mypros+
Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 13

Upper Dryer Door Circuit Failure

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Upper Dryer Door Circuit Failure — loose or open wire terminals on steamer circuit, signal low for more than 1 second.

First step from the service manual

Check for loose or open wire terminals.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for 13.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What 13 means on a Maytag dryer

Error code 13 on a Maytag dryer indicates an Upper Dryer Door Circuit Failure, specifically related to the steamer circuit. The control board monitors the signal from the upper dryer door switch or the steamer circuit continuously, and when that signal drops low for more than one second, the board registers this fault and halts normal operation. This type of fault is an open or interrupted circuit condition, meaning the electrical signal is not completing its path back to the control board as expected.

The steamer circuit in these Maytag dryer models includes wiring harnesses, connectors, and terminal connections that link the upper door assembly to the main control. Loose or open wire terminals are the leading cause of this fault. Over time, vibration during dryer operation can cause connector pins to back out of their housings or terminal crimps to loosen, breaking continuity in the circuit. A visual and physical inspection of all wire terminals in the steamer circuit path is the correct first diagnostic step.

If loose or open terminals are not found during the initial inspection, the fault may point to a damaged wiring harness with a broken conductor, a failed door switch in the upper door assembly, or a defective control board that is misreading the signal. Technicians should check for any visible wire chafing or pinched sections along the harness routing, and verify connector seating at each end of the circuit before condemning any individual component.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 13

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wire terminals

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration from normal dryer use can cause wire terminals in the steamer circuit to loosen or back out of their connectors. Inspect all connector housings in the steamer and upper door circuit for pins that are not fully seated or that pull out with light resistance.

  2. 02

    Open or broken wiring harness

    Part replacement

    A conductor inside the wiring harness may be broken internally or chafed against a sharp edge, causing an open circuit. Look for pinched, frayed, or burned sections along the harness routing from the upper door to the control board.

  3. 03

    Failed upper door switch

    Part replacement

    The upper dryer door switch sends the signal monitored by the control board, and if the switch has failed internally it will produce a low signal regardless of door position. Testing continuity across the switch contacts with a multimeter will confirm whether the switch has opened and needs replacement.

  4. 04

    Corroded or damaged connector pins

    Part replacement

    Moisture or heat exposure can cause corrosion on the terminal pins inside connectors, increasing resistance and eventually breaking the circuit signal. Look for green or white oxidation on pin surfaces and clean or replace affected connectors as needed.

  5. 05

    Defective main control board

    Part replacement

    If all wiring, terminals, and the door switch test correctly, the control board itself may be misinterpreting or failing to read the circuit signal. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after the rest of the circuit has been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 13

What does 13 mean on a Maytag dryer?
Error code 13 on a Maytag dryer signals an Upper Dryer Door Circuit Failure in the steamer circuit. The control board detected that the circuit signal was low for more than one second, which typically points to a loose, open, or disconnected wire terminal somewhere in that circuit. The dryer will stop operating until the fault is resolved.
Can I fix error code 13 on my Maytag dryer myself?
In many cases, yes. The most common cause is a loose or disconnected wire terminal, which a careful DIYer can often locate and reseat without replacing any parts. Start by unplugging the dryer, then inspect all wire connectors in the steamer and upper door circuit for loose or backed-out pins. If the problem involves a broken harness or a failed door switch, those repairs require basic electrical testing skills and possibly replacement parts.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dryer when error code 13 appears?
You should not continue running the dryer while this fault is active. An open or faulty circuit in the door or steamer system can affect how the dryer monitors its components, and running it in this condition risks further electrical damage. Resolve the fault before resuming normal use.
Will resetting my Maytag dryer clear error code 13?
A reset may temporarily clear the code, but the error will return if the underlying wiring or component issue has not been corrected. To clear the code permanently, the open or loose circuit in the steamer door circuit must be located and repaired. Simply unplugging and restarting the dryer is not a long-term fix.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag dryer showing error code 13?
Repair costs depend on what is causing the fault. If the issue is only loose wire terminals, the cost may be limited to a service call fee, generally in the range of $75 to $150. If a wiring harness, door switch, or control board needs replacement, parts and labor combined could range from $150 to $400 or more depending on the specific component and your location.

Related Maytag dryer codes

All Maytag dryer codes
View all 251 Maytag dryer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass