Maytag Dryer Error Code 12

Error code 12 on a Maytag dryer means the upper dryer thermistor has been detected as open. Specifically, the control board monitored the temperature at startup and found it too low, with no increase occurring over a 3-minute period. This can point to a faulty thermistor, a heating system failure, cold ambient conditions, or air leaks around the door seals.

You should not continue running the dryer while error code 12 is active. The fault indicates the dryer is not heating properly or the temperature is not being monitored correctly, and operating it in this state could result in clothes not drying, repeated faults, or undetected overheating if the sensor circuit has a partial failure. Diagnose and resolve the underlying cause before resuming normal use.

Resetting the dryer by unplugging it or cycling the power may temporarily clear the error code display, but the code will return if the underlying problem has not been fixed. Since code 12 is triggered by an active condition the control board monitors during the cycle, the fault will reappear as soon as the dryer attempts to run and detects the same low-temperature situation. A reset is useful for clearing the code after you have completed a repair, not as a substitute for diagnosis.

Some causes of error code 12 are straightforward to address without professional help, such as cleaning a blocked exhaust duct, improving the room temperature, or inspecting door seals for gaps. If the thermistor itself has failed, replacing it is a moderately simple repair for someone comfortable working with appliances, as it typically involves disconnecting a wiring connector and removing a mounting screw. Heating element or gas component failures may require more advanced skills and should be approached carefully.

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. If the issue is simply a blocked vent or cold ambient temperature, there may be no parts cost at all. A replacement thermistor typically costs between $15 and $50 in parts, and a door seal replacement runs roughly $20 to $60. If a heating element or gas valve component has failed, parts and labor combined can range from $100 to $300 or more depending on your location and the specific parts needed.