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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F-22

Exhaust thermistor open

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Exhaust thermistor open — temperature drops below 18°F (>50 kΩ) for 1 minute in Run mode, or immediately in Factory Diagnostic Mode.

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What F-22 means on a Maytag dryer

The F-22 error code on a Maytag dryer indicates an open circuit condition in the exhaust thermistor. The control board monitors the resistance of this thermistor continuously during operation. When the thermistor reading exceeds 50 kΩ, the board interprets this as a temperature below 18°F, which is outside the normal operating range. If this condition persists for one continuous minute while the dryer is running, the F-22 code is triggered. In Factory Diagnostic Mode, the code appears immediately upon detecting the out-of-range resistance reading.

The exhaust thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor positioned in the exhaust duct path. Its resistance decreases as temperature rises and increases as temperature falls. A reading above 50 kΩ almost always indicates a broken internal element, a disconnected wire harness connector, or a damaged lead wire rather than an actual sub-18°F exhaust temperature during normal dryer use. Corrosion at the connector pins can also introduce enough resistance to push the reading past the 50 kΩ threshold.

Because the thermistor directly informs the control board about exhaust temperatures, a failed sensor can prevent the dryer from completing cycles correctly or cause the machine to shut down prematurely as a safety measure. Diagnosing this fault requires a multimeter to check thermistor resistance at room temperature, inspect wiring continuity from the sensor to the control board, and confirm secure connector seating throughout the circuit.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F-22

  1. 01

    Failed exhaust thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor's internal sensing element has broken open, causing resistance to exceed the 50 kΩ threshold. Confirm with a multimeter: a room-temperature reading well above the expected NTC range confirms a faulty sensor.

  2. 02

    Disconnected or loose wiring harness connector

    Wiring / connection

    The connector at the thermistor or at the control board may have vibrated loose, creating an open circuit. Visually inspect and firmly reseat all connectors along the thermistor circuit before replacing parts.

  3. 03

    Damaged or broken thermistor lead wires

    Part replacement

    The wires running from the thermistor to the control board can fray, pinch, or break due to heat cycling or mechanical wear. Inspect the full wire length for visible damage and test continuity with a multimeter.

  4. 04

    Corroded connector pins

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture or extended heat exposure can corrode the pin contacts at the thermistor connector, adding enough resistance to push the reading above 50 kΩ. Inspect pins for discoloration or oxidation and clean or replace the connector as needed.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor and all wiring test within normal resistance values, the control board's input circuit for the thermistor signal may have failed. This is the least likely cause and should only be considered after all other components check out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F-22

What does F-22 mean on a Maytag dryer?
F-22 indicates that the exhaust thermistor has gone open circuit, meaning its resistance exceeded 50 kΩ, which the control board reads as a temperature below 18°F. This condition must persist for one minute during normal operation to trigger the code, but it appears immediately in Factory Diagnostic Mode. The most common causes are a failed thermistor, a loose connector, or a broken wire in the sensor circuit.
Can I fix the F-22 error myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose this code with a multimeter by checking the thermistor resistance and testing continuity along the wiring harness. If the thermistor is the culprit, replacing it is a straightforward repair on most Maytag dryer models. However, if the wiring or control board is involved, professional diagnosis is recommended to avoid misdiagnosing an expensive component.
Is it safe to run my dryer with an F-22 error?
You should not continue running the dryer while this code is active. The exhaust thermistor is part of the thermal monitoring system, and operating without a valid temperature reading means the control board cannot properly regulate drying cycles or respond to overheating conditions. Continued use could pose a fire risk or cause damage to other components.
How much does it cost to repair an F-22 error on a Maytag dryer?
If only the thermistor needs replacement, parts typically range from $10 to $40 depending on the model, making it one of the less expensive dryer repairs. Adding professional labor usually brings the total to somewhere between $80 and $200. If the control board is the root cause, parts alone can range from $100 to $300 or more, with labor on top of that.
Will resetting the dryer clear the F-22 error code?
Unplugging the dryer or cycling power may temporarily clear the code, but it will return as soon as the dryer runs and the control board detects the open thermistor circuit again. A reset does not address the underlying hardware problem. The fault needs to be physically diagnosed and repaired before the code will stay cleared permanently.

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