mypros+
Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F-23

Exhaust thermistor shorted

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Exhaust thermistor shorted — temperature above 250°F (<500Ω) for 1 minute in Run mode, or immediately in Factory Diagnostic Mode.

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for F-23.

  • 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 F-23 means on a Maytag dryer

The F-23 error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the exhaust thermistor has shorted, causing the control board to read an abnormally high temperature condition. Specifically, the fault triggers when the thermistor's resistance drops below 500 ohms, which corresponds to a temperature reading above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. In normal operation, the thermistor resistance changes in a predictable inverse relationship with temperature. A shorted thermistor collapses that resistance far below the expected range, signaling a dangerously high exhaust temperature to the control board.

The exhaust thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor mounted in the exhaust duct pathway. Its job is to continuously monitor outgoing air temperature and feed that data to the control board so heating cycles can be regulated safely. When the control board detects a sub-500 ohm reading for a sustained period of one minute during normal Run mode, it locks out operation and displays F-23. In Factory Diagnostic Mode, the fault triggers immediately upon detecting the out-of-range resistance, with no delay threshold.

The most common cause is a failed thermistor with an internal short rather than a true overtemperature event. However, actual airflow restriction from lint buildup can also drive exhaust temperatures high enough to produce this fault legitimately. Wiring harness damage, corroded connectors at the thermistor terminals, and in rarer cases a failed control board misreading sensor data are additional possibilities that should be evaluated during diagnosis.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F-23

  1. 01

    Failed exhaust thermistor (internal short)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself can develop an internal short, causing its resistance to drop below 500 ohms regardless of actual temperature. Testing the thermistor with a multimeter will show abnormally low resistance, confirming the component has failed.

  2. 02

    Restricted or clogged exhaust vent

    Wiring / connection

    Heavy lint accumulation in the duct, a kinked flexible vent hose, or a blocked exterior vent cap can trap heat and push actual exhaust temperatures above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Inspect and clear the full vent path from the dryer to the exterior termination point.

  3. 03

    Damaged wiring harness or corroded connector

    Wiring / connection

    Chafed wiring or corroded pins at the thermistor connector can create a short circuit in the signal circuit, producing a false low-resistance reading at the control board. Visually inspect the harness and connector for heat damage, corrosion, or broken insulation.

  4. 04

    Thermistor mounting position shifted

    Wiring / connection

    If the thermistor probe has moved out of its correct mounting position, it may be exposed to a direct heat source rather than the mixed exhaust airstream, causing legitimate high readings. Check that the sensor is seated securely in its designated location in the exhaust path.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board may misinterpret thermistor signals due to internal component failure, producing an F-23 fault even when the thermistor and wiring test within spec. Control board failure should only be suspected after the thermistor and all wiring have been confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F-23

What does F-23 mean on a Maytag dryer?
F-23 indicates that the exhaust thermistor has shorted, with the control board detecting a resistance below 500 ohms, which corresponds to a temperature above 250 degrees Fahrenheit. In Run mode, the fault requires this condition to persist for one full minute before locking out. In Factory Diagnostic Mode, the fault is triggered immediately. The dryer shuts down to prevent a potential overheating hazard.
Can I fix the F-23 error code myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can address some causes of F-23, particularly cleaning out a clogged exhaust vent or inspecting the wiring harness for visible damage. Replacing the exhaust thermistor is also a straightforward repair if you are comfortable disconnecting wiring connectors and removing a sensor probe. Replacing the control board is more involved and may be better suited to a professional technician.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer with an F-23 error?
No. The F-23 code indicates either a faulty temperature sensor or a genuine overheating condition in the exhaust system. Running the dryer without resolving the fault could allow temperatures to rise unchecked, increasing the risk of damage to the appliance or a potential fire hazard from an overheated exhaust duct. Do not operate the dryer until the cause has been identified and corrected.
Will resetting the dryer clear the F-23 error code?
A reset may temporarily clear the fault display, but the F-23 code will return as soon as the dryer runs and the control board again reads a thermistor resistance below 500 ohms. Because the underlying cause, whether a shorted sensor, restricted venting, or wiring issue, has not been resolved, resetting alone is not a fix. The root cause must be diagnosed and corrected.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag dryer F-23 error?
Repair costs depend on the faulty component. Exhaust thermistor replacement is typically the least expensive fix, with parts generally ranging from around 15 to 50 dollars plus labor if a technician is used. Vent cleaning is low cost if done as DIY maintenance. A control board replacement represents the higher end of the cost range and can run from roughly 100 to 300 dollars or more for parts alone, depending on the specific model.

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