mypros+
Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT

Overheating detected; temperature sensor input showed steady gradual increase to a known upper limit…

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Overheating detected; temperature sensor input showed steady gradual increase to a known upper limit (typically 20° over maximum allowed programmable set point).

First step from the service manual

Check for restricted airflow and temperature regulation components; dryer runs 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.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT means on a Maytag dryer

The EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT on a Maytag dryer indicates that the control board detected a steady, gradual rise in temperature at the exhaust temperature sensor input, reaching approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit above the maximum allowable programmable set point. This is not a sudden spike reading but a sustained climb, which tells the control system that heat is accumulating in the drum and exhaust path rather than being properly expelled. The fault is designed to protect the dryer, its contents, and the surrounding area from a dangerous thermal condition.

When this fault triggers, the dryer enters a protective mode: it continues running without heat for up to 3 minutes, or until the exhaust temperature drops below 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), then shuts off all outputs completely. The dryer will not resume normal operation until the underlying cause is addressed. This controlled cooldown sequence prevents abrupt thermal stress on internal components while still clearing residual heat from the drum.

The primary systems involved are the exhaust airflow path and the temperature regulation components, which include the exhaust thermistor or temperature sensor, high-limit thermostat, and heating element or gas valve assembly. A restricted exhaust duct is the most common root cause, but a failed thermostat or temperature sensor that no longer regulates heat cycling correctly can also allow temperatures to climb steadily until the fault threshold is reached.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT

  1. 01

    Restricted or clogged exhaust duct

    Wiring / connection

    Lint buildup inside the exhaust duct, a crushed or kinked duct hose, or a blocked exterior vent flap prevents hot air from escaping, causing temperatures to rise steadily. Disconnect the duct and check airflow and lint accumulation along its full length.

  2. 02

    Clogged lint screen or lint screen housing

    Wiring / connection

    A heavily loaded lint screen or a lint-coated screen housing restricts airflow directly at the dryer, reducing the system's ability to exhaust heat. Clean the screen and inspect the housing slot for built-up debris.

  3. 03

    Failed high-limit thermostat

    Part replacement

    The high-limit thermostat is responsible for cutting power to the heating circuit when temperatures exceed a safe threshold. If it has failed in a closed position, it will no longer interrupt the heat cycle, allowing temperatures to climb until the control board trips the fault.

  4. 04

    Faulty exhaust temperature sensor or thermistor

    Part replacement

    If the exhaust temperature sensor is drifting or reading inaccurately, it may report a steady upward temperature trend that triggers the fault even when actual temperatures are borderline. Check the sensor's resistance values against specifications and look for loose or corroded wiring connections.

  5. 05

    Heating element partial short or gas valve staying open

    Part replacement

    A partially shorted heating element on electric models, or a gas valve that is not cycling off correctly on gas models, can continuously add heat beyond what the thermostat can manage. This results in the gradual temperature climb pattern the control board identifies as this fault.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT

What does EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT mean on a Maytag dryer?
It means the dryer's control system detected a steady, gradual temperature increase at the exhaust sensor that reached approximately 20 degrees above the maximum allowable set point. The dryer responds by running without heat for up to 3 minutes to cool down, then shuts off completely. This fault points to a problem with airflow restriction or a temperature regulation component. The dryer will not operate normally until the cause is corrected.
Will resetting the dryer clear the EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT?
Resetting the dryer by unplugging it or cycling the breaker may temporarily clear the fault code, but the fault will return if the underlying cause is not fixed. The control board is designed to detect the same gradual temperature rise pattern and will trip the fault again under the same conditions. Address the root cause first, such as clearing a blocked vent or replacing a failed thermostat, before relying on a reset.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dryer after this fault appears?
No, you should not continue operating the dryer until the fault has been diagnosed and corrected. The EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT indicates the dryer reached a dangerously high temperature, which is a fire risk, particularly if the cause is a restricted exhaust duct with lint accumulation. The dryer's built-in shutdown response is a protective measure, not a permanent solution.
How do I fix the EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT on my Maytag dryer?
Start by cleaning the lint screen and inspecting the full length of the exhaust duct for blockages, kinks, or a stuck exterior vent flap. If airflow is clear, the next step is to test the high-limit thermostat and exhaust temperature sensor for correct operation. A failed thermostat or sensor will need to be replaced. If those components test correctly, inspect the heating element or gas valve for a fault that is causing continuous heat output.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag dryer showing EXHAUST HIGH TEMP FAULT?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. Clearing a blocked exhaust duct yourself costs nothing beyond your time, while professional duct cleaning services typically range from $75 to $150. Replacing a high-limit thermostat or temperature sensor generally runs between $20 and $80 in parts, with labor adding $100 to $200 if a technician is doing the work. A failed heating element or gas valve component will cost more, with total repair estimates ranging from $150 to $400 or higher depending on your specific model and labor rates.

Related Maytag dryer codes

All Maytag dryer codes
View all 251 Maytag dryer codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass