Maytag Dryer Error Code BURNER HIGH LIMIT FAULT

This fault means the temperature safety disk located in the burner assembly has detected an overtemperature condition and opened the burner circuit to stop heating. It is a protective response to prevent damage or fire. The burner hi-limit is a manual-reset device, so it must be physically reset and the cause of the overheating must be identified before the dryer will heat normally again.

The fault itself means the safety system worked correctly by shutting off the burner before temperatures reached a dangerous level. However, the condition that caused the overtemperature, such as a blocked vent or a stuck-closed thermostat, can be a fire risk if left unresolved. Do not continue using the dryer until the root cause has been identified and corrected.

If the fault was caused by a blocked vent or lint buildup, the repair cost may be minimal, covering only cleaning or a service call fee in the range of $50 to $150. If a cycling thermostat or hi-limit thermostat needs replacement, parts typically cost between $10 and $40 each, with professional labor adding $100 to $200 depending on your location. A thorough vent cleaning and inspection before calling a technician can sometimes resolve the issue at little or no cost.

Start by resetting the manual burner hi-limit thermostat, which is located in the burner assembly and has a reset button that must be pressed to restore continuity. Before running the dryer again, check the exhaust vent for blockages, clean the lint filter, and inspect the full duct path to the exterior. If the fault returns after resetting, the cycling thermostat or the hi-limit thermostat itself may need to be tested and replaced.

Resetting the manual hi-limit thermostat will restore the burner circuit and allow the dryer to heat again, but it will not fix the underlying problem that caused the hi-limit to trip. If the root cause, such as restricted airflow or a failed cycling thermostat, is not addressed, the hi-limit will trip again during the next drying cycle. Always diagnose and correct the cause before returning the dryer to regular use.