a plug or terminal.
Inside the appliance, the 137116700 thermostat functions as the temperature feedback element for the machine’s control module, interacting with the control board, heater relay or heating element (when present)and cycle logic that selects hot, warmor cold water input. Its input is used to confirm that temperature setpoints are reached, to terminate heating cyclesand to trigger protective responses if temperatures exceed safe limits. In fault conditions the thermostat can also influence valve operation and generate diagnostic fault codes that affect cycle progression.
In this article readers will find a technical overview of how the 137116700 thermostat operates, guidance on which Frigidaire models and control systems it is compatible with, common failure symptoms to recognize (for example incorrect water temperature, continuous heating, or error codes), step‑by‑step troubleshooting procedures including electrical continuity and resistance checks across temperature rangesand practical replacement considerations such as correct part selection, mounting and sealing, connector verification, and safety precautions to observe during service.
Table of Contents
- Function and role of the washer thermostat in temperature regulation and control systems
- How the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat works inside the appliance
- Common failure symptoms and measurable indicators of thermostat malfunction
- Troubleshooting and diagnostics for the thermostat: test procedures, multimeter checksand signal verification
- Q&A
- In Conclusion
Function and role of the washer thermostat in temperature regulation and control systems
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat functions as a temperature-actuated switch within the washer’s control and heating subsystem, sensing tub or water temperature and changing its electrical state to permit or interrupt heating and control signals. In practice the thermostat either provides a clean on/off contact or a predictable resistance characteristic that the control electronics or mechanical timer uses to maintain programmed wash temperatures; for example, during a hot-wash sequence the thermostat completes the heater circuit until the setpoint is reached and then opens to prevent temperature overshoot. Matching the thermostat’s switching threshold, hysteresis, terminal configurationand mounting style to the washer’s service specification is necessary for correct integration with the heater element and control board.
Technically,service testing involves measuring continuity and resistance at ambient and elevated temperatures to verify the device changes state at the specified setpoint and maintains stable contact under load.Common failure modes include a thermostat that fails open (no heat), fails closed (continuous heating)or develops intermittent contact that produces inconsistent cycle temperatures; these faults typically present as inability to reach set temperature, overheating, or erratic temperature-dependent cycle behaviors. For safe and reliable repairs, disconnect mains power before testing or replacing the thermostat, confirm harness connector pinout against the wiring diagramand use the exact replacement or a part with identical electrical and mechanical specifications.
- Primary function: sense temperature and switch heater/control circuit
- Observable symptoms of failure: no heat,continuous heat,or inconsistent temperatures
- Service checks: continuity and resistance measurements across temperature change
- Compatibility factors: switching setpoint,hysteresis,terminal type,and mounting
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Temperature-actuated switch that controls heater or provides temperature feedback to the control board |
| Trigger | Model-specified switching setpoint and hysteresis; varies by washer model |
| Test method | Measure continuity/resistance at ambient and heated conditions; verify state change at setpoint |
How the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat works inside the appliance
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is a temperature-actuated switch that monitors and/or interrupts heating or control circuits in compatible Frigidaire top-load washers. Mechanically it typically uses a bi-metal element or thermal capsule to change contact state at a manufacturer-specified setpoint; electrically it presents a simple two-terminal switch to the control board. In practice this part serves either as a control input that tells the main board when the wash water has reached the target temperature or as a protective limiter that opens to prevent overheating of a heater or nearby components. Installers should verify mechanical fit and terminal style (usually spade connectors) against the washer’s service manual to ensure proper electrical and thermal coupling.
- Function: closes or opens contacts at a defined temperature to signal the control board or interrupt power
- Behavior when failing: intermittent contact, stuck open (no heat)or stuck closed (no thermal protection)
- Common interfaces: two spade terminals; mounts to heater assembly or tub housing for accurate sensing
- Service checks: measure continuity or resistance change with a multimeter and confirm location against wiring diagram
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Temperature-actuated switch (bi-metal/thermal capsule) |
| Electrical interface | Two-terminals, typically spade connectors |
| Role | Temperature input to control board and/or over-temperature cutoff |
| Troubleshooting tool | Continuity/resistance check with a multimeter; compare to expected open/closed state at ambient |
Inside the appliance the thermostat is positioned to sense the temperature of the component or water mass it protects; correct thermal coupling (firm mounting and clean contact surfaces) is required for reliable operation. Technicians replacing the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat should inspect for corrosion on terminals, secure mounting clips, and proper wiring routing to avoid false readings caused by radiant heat from adjacent parts. A practical diagnostic example: if a wash cycle fails to reach temperature while the heater has supply voltage, a continuity check across the thermostat at room temperature and after a controlled heat application will reveal whether the thermostat is switching as designed; if it does not change state, replacement is warranted rather than adapting control logic.
