Oven Limit Thermostat, High Limit Thermostat, Thermal Switch, Temperature Safety Switch, Oven Thermal Fuse

AP2126993, 499302, 318003624, 318004901, 318004902, 318004903, 318004904, 318004905, 318004906, 318004907

Frigidaire, Electrolux, Kenmore, Sears, White Westinghouse, Kelvinator, Gibson, Tappan

FrigidaireFEB27S5GCC, FEB27S5GCW, FEB30S5DBB, FEB30S5DBC, FEB30S5DBW, FEB30S5GCC, FEB30S5GCW, FEB30S7GCC, FEB30S7GCW, FPEB27S5GCC, FPEB27S5GCW, FPEB30S5DBB, FPEB30S5DBC, FPEB30S5DBW, FPEB30S5GCC, FPEB30S5GCW, FPEB30S7GCC, FPEB30S7GCW, CFEB27S5GCC, CFEB27S5GCW, CFEB30S5DBB, CFEB30S5DBC, CFEB30S5DBW, CFEB30S5GCC, CFEB30S5GCW, CFEB30S7GCC, CFEB30S7GCW

ElectroluxE30EW65GCC, E30EW65GCW, E30EW75GCC, E30EW75GCW, E30EW85GCC, E30EW85GCW, E36EW65GCC, E36EW65GCW, E36EW75GCC, E36EW75GCW, E36EW85GCC, E36EW85GCW

Kenmore79090413900, 79090413901, 79090413902, 79090413903, 79090413904, 79090413905, 79090414900, 79090414901, 79090414902, 79090414903, 79090414904, 79090414905, 79091413900, 79091413901, 79091413902, 79091413903, 79091413904, 79091413905

Sears46090413900, 46090413901, 46090413902, 46090413903, 46090413904, 46090413905, 46090414900, 46090414901, 46090414902, 46090414903, 46090414904, 46090414905

White WestinghouseRB27S5GCC, RB27S5GCW, RB30S5DBB, RB30S5DBC, RB30S5DBW, RB30S5GCC, RB30S5GCW, RB30S7GCC, RB30S7GCW

KelvinatorKEB27S5GCC, KEB27S5GCW, KEB30S5DBB, KEB30S5DBC, KEB30S5DBW, KEB30S5GCC, KEB30S5GCW, KEB30S7GCC, KEB30S7GCW

GibsonGEB27S5GCC, GEB27S5GCW, GEB30S5DBB, GEB30S5DBC, GEB30S5DBW, GEB30S5GCC, GEB30S5GCW, GEB30S7GCC, GEB30S7GCW

TappanTEB27S5GCC, TEB27S5GCW, TEB30S5DBB, TEB30S5DBC, TEB30S5DBW, TEB30S5GCC, TEB30S5GCW, TEB30S7GCC, TEB30S7GCW

1. Turn off power to the range at the circuit breaker to ensure complete power disconnection.
2. Unplug the range from the wall outlet for additional safety.
3. Verify power is off by attempting to turn on the oven. The oven should not respond.
4. Allow the oven to cool completely if it has been used recently. Oven cavities can reach temperatures exceeding 500°F and cause severe burns.
5. Move the range away from the wall to provide access to the back panel and interior components.
6. Take multiple photos of the old thermostat location, mounting, and wire connections before disassembly. Document from multiple angles. This is critical for proper reassembly.
7. Locate the oven limit thermostat mounted inside the oven cavity (typically on the back wall or side wall) or on the oven back panel (for some models).
8. If the thermostat is inside the oven cavity, remove the oven racks and any other interior components to access it.
9. Take a photo of the wire connections to the thermostat before disconnecting. Note the wire colors and terminal orientation.
10. Disconnect the wire harness connector from the thermostat by pressing the locking tab (if present) and pulling the connector straight off. Do not pull on the wires—grasp the connector body.
11. If the thermostat is hardwired (no connector), note the wire colors and terminal positions before disconnecting. Use a multimeter to verify power is off before touching the wires.
12. Carefully disconnect the wires from the thermostat terminals. Label each wire with masking tape indicating its original terminal position (e.g., "Terminal 1 - Red Wire").
13. Remove the mounting screws or fasteners that secure the thermostat to the oven cavity or back panel (typically 2-3 screws). Support the thermostat as you remove the last screw to prevent it from falling.
14. Carefully remove the old thermostat from the oven.
15. Place the old thermostat on a clean work surface with adequate space for inspection.
16. Inspect the old thermostat for visible damage such as cracks, burns, corrosion, or discoloration. This confirms the diagnosis.
17. Inspect the mounting location on the oven cavity or back panel for damage, corrosion, or debris. Clean the mounting area if necessary using a damp cloth.
18. Unpack the new 318004900 limit thermostat from its packaging. Handle carefully to avoid damaging the thermostat body or terminals.
19. Verify the thermostat specifications match the old thermostat: metal housing, two wire terminals, bimetallic strip technology, mounting hole spacing.
20. Compare the new thermostat to the old one to verify the dimensions, terminal positions, mounting holes, and overall appearance match. Ensure you have the correct replacement part.
21. Inspect the new thermostat for any damage or defects before installation. The housing should be intact with no cracks or damage, and the terminals should be clean and undamaged.
22. Position the new thermostat on the oven cavity or back panel, aligning the mounting holes with the screw holes.
23. Install the mounting screws through the thermostat mounting holes and into the oven cavity or back panel. Tighten gently but firmly—do not overtighten, which can crack the thermostat body.
24. Verify the thermostat is securely mounted and does not wobble or shift when gently pressed.
25. Reconnect the wire harness connector to the new thermostat by pushing the connector straight onto the terminals until it clicks into place (if the original thermostat had a connector).
26. If the thermostat is hardwired, reconnect the wires to the correct terminals using your labeled wires. Match each wire to its original terminal position. Use wire connectors or terminal screws as appropriate.
27. Verify all wire connections are secure by gently tugging on each wire. Wires should not pull off—they should be firmly seated.
28. Reinstall the oven racks and any other interior components that were removed.
29. Restore power at the circuit breaker and plug in the range.
30. Test the new thermostat before normal use. Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat for 15-20 minutes.
31. Verify the oven reaches the set temperature (350°F) and maintains it without excessive overshooting or cycling.
32. Use an oven thermometer to verify the actual oven temperature matches the set temperature. The thermostat should maintain temperature within ±25°F of the set point.
33. Test the limit thermostat safety function by setting the oven to a high temperature (500°F) and monitoring it. If the oven temperature exceeds approximately 550°F, the limit thermostat should shut off power to the heating elements, stopping the temperature rise.
34. If the limit thermostat functions correctly, the repair is complete.
35. Move the range back into position against the wall.
36. Run a complete bake cycle (empty oven, no food) to verify proper operation and confirm the repair is complete.
37. Monitor the oven for 5-10 bake cycles to ensure the thermostat operates properly without issues.

Safety Notes: Always turn off power at the circuit breaker and unplug the range before working on it to prevent electrical shock. Allow the oven to cool completely before working on it—oven cavities can reach temperatures exceeding 500°F and cause severe burns. The limit thermostat is a safety-critical component—never bypass or disable it. Ensure all wire connections are correct and secure before restoring power. This repair requires basic tools (Phillips screwdriver) and moderate mechanical skill—most homeowners can complete this repair successfully with proper precautions.

1. The limit thermostat is a safety device, not a temperature regulator. The limit thermostat protects against overheating by shutting off power if temperature exceeds a safe limit (typically 200-220°F above set temperature). It works with the main oven thermostat to provide both temperature control and safety protection. Never bypass or disable the limit thermostat.
2. Document wire connections before disconnecting. Take clear photos of the wire harness connector orientation, wire colors, and terminal positions before removing the old thermostat. This documentation prevents wiring errors that can damage the new thermostat or control board.
3. Use an oven thermometer to verify thermostat accuracy. After installation, place an oven thermometer in the oven and compare the actual temperature to the set temperature. The thermostat should maintain temperature within ±25°F of the set point. Larger variations indicate a thermostat problem.
4. The limit thermostat cannot be reset or repaired. The 318004900 is a one-time-use component with a bimetallic strip that responds to temperature. Once it trips or fails, it cannot be reset. Replacement is the only solution.
5. This thermostat is specific to oven bake and broil circuits. The 318004900 is designed for oven bake and broil circuits only. Do not use it for other oven functions or circuits. Verify your oven model and circuit before ordering.
6. Bimetallic strip corrosion can cause thermostat failure. Moisture exposure, acidic spills, or high humidity can corrode the internal bimetallic strip, causing the thermostat to fail prematurely. Ensure proper oven ventilation and avoid moisture exposure.
7. The limit thermostat trips at a fixed temperature. The 318004900 trips at a fixed temperature (typically 550°F) regardless of the set temperature. This is a safety feature that cannot be adjusted. If the oven regularly reaches this temperature, the main thermostat may need replacement.
8. Wire terminal connections must be secure and clean. Corroded or loose wire terminals can cause intermittent operation or thermostat failure. Clean the terminals with a wire brush before reconnecting, and ensure all connections are tight and secure.
9. Test the limit thermostat safety function after installation. After installing the new thermostat, test the safety function by setting the oven to a high temperature and monitoring it. The thermostat should shut off power if temperature exceeds the limit, confirming proper operation.
10. This repair is cost-effective compared to oven replacement. The cost of limit thermostat replacement ($45-70) is far less than the cost of a new oven ($800-2,000+). Replace the thermostat promptly when failure is detected to prevent the need for expensive oven replacement.