137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is a temperature-sensing and control device used in Frigidaire washing machines; it functions as a thermostatic switch or sensor assembly that monitors temperature and, where applicable, interrupts or signals heating and safety circuits. As a discrete electrical/mechanical component,it is designed to respond to changes in temperature and provide either a switching function (open/closed contact) or a temperature feedback signal to the washer’s control system.
Inside the appliance the thermostat interfaces with the heater element or steam system (when present), the main control board, and associated wiring harnesses and safety interlocks. It enforces temperature setpoints for wash and sanitization cycles, provides a thermal cutoff to prevent overheating, and supplies diagnostic facts or fault conditions to the control electronics. Typically mounted near the heater assembly or tub area and connected by insulated leads or terminal spades, the thermostat plays a key role in both operational control and protective shutdown of thermally sensitive components.
In this article you will find a technical overview of the thermostat’s function and expected electrical/behavioral characteristics, guidance on model compatibility and mounting/connectivity considerations, common failure symptoms to watch for (for example no heating, unexpected cycle terminations, or open-circuit readings), step-by-step troubleshooting techniques including basic continuity and resistance checks, and practical replacement considerations such as selecting a correctly rated part, verifying connectors and harness routing, and observing safety procedures during service.
table of Contents
- Function and Role of the Washer Thermostat in Frigidaire Washing Machine Temperature Regulation
- How the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat Works Inside the Appliance: Sensing, Switching, and Control Integration
- Common Failure Symptoms and Electrical Readings That Indicate a Faulty Thermostat
- Compatibility, Model Fitment, and Replacement Considerations for the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat
- Q&A
- Insights and Conclusions
Function and Role of the Washer Thermostat in Frigidaire Washing Machine Temperature Regulation
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat serves as the washer’s temperature-sensing switch that controls either the heater circuit or provides a temperature signal to the machine’s control electronics. It monitors water temperature and issues cut-in/cut-out commands so the heater (or inlet valve arrangement) energizes only until the selected setpoint is reached,then de-energizes to hold the target temperature. As an OEM replacement, this part must match the original unit’s switching thresholds, physical mounting, and terminal layout to ensure correct interaction with the washer’s timing and safety interlocks; a thermostat with different thresholds will alter cycle temperatures and may affect soil-removal performance or user-selected temperature accuracy.
Operational behavior is primarily binary: the thermostat changes contact state as the sensed temperature crosses the designed thresholds. Typical failure modes include a thermostat that fails open (preventing the heater from receiving power and producing consistently cold washes) or one that sticks closed (allowing excessive heating until other safety devices intervene). for practical diagnosis and selection, technicians check for continuity changes with temperature, verify connector pinouts against the service schematic, and confirm that the replacement part matches the original temperature specifications and contact rating to avoid electrical or performance mismatches.
- Common symptoms of thermostat issues: persistent cold washes, overheating, or intermittent temperature cycling.
- Key compatibility checks: matching setpoint thresholds, terminal layout, and physical mounting to the machine’s bracketry.
- Diagnostic focus: continuity behavior across terminals relative to known temperature conditions and inspection of wiring/connectors for corrosion or damage.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Temperature-actuated switch that controls heater or signals the control board to regulate wash water temperature. |
| Operational behavior | Provides discrete cut-in and cut-out switching at designed temperature thresholds; responds to rising and falling water temperature. |
How the 137116700 Frigidaire washer Thermostat Works Inside the Appliance: Sensing, Switching, and Control Integration
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat functions as the washer’s temperature-sensing switch, providing the control board with the temperature input used to gate the heater circuit and influence valve sequencing. Installed in direct contact with the tub or water jacket, the device either provides a discrete contact closure at a calibrated setpoint or presents a temperature-dependent resistance value to the controller; the board interprets that signal to enable the heater relay or to select hot/cold inlet valves according to the active cycle. Accurate operation depends on correct electrical characteristics, connector pinout, and physical mounting-mismatches in any of those areas can produce incorrect temperature readings and improper cycle behavior even if the heater and valves themselves are functional.
Diagnosing thermostat behavior uses straightforward electrical checks and observation of control responses: measure continuity or resistance at ambient and elevated temperatures, confirm the control board receives the expected input, and inspect the harness and connector for corrosion or mechanical damage.Practical service examples include a washer that never heats despite mains power to the heater (thermostat open) or a washer that heats continuously (thermostat stuck closed or shorted); replacing the thermostat without verifying the wiring and board inputs can mask root causes. Typical features and failure symptoms are listed below to aid troubleshooting:
- Sensing location: tub or water jacket contact for accurate thermal coupling.
- Switching behavior: contact closure or resistance change at setpoint.
- Control interface: low-voltage signal to the main control board or relay driver.
- Failure symptoms: no heat, continuous heat, incorrect cycle temperature, related error codes.
- Compatibility note: replace with a part that matches the original electrical and mounting specifications.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Temperature-sensing switch (contact closure or temperature-dependent resistance) |
| Function | Provides temperature input to control board to control heater and valve sequencing |
| Interface | Low-voltage signal via wiring harness; relies on correct connector and pinout |
| Common symptoms | No heat, continuous heat, incorrect water temperature, temperature-related error codes |
| Replacement guidance | Use a part matching the original electrical characteristics and mounting for reliable operation |
Common Failure Symptoms and Electrical Readings That Indicate a Faulty Thermostat
The 137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat functions as the temperature-sensing and interrupting device for the wash/heater circuit, either as a bimetal temperature switch that opens at a set cutoff or as a resistive temperature sensor depending on the model variant. In practical terms the part’s role is to permit the heater to run until the setpoint is reached, then break the circuit to prevent overheating; some assemblies used in Frigidaire washers are simple on/off thermostats while others incorporate a thermistor for temperature feedback to the control board. Technicians should verify which type is fitted before testing, as a mechanical thermostat will present as a closed circuit at ambient and then open at the trip temperature, whereas a thermistor will show a temperature-dependent resistance that changes predictably with heat.
Common electrical indicators of failure include a permanently open switch (no continuity at ambient for a mechanical thermostat), a permanently shorted contact (continuous low resistance causing the heater to run without regulation), or a thermistor whose resistance is out of specification or does not change smoothly with temperature. Use a multimeter with the washer powered off and the thermostat isolated from the wiring harness for accurate readings: continuity for switches and a stable, monotonic resistance vs. temperature curve for thermistors. Intermittent contact will often show fluctuating readings or erratic continuity and is frequently associated with symptoms such as no-heat cycles,overheating,or temperature-related error codes on the control board.
- No heat: heater does not energize; multimeter shows open circuit where a closed contact or expected thermistor resistance should be.
- continuous heating: Heater runs constantly; thermostat shows near-zero ohms (shorted closed) when it should open at temperature.
- Inconsistent temperatures: Thermistor resistance readings do not change smoothly with applied heat or differ significantly from specification.
- Intermittent operation: Fluctuating continuity or unstable resistance under gentle mechanical stress indicates internal contact wear or a cracked sensor element.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Ambient continuity (mechanical) | Expect a closed circuit (low ohms) at room temperature; an open reading suggests failed/contact broken. |
| Open/trip condition | At or above the thermostat setpoint the switch should open (infinite resistance); failure to open can cause overheating. |
| Thermistor behavior | Resistance changes with temperature in a predictable trend (NTC decreases with heat); non-monotonic or out-of-spec values indicate a sensor fault. |
Compatibility, Model Fitment, and Replacement Considerations for the 137116700 Frigidaire Washer thermostat
137116700 Frigidaire Washer Thermostat is the temperature-sensing switch used to monitor and/or control water temperature in the wash cycle.The component typically opens or closes an electrical circuit to the control board or heater element when the monitored medium reaches a specific setpoint; fitment depends on the physical mounting,harness connector type,and the electrical ratings the washer’s control system expects. Compatibility requires matching the part number or confirming identical connector pinout, mounting bracket spacing, and temperature behavior, as some Frigidaire models use a resistive thermistor read by the main control while others use a simple bimetal thermostat that provides a binary open/close signal. Technicians should confirm the washer model and serial number against parts lists or measure the existing part’s connector and mounting before ordering a replacement to avoid misfit or unintended control behavior.
When replacing the thermostat, verify mechanical fit, electrical continuity, and environmental sealing. Before installation,inspect the harness for insulation damage and check continuity across the thermostat at room temperature and during a controlled heat test (for thermostats that change state) using a multimeter; document the observed behavior so the replacement can be validated against the original. Choose OEM or qualified aftermarket parts that match the original’s electrical rating and physical interface; incorrect temperature thresholds or improper sealing can produce under-heating, overheating, or erratic cycle termination. Typical symptoms that point toward thermostat failure include inconsistent water temperature, heater never energizing, or heater running continuously.
- Symptoms to watch for: no-heat, continuous-heat, erratic temperature control, or control board error codes related to temperature sensing.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Mounting format | Bracket or clip dimensions and screw locations must match the washer’s housing to ensure proper sensor placement and sealing. |
| Electrical interface | Connector pinout and voltage/current ratings must match the original harness to prevent damage to control circuitry. |
| Troubleshooting check | Continuity and state-change test with a multimeter; compare behavior at ambient and elevated temperatures. |
| Compatibility verification | Confirm by model/serial number,cross-reference parts list,or physical comparison of connector,body,and setpoint characteristics. |
Q&A
What is the 137116700 Frigidaire washer thermostat and what does it do?
The 137116700 is an OEM temperature sensing/thermostat component used on certain Frigidaire washers. Its job is to monitor water or tub temperature (depending on model) and provide a signal to the washer control or heater circuit so the machine can maintain the selected wash temperature or prevent overheating.
How do I know if the thermostat is bad?
Common symptoms of a failing thermostat include wash cycles that never reach the selected temperature, clothes not getting clean when hot water is required, error codes related to temperature, or the washer stopping mid‑cycle. Though, similar symptoms can be caused by a faulty inlet valve, control board, or temperature sensor, so confirm with electrical tests before replacing.
How can I test the thermostat safely with a multimeter?
Disconnect power to the washer first. Access the thermostat terminals and set your multimeter to continuity or low ohms. Many thermostats are normally closed at room temperature and open when they reach their trip temperature, so you should see continuity at room temperature and loss of continuity when the thermostat is heated (carefully warm it using a heat source like a hair dryer while monitoring). If the thermostat fails to change state or shows infinite resistance when it should be closed, it is likely defective. Consult the service manual for exact expected behavior for your model.
Is the 137116700 thermostat adjustable or can it be calibrated?
Most washer thermostats of this type are fixed‑temperature devices and are not field‑adjustable or user‑calibratable. If the thermostat is out of spec it normally needs replacement rather than calibration. Refer to the washer’s service documentation if an adjustment option is mentioned for your specific model.
How do I replace the 137116700 thermostat - any special steps or precautions?
Always unplug the washer and turn off the water first. Gain access to the thermostat location (control panel or cabinet area depending on model). Note and label wire positions or take a photo before disconnecting. Remove mounting fasteners and swap the old part with the new 137116700, reconnect wires to the correct terminals, reassemble, restore power and water, and run a test cycle. avoid working on the machine while it is indeed powered and be cautious of sharp sheet‑metal edges and stored electrical charge in some controls.
Can I use a generic replacement or do I need the exact 137116700 part?
Using the exact OEM part number (137116700) is the safest option as it guarantees the correct electrical characteristics and fit. Some aftermarket equivalents exist, but you should confirm form factor, temperature ratings, terminal configuration, and compatibility with your washer model before using a non‑OEM part. Cross‑reference parts lists or contact an authorized parts distributor if unsure.
Where can I buy the 137116700 thermostat and what should I check when ordering?
You can purchase the 137116700 from Frigidaire authorized parts dealers, major appliance parts retailers, or reputable online parts stores.When ordering, verify the part number against your washer’s model number, check return policies and warranty, and confirm the seller’s authenticity and reviews to avoid counterfeit parts.
If replacing the thermostat doesn’t fix the problem, what else should I check?
If symptoms persist after replacing the thermostat, check the hot water supply and inlet valve, wiring harness and connectors, the washer’s control board, and any temperature sensors or thermistors specified for your model. Use the service manual troubleshooting flowchart and diagnostic modes to isolate the fault or consult a trained appliance technician for advanced electrical diagnostics.
Insights and Conclusions
The 137116700 Frigidaire washer thermostat is a critical component that monitors and regulates the appliance’s water temperature to ensure safe, effective cleaning and to protect fabrics and internal components. Its proper function contributes to wash performance, energy efficiency, and the prevention of overheating or underheating that can compromise detergent effectiveness or lead to mechanical stress.
As temperature-related symptoms can stem from multiple causes, accurate diagnosis-using the washer’s diagnostic mode, continuity testing, and reference to the service manual-is essential before replacing the thermostat. When testing confirms a faulty unit, timely replacement with the correct part restores reliable temperature control and helps maintain appliance longevity; if there is any uncertainty, consult a qualified technician to ensure safe, compatible installation.
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