Common failure symptoms and measurable indicators of thermostat malfunction
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat functions as the temperature sensing and switching element that either interrupts the heater circuit or provides a temperature signal to the washer control board,depending on the model. In operation the device should show predictable behavior: a mechanical bimetal thermostat will change from closed to open at its setpoint, while an electronic temperature sensor (thermistor-style) will exhibit a monotonic resistance change with temperature. Compatibility considerations include the thermostat’s terminal type, mounting bracketand rated temperature setpoint; replacing the part with a physically similar unit that has a different actuation temperature or connector can produce improper heating or control faults even if it fits mechanically.
- No water heating during heated cycles or complete failure of sanitize/steam functions.
- Continuous heating or failure to stop heating, causing high-temperature cycles.
- Erratic cycle behavior or temperature-related error codes on the control display.
- Longer-than-normal cycle times or partial cycles where the heater is never engaged.
- visible damage: burnt terminals, corrosionor discoloration at the thermostat mounting point.
Technicians should confirm a suspected thermostat fault with measurable tests: use a multimeter to check continuity at ambient temperature for a mechanical thermostat and to verify a clear open/closed transition when the device is heated slowly; for a thermistor-style sensor measure resistance across the terminals while changing temperature and verify a steady, monotonic change. Also measure applied voltage at the thermostat terminals during a call for heat to distinguish a failed thermostat from a control-board issue. Repeated open circuits, no change in resistance with temperature, highly erratic readings, or visibly damaged terminals are reliable indicators that the thermostat requires replacement rather than adjustment.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Continuity test | Mechanical thermostat: closed at cold, opens at setpoint; an always-open result at cold points to failure. |
| Resistance vs.temperature | Thermistor: resistance must change steadily with temperature; flat response indicates sensor failure. |
| Applied voltage check | Verify control board is supplying expected voltage during heater call; no voltage with a closed thermostat indicates control issue. |
Troubleshooting and diagnostics for the thermostat: test procedures, multimeter checksand signal verification
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat monitors and interrupts the temperature circuit to protect heating components and to allow the control board to select the correct wash temperature. In many Frigidaire top-load and front-load washers this part is a simple temperature switch or thermistor assembly mounted in the tub or heater pocket; mechanically it will be closed at ambient and open when the sensor reaches its trip point,or it will exhibit a predictable resistance change with temperature if it is an NTC thermistor. Functionally it interfaces directly with the washer wiring harness and the main control board, so physical compatibility (connector type, mounting locationand temperature rating) must match the original part for reliable operation and accurate cycle selection.
Troubleshooting focuses on verifying the sensor behavior, wiring integrityand control-board signal.Use a calibrated multimeter set to continuity or resistance to bench-test the thermostat: with power removed, check for continuity at ambient and confirm the circuit opens when heated (or that resistance moves monotonically for a thermistor). For in-situ signal verification, with the washer powered and safety precautions observed, backprobe the harness to confirm the control board is supplying the expected reference or switching voltage and that the thermostat responds when the tub is heated. Common failure modes include open circuits from corrosion, intermittent contacts from vibration, and incorrect readings from a degraded thermistor; replacing the part with the correct 137116700 unit and re-testing the harness and control outputs usually isolates whether the fault lies in the sensor or upstream electronics.
- Power off and disconnect the washer before resistance/continuity checks; verify connector pins are clean.
- Bench test: check continuity at ambient, then apply heat (hot water or controlled heat source) and watch for an open or a predictable resistance change.
- On-machine verification: backprobe with power on to confirm control-board supply and observe live response while heating the sensor.
- Inspect wiring and grounding; intermittent failures frequently enough map to damaged harnesses or poor splices rather than the thermostat itself.
| item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Mechanical switch or NTC thermistor; behavior is either open/closed switching or resistance varying with temperature |
| Primary test | Continuity check for switches; resistance vs temperature for thermistors using an ohmmeter |
| Signal verification | Backprobe harness with washer powered to confirm control-board reference/switching voltage and dynamic sensor response |
Q&A
What is the Frigidaire part 137116700 and what does it do in a washer?
Part 137116700 is the temperature thermostat/temperature sensor assembly used on certain Frigidaire (and related) washing machines. Its job is to monitor or regulate wash water temperature and send that information to the washer’s control board so the machine can select the appropriate heater or mixing behavior for the chosen cycle.
What symptoms indicate the 137116700 thermostat might be bad?
Common signs include wash cycles running only in cold when a warmer temperature is selected,water not reaching the expected temperature,inconsistent temperatures between cycles,or temperature-related error codes on models that report sensor faults. Visible damage, corrosionor loose electrical connectors are also indicators that the part may need replacement.
How can a technician test the 137116700 thermostat?
A basic test is an electrical continuity/resistance check with a multimeter. Power must be disconnected before testing. Remove the thermostat from the washer and measure across its terminals: the resistance should change with temperature (or show continuity/closed at certain temperature ranges depending on design). If the thermostat is open or shows no expected change, it is likely failed and should be replaced. For model-specific expected values or more advanced diagnostics, consult the service manual.
Is the 137116700 an OEM part and which washer models is it compatible with?
137116700 is an OEM Frigidaire part number. It is indeed used in a range of Frigidaire (and some Electrolux/kenmore) washers – compatibility varies by model and production date. Always confirm fit by checking the washer’s model number against the official parts list or a reputable parts supplier before purchasing.
Can I replace the 137116700 myself, and are there any safety precautions?
Replacement is a common service task but involves accessing internal components and electrical connectors. Always unplug the washer (and turn off water if you need to remove hoses) before beginning.avoid working on the machine with power applied. If you’re not comfortable with basic appliance electrical work or accessing internal assemblies, hire a qualified technician.
What should I do if swapping the 137116700 doesn’t fix the temperature problem?
If replacing the thermostat doesn’t restore correct temperatures,check related components: the heating element or heater circuit (if the model has an internal heater),inlet valve temperature mixing behavior (hot/cold supply),wiring harness and connectors,and the control board logic. Some problems attributed to the thermostat can rather be a wiring fault, failed heateror control board issue.
Are there aftermarket alternatives for part 137116700, and is it worth using them?
aftermarket equivalents are available in many cases. OEM parts ensure an exact match and the manufacturer’s specifications; good-quality aftermarket parts can be less expensive and acceptable if they are confirmed compatible. Buy from reputable suppliers, verify return policy and compatibility with your exact washer modeland prefer parts with clear warranty coverage.
How much does the 137116700 thermostat usually cost and where can I buy it?
Prices vary but typically fall in the low tens to under one hundred dollars depending on supplier and whether the part is OEM or aftermarket. You can buy it from Frigidaire/Electrolux parts departments, appliance parts retailers (online and local), or marketplaces like Amazon and eBay.Verify the washer model match and check seller ratings and return policies before purchasing.
to sum up
The 137116700 Frigidaire washer thermostat serves a central role in monitoring and regulating the water temperature during wash cycles. By providing accurate temperature feedback to the machine’s control system, it helps ensure that selected cycles meet fabric care and cleaning requirements, supports proper detergent activationand prevents conditions that could lead to overheating or insufficient washing performance.
Reliable thermostat operation contributes to both appliance efficiency and longevity. Consistent temperature control can improve cleaning outcomes, reduce energy wasteand help avoid stress on other components. Conversely, a malfunctioning thermostat can lead to uneven temperatures, compromised wash results, and increased wear on the washer’s mechanical and electronic systems.
Given its impact, proper diagnosis and, when necessary, timely replacement of the 137116700 thermostat are important steps for maintaining washer performance and safety. diagnosis should follow manufacturer guidance and use appropriate testing methodsand replacement should employ compatible parts and qualified installation to restore correct temperature regulation and long‑term reliability.
Professional Appliance Service
If your appliance requires professional diagnosis or repair, visit
Revolff Home Services
for expert appliance repair services.
For local appliance service information see
Dryer repair Henderson
.
Replacement parts for many appliance models can also be found at
Reliable-Parts-Hub
.
