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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 14

Heater on and drum temperature not increasing.

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Heater on and drum temperature not increasing.

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Get the full diagnostic procedure for 14.

  • 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
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What 14 means on a Maytag dryer

Error code 14 on a Maytag dryer indicates the control board has detected that the heating element is energized but drum temperature is not rising within the expected timeframe. The board monitors temperature through the thermistor or thermostat circuit and compares it against the heating cycle in progress. When heat output is confirmed active but no corresponding temperature increase registers, the board flags this fault and typically halts or limits operation to prevent damage or a fire hazard.

For homeowners, this error means your dryer is trying to heat but something is preventing warm air from building up inside the drum. This could be as simple as a severely restricted exhaust vent blocking airflow, or it could point to a failed heating element that is drawing power but not producing heat, a failed thermistor giving the board bad temperature readings, or a problem with the cycling thermostat. The dryer knows it should be getting hotter but it is not, and it is telling you something in that heating loop has broken down.

Common components involved include the heating element assembly, high-limit thermostat, cycling thermostat, exhaust vent system, and the drum temperature sensor. Diagnosing this code requires checking each of these in sequence, starting with the easiest to inspect.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 14

  1. 01

    Blocked or restricted exhaust vent

    Wiring / connection

    A clogged lint screen, kinked duct, or obstructed exterior vent cap can trap cool or moderately warm air in the drum, preventing temperature from climbing even when the element is on. This is the most common cause and should be checked before any parts are replaced.

  2. 02

    Failed heating element

    Part replacement

    The heating element may be partially broken or have an open coil that allows just enough electrical continuity to appear active to the control board but does not generate adequate heat. Testing the element with a multimeter for continuity and resistance will confirm whether it has failed.

  3. 03

    Faulty thermistor or temperature sensor

    Part replacement

    If the drum thermistor is reading incorrect or stuck-low temperatures, the control board will see no temperature rise even if the drum is actually heating normally. A thermistor that has drifted out of spec or failed open will trigger this code without any actual heating problem.

  4. 04

    Open or failed cycling thermostat or high-limit thermostat

    Part replacement

    A thermostat that has tripped or failed open will interrupt the heating circuit, causing the element to receive no power or intermittent power. The control board may still register the element as commanded on while the thermostat is blocking current, resulting in no temperature increase.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 14

What does error code 14 mean on a Maytag dryer?
Error code 14 means the control board has detected that the heater is turned on but the drum temperature is not increasing as expected. The dryer monitors temperature through a sensor or thermostat and flags this code when the numbers do not add up. The cause is usually a blocked exhaust vent, a failed heating element, a bad thermistor, or a tripped thermostat.
How do I fix error code 14 on a Maytag dryer?
Start by cleaning the lint screen and inspecting the full exhaust duct from the dryer to the exterior vent cap for blockages or kinks. If airflow is clear, use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity, then check the cycling thermostat and high-limit thermostat for continuity as well. Finally, test the thermistor resistance against the manufacturer spec for your model. Replace whichever component tests out of spec or open.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dryer when it shows code 14?
You should not continue running the dryer with code 14 active. The code exists because the control board cannot confirm the heating system is working correctly, and an undetected fault in the heating circuit can create a fire risk. Stop using the dryer until the root cause is identified and corrected.
How much does it cost to repair Maytag dryer error code 14?
If the fix is a clogged vent, the cost is minimal, usually just your time or a vent cleaning service fee of $80 to $150. Replacing a heating element typically runs $20 to $60 in parts and is a moderate DIY repair. A thermistor or thermostat is usually $10 to $30 in parts. If you hire a technician, expect a service call fee of $75 to $100 plus parts and labor, bringing the total to $150 to $300 depending on the failed component.
Can a dirty lint trap cause error code 14 on a Maytag dryer?
Yes, a severely clogged lint screen or exhaust duct reduces airflow enough that hot air cannot circulate properly, and the drum temperature may not rise at the rate the control board expects. Always check and clean the lint screen and vent system first before replacing any parts when code 14 appears.

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