The 318004900 is a genuine OEM range oven limit thermostat for Frigidaire and affiliated brand electric ranges and wall ovens. This limit thermostat is a critical safety component that protects the oven from overheating and potential fire hazards by automatically shutting off power to the heating elements if the oven temperature exceeds a safe maximum limit (typically 200-220°F above the set temperature). The thermostat is constructed from durable metal housing with internal bimetallic strip technology that responds to temperature changes. The bimetallic strip bends when exposed to excessive heat, opening the electrical circuit and cutting power to the oven heating elements. The 318004900 is designed specifically for oven bake and broil circuits and works in conjunction with the main oven thermostat (which controls normal temperature regulation). The thermostat features two wire terminals for electrical connection and is mounted inside the oven cavity or on the oven back panel. The 318004900 replaces older part numbers AP2126993 and 499302. Over time, oven limit thermostats can fail due to repeated thermal cycling causing metal fatigue, bimetallic strip corrosion or oxidation, electrical contact wear or burning, manufacturing defects, or exposure to moisture. When the limit thermostat fails, symptoms include the oven overheating excessively (temperature rising above 550°F when set to 350°F), the oven not heating at all (if the thermostat is stuck open), intermittent heating or cycling on and off, the oven reaching temperature but then shutting off unexpectedly, burning or charring of food indicating excessive heat, error codes displayed on the control panel (such as F7E1 or thermal error codes), or the oven heating element not responding to temperature adjustments. The 318004900 is a complete replacement limit thermostat that restores full oven safety protection and temperature control. Replacing a faulty limit thermostat eliminates all thermostat-related problems and restores reliable, safe oven operation. Important: Always turn off power at the circuit breaker before working on the oven. The limit thermostat is a safety-critical component—never bypass or disable it. This part is a one-time-use component that cannot be reset or repaired; replacement is the only solution.