Maytag Dryer Error Code 23

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.