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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 23

Dryness sensor bar possibly shorted.

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Dryness sensor bar possibly shorted.

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What 23 means on a Maytag dryer

Error code 23 on a Maytag dryer indicates the control board has detected a short circuit condition in the dryness sensor bar circuit. The dryness sensor bar is a pair of metal strips inside the drum that measure moisture in the load by detecting electrical conductivity as clothes tumble against them. When the control board reads an abnormally low resistance or a direct short across this sensor circuit, it throws code 23 rather than continue operating on faulty moisture data. This can prevent the dryer from running auto-dry cycles correctly or at all.

For homeowners, the dryness sensor bars are the two small metal strips you can usually see on the inside front wall of the dryer drum. As your clothes dry, they become less conductive, and the dryer uses that signal to know when to stop. A short in this circuit means the control board is getting a false signal, essentially telling it the laundry is always wet or that something is electrically wrong. This could be caused by a damaged sensor bar, a pinched or shorted wire in the harness connecting the sensor to the control board, or lint and moisture buildup creating an unintended electrical path across the sensor strips.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 23

  1. 01

    Shorted dryness sensor bar

    Part replacement

    The sensor bar itself can develop a short if the metal strips are damaged, corroded, or bridged by debris. This sends a continuously low resistance reading to the control board, triggering code 23.

  2. 02

    Shorted or pinched wiring harness to sensor bar

    Part replacement

    The wires running from the dryness sensor bar to the control board can become pinched, frayed, or melted against the drum or heating element housing. A short in this harness produces the same fault signal as a bad sensor bar.

  3. 03

    Lint or moisture bridging the sensor strips

    Wiring / connection

    Heavy lint accumulation or condensation across the two sensor strips can create an unintended conductive path that mimics a short circuit. Cleaning the strips thoroughly with rubbing alcohol may resolve the code without any parts replacement.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor bar and wiring harness both test good, the control board itself may be misreading the sensor circuit due to a failed input on the board. This is the least common cause of code 23 but should be considered after all other components are verified.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 23

What does error code 23 mean on a Maytag dryer?
Error code 23 on a Maytag dryer means the control board has detected a possible short circuit in the dryness sensor bar circuit. The dryness sensor bar is the pair of metal strips inside the drum that measure how much moisture remains in your laundry. The code indicates the resistance reading across those strips is outside the expected range, suggesting a short in the sensor itself, its wiring, or a buildup of lint or moisture bridging the strips.
Can I still use my Maytag dryer with error code 23?
Running the dryer with code 23 active is not recommended for auto-dry cycles because the faulty sensor signal means the dryer cannot accurately detect when clothes are dry. You risk over-drying loads, which causes fabric damage and wastes energy. Timed dry cycles may still function depending on your model, but you should resolve the underlying sensor issue before relying on the machine for regular use.
How do I fix error code 23 on a Maytag dryer?
Start by cleaning the two metal sensor bar strips inside the drum using a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol to remove any lint film or residue that could be causing a false short. If the code returns after cleaning, inspect the wiring harness running from the sensor bar to the control board for pinched or damaged wires. If the harness looks intact, test the sensor bar itself for a short using a multimeter. A shorted sensor bar or damaged harness will need to be replaced.
How much does it cost to fix error code 23 on a Maytag dryer?
If the fix is simply cleaning the sensor bar strips, the cost is nothing beyond a few minutes of your time. A replacement dryness sensor bar typically costs between $20 and $50 in parts and is a manageable DIY repair. A wiring harness replacement runs in a similar range for parts but may take more time to route correctly. If the control board is at fault, parts alone can cost $100 to $250, making professional diagnosis worthwhile before committing to that replacement.
How do I test the dryness sensor bar on a Maytag dryer showing code 23?
Disconnect the dryer from power before testing. Locate the dryness sensor bar on the inside front wall of the drum and disconnect its wiring harness connector. Set a multimeter to the resistance or continuity setting and probe across the two terminals on the sensor bar. You should see no continuity between the two strips when nothing is touching them. If you read continuity or very low resistance with nothing bridging the strips, the sensor bar is shorted and needs replacement.

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