Maytag Dryer Error Code EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT

It means the safety over-temperature switch in the basket or exhaust area has detected temperatures above its threshold and opened to cut off heat. The dryer responds by tumbling without heat for up to 3 minutes to cool down, then shuts off all outputs completely. This is a protective fault designed to prevent fire or heat damage. The dryer will not operate normally again until the fault condition is resolved.

No. The dryer shuts off all outputs after the cooldown sequence precisely because continued operation would be unsafe. Running the dryer with an unresolved overtemperature condition increases the risk of fire, particularly if the cause is a clogged exhaust duct or a continuously energized heating element. Do not bypass or ignore this fault.

If the fix is simply cleaning a blocked duct or lint screen, the cost is minimal, just your time and possibly a duct cleaning brush kit in the range of $10 to $30. Replacing a cycling thermostat or high-limit switch typically involves parts costs in the range of $10 to $50 per component, plus labor if you use a technician. A full service call from a professional technician can range from $100 to $250 or more depending on your location and what parts are needed.

A basic power reset may clear the displayed fault code temporarily, but if the underlying cause is not corrected, the switch will open again and the fault will return. Repeatedly resetting without addressing restricted airflow or a failed thermal component puts the dryer at risk of more serious damage. Always inspect the exhaust path and thermal components before resuming operation.

Start by cleaning the lint screen and inspecting the entire exhaust duct from the dryer to the exterior termination cap for blockages, kinks, or crushed sections. If airflow is clear, test the cycling thermostat and the high-limit switch for proper continuity using a multimeter. A switch that does not close below 225°F (107°C) needs replacement. If those components test correctly, inspect the heating element for shorts or contact with the element housing.