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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F:23

Exhaust thermistor has shorted.

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Exhaust thermistor has shorted.

First step from the service manual

See TEST #4a, page 6.

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

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What F:23 means on a Maytag dryer

The F:23 error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the exhaust thermistor has shorted. The exhaust thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor located in the exhaust airflow path. Its job is to continuously monitor the temperature of air leaving the drum and report that data to the control board. When the thermistor shorts, its resistance drops abnormally low, causing the control board to read an out-of-range signal. The control board interprets this as a fault condition and triggers the F:23 code to halt operation and prevent potential overheating.

A shorted thermistor differs from an open thermistor in an important way. An open thermistor has broken continuity, producing infinite or very high resistance. A shorted thermistor, by contrast, has an internal failure that collapses its resistance to near zero. Both conditions produce false temperature readings, but a short is typically caused by physical damage to the sensor element, moisture intrusion, or wiring that has melted and fused together at the thermistor connector or harness.

The recommended starting point for diagnosing this fault is TEST #4a, which focuses on evaluating the exhaust thermistor circuit. This test typically involves disconnecting the thermistor and measuring its resistance with a multimeter to confirm whether the component itself has failed or whether the wiring harness is responsible for the short. Inspecting the connector terminals for corrosion, melting, or pinched wiring is also a key part of this diagnostic process.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F:23

  1. 01

    Failed exhaust thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has internally short-circuited, causing its resistance to drop to near zero. Measuring the thermistor directly with a multimeter will confirm a shorted reading well outside the normal operating resistance range.

  2. 02

    Damaged or pinched wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    The wires connecting the thermistor to the control board may be pinched, abraded, or melted together, creating a short in the circuit rather than in the sensor itself. Carefully inspect the harness along its entire length for visible damage.

  3. 03

    Corroded or contaminated connector terminals

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture or debris at the thermistor connector can create a conductive bridge between terminals, mimicking a shorted sensor. Inspect the connector for corrosion, discoloration, or residue and clean or replace as needed.

  4. 04

    Heat damage near the thermistor location

    Part replacement

    Restricted airflow from a clogged lint filter or blocked exhaust duct can cause excessive heat buildup that physically damages the thermistor or its wiring insulation. Check the exhaust path for blockages as part of this diagnosis.

  5. 05

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board itself may incorrectly report an F:23 code due to a failure in the input circuit that reads thermistor data. This should only be considered after the thermistor and 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 on a Maytag dryer means the exhaust thermistor has shorted. The exhaust thermistor is a resistance-based temperature sensor in the dryer's exhaust airflow path. When it short-circuits, it sends an invalid signal to the control board, which halts the dryer to prevent unsafe operation. The fault must be diagnosed and repaired before the dryer will run normally.
Can I fix the F:23 error on my Maytag dryer myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose this code by using a multimeter to test the exhaust thermistor's resistance and inspecting the wiring harness for visible damage. The diagnostic process begins with TEST #4a, which walks through the thermistor circuit evaluation. If the thermistor has failed, replacing it is a straightforward repair. If the control board is responsible, that repair is more complex and may warrant professional service.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when the F:23 code is showing?
No, you should not continue operating the dryer with an active F:23 code. The exhaust thermistor helps the control board monitor and regulate drying temperatures. A shorted sensor means temperature readings are unreliable, which could allow the dryer to overheat without triggering appropriate safety responses. Stop using the dryer until the fault is resolved.
Will resetting the dryer clear the F:23 error code?
Resetting the dryer by unplugging it or cycling the power may temporarily clear the code, but it will return as soon as the control board detects the shorted thermistor circuit again. The underlying hardware fault must be corrected, either by replacing the thermistor or repairing the wiring, before the code will clear permanently.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag dryer showing F:23?
If only the exhaust thermistor needs replacement, parts typically cost in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the model, making it one of the more affordable dryer repairs. Labor costs for a professional technician can add $75 to $150 or more. If the control board is at fault, total repair costs can rise to the $200 to $400 range including parts and labor.

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