Maytag Dryer Error Code F3

F3 on a Maytag dryer means the exhaust thermistor has shorted, causing its resistance to drop below 500 ohms. The control interprets this as a temperature reading above 250°F and triggers the fault code. In normal Run mode the condition must persist for 1 minute before the code appears, but in Factory Diagnostic Mode it triggers immediately. The dryer will not operate normally until the fault is resolved.

No, you should stop using the dryer until the F3 fault is resolved. The thermistor is part of the system that monitors exhaust temperature and helps prevent overheating. A shorted sensor means the control cannot accