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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 1

Lower Dryer Thermistor Short Sensed

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Lower Dryer Thermistor Short Sensed — temperature exceeds 200 degrees for 2 minutes indicating a shorted thermistor.

First step from the service manual

Check for clogged lint screen and restricted vent system; check for failed thermistor.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 1 means on a Maytag dryer

Error code 1 on a Maytag dryer indicates the control board has detected a shorted thermistor. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor located in the dryer's heat circuit. A short condition means the thermistor is reading an abnormally low resistance value, which the control board interprets as a temperature exceeding 175 degrees Fahrenheit. This can result from a failed thermistor, a wiring fault, or actual extreme heat buildup in the drum or exhaust system.

For homeowners, the thermistor is a small sensor that tells your dryer how hot the air inside is getting. When this sensor shorts out, it either fails on its own or it may be registering genuinely excessive heat caused by restricted airflow. A clogged lint screen or blocked vent hose forces heat to build up inside the dryer, which can push temperatures high enough to trigger this code and damage components over time.

Before replacing the thermistor, check the lint screen and the full length of the exhaust vent for blockages. If airflow is clear and the code persists, the thermistor itself has likely failed and needs replacement. Ignoring this code risks overheating the dryer and creating a fire hazard.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 1

  1. 01

    Clogged lint screen or restricted exhaust vent

    Wiring / connection

    Blocked airflow traps heat inside the dryer, pushing temperatures above 175 degrees and causing the thermistor to read an extreme low-resistance short condition. Cleaning the lint screen and exhaust duct resolves this cause without replacing any parts.

  2. 02

    Failed thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself can fail internally, causing its resistance to drop to near zero and triggering the short condition even when temperatures are normal. This is the most common component-level cause once airflow restrictions are ruled out.

  3. 03

    Damaged or shorted wiring harness to the thermistor

    Part replacement

    If the wires connecting the thermistor to the control board are pinched, burned, or have worn insulation causing two conductors to touch, the circuit reads a false short. Inspecting the wiring harness for visible damage or melted insulation can confirm this cause.

  4. 04

    Failed control board

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board itself misreads the thermistor circuit and generates the code even when the thermistor and wiring test within spec. This should only be suspected after the thermistor resistance and wiring harness have been tested and confirmed good with a multimeter.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 1

What does error code 1 mean on a Maytag dryer?
Error code 1 means the control board detected a shorted thermistor, with the sensor reading a resistance so low it corresponds to a temperature above 175 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermistor is a small temperature sensor in the heat circuit. The code can mean the thermistor itself has failed, the wiring to it is shorted, or actual overheating from a clogged vent is causing the extreme reading.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer when error code 1 is showing?
No, you should not continue running the dryer with error code 1 active. A shorted thermistor means the dryer may not regulate heat correctly, and if the code is caused by a blocked vent or genuine overheating, continued use significantly increases the risk of a dryer fire. Stop using the dryer, clean the lint screen and exhaust vent, and diagnose the thermistor before running another cycle.
How do I fix error code 1 on a Maytag dryer?
Start by cleaning the lint screen and checking the full exhaust vent path for blockages, including the exterior vent cap. If airflow is unobstructed, use a multimeter to test the thermistor resistance and compare it to the spec in your service manual. A shorted thermistor will read near zero ohms and needs to be replaced. If the thermistor tests within spec, inspect the wiring harness for damaged insulation or pinched wires.
How much does it cost to fix error code 1 on a Maytag dryer?
If the fix is simply cleaning a blocked lint screen or vent duct, there is no parts cost. A replacement thermistor for a Maytag dryer typically costs between $10 and $30 for the part. If you hire a technician, expect a service call fee plus labor, generally bringing the total to $100 to $175. A damaged wiring harness or failed control board will cost more, with control boards often ranging from $100 to $250 for the part alone.
Can a clogged dryer vent cause error code 1 on a Maytag dryer?
Yes, a clogged vent is one of the first things to check when code 1 appears. Restricted exhaust airflow causes heat to build up inside the dryer drum and heating circuit, which can push temperatures high enough to create the extreme thermistor reading this code is based on. Clear the lint screen and the full length of the exhaust duct before assuming the thermistor has failed.

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