Maytag Dryer Error Code D18

D18 on a Maytag dryer is an Axial Probe Fault. It means the axial thermistor, an internal temperature sensor, has been reading a temperature outside its normal operating range for more than 30 seconds. The control board detects this as either an open or shorted sensor condition and stops normal operation to protect the appliance. If the condition resolves on its own, the dryer will automatically return to READY Mode.

You should not continue running the dryer while the D18 fault is active. The axial thermistor is part of the temperature monitoring system, and operating without a reliable temperature reading means the dryer cannot properly regulate heat. This creates a potential for overheating, which could damage laundry or pose a fire risk. Wait until the fault is cleared and the root cause has been addressed before resuming normal use.

Repair costs depend on the failed component. A replacement axial thermistor typically costs between $15 and $50 for the part alone. If professional labor is involved, total costs including diagnosis and installation generally range from $100 to $250 depending on your location and service provider. If the issue is simply a loose connector, it may cost nothing beyond your time if you are comfortable with a basic inspection.

The D18 fault is designed to clear automatically if the underlying condition no longer exists, without requiring a manual reset. The control board monitors the thermistor signal continuously and will return to READY Mode on its own once a valid reading is restored. However, if the fault returns after clearing, a manual inspection of the thermistor and its wiring is necessary since automatic clearing does not fix a physically failed component.

Start by allowing the dryer to sit for a few minutes to see if the fault clears automatically and the control returns to READY Mode. If the code returns, unplug the dryer and visually inspect the wiring connector at the axial thermistor for looseness, corrosion, or damage. Test the thermistor's resistance with a multimeter to determine if it has opened or shorted. If the thermistor has failed, it will need to be replaced, and if wiring is damaged, the affected section of harness or individual wires must be repaired or replaced.