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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT

Basket (tumbler) safety over-temperature switch has opened.

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Basket (tumbler) safety over-temperature switch has opened.

First step from the service manual

Check exhaust high-limit disk (closes below 225°F/107°C); dryer cools with no heat for 3 minutes or until below 100°F (38°C) then shuts off all outputs until addressed.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT means on a Maytag dryer

The EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT on a Maytag dryer indicates that the basket (tumbler) safety over-temperature switch has opened. This switch is a thermal protection device that monitors temperatures within the dryer's exhaust path. It is designed to close below 225°F (107°C), meaning it remains closed and allows normal operation at safe temperatures. When exhaust temperatures climb beyond this threshold, the switch opens and triggers the fault. This is a protective response to prevent potential fire hazards or component damage caused by excessive heat buildup.

When this fault is triggered, the dryer enters a controlled cooldown sequence rather than stopping immediately. The machine continues to tumble with no heat applied for approximately 3 minutes or until the internal temperature drops below 100°F (38°C). After the cooldown period completes, the dryer shuts off all outputs and holds that state until the fault is addressed. The unit will not resume normal heated operation until the root cause is identified and corrected.

The most common underlying cause of this fault is restricted airflow through the exhaust system, which prevents heat from escaping at a normal rate and allows temperatures to build past the switch's threshold. Clogged lint screens, blocked or kinked exhaust ducting, and obstructed exterior vent terminations are the primary culprits. A failed heating element that cycles on without shutting off, a faulty cycling thermostat, or a damaged high-limit switch itself can also produce this condition. Proper diagnosis requires evaluating both the airflow path and the thermal components before attempting a reset.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT

  1. 01

    Clogged or restricted exhaust ductwork

    Wiring / connection

    Lint buildup inside the exhaust duct or a kinked flexible duct section reduces airflow, trapping heat inside the dryer. Disconnect and visually inspect the full duct run, including the exterior termination cap, for obstructions.

  2. 02

    Blocked or dirty lint screen

    Wiring / connection

    A heavily loaded lint screen restricts the airflow the dryer depends on to exhaust heat. Remove and clean the screen, and check the lint trap housing for accumulated debris below the screen.

  3. 03

    Failed cycling thermostat

    Part replacement

    The cycling thermostat regulates the heating element's on/off cycle during operation. If it fails in the closed position, the heater runs continuously, driving temperatures beyond what the high-limit switch can tolerate.

  4. 04

    Faulty high-limit switch

    Part replacement

    The high-limit disk switch itself can fail and open prematurely even when actual temperatures are within a safe range. Test continuity across the switch terminals; a healthy switch should read closed below 225°F (107°C).

  5. 05

    Heating element grounded or shorted

    Part replacement

    A heating element coil that has sagged and contacts the element housing can create a continuous heat condition that bypasses normal thermostat control. Inspect the element for visible coil contact with the housing and test for shorts to ground.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT

What does EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT mean on a Maytag dryer?
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.
Can I reset the EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT without fixing anything?
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.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer while this fault is active?
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.
How do I fix the EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT FAULT on my Maytag dryer?
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.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag dryer with an EXHAUST HIGH-LIMIT 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.

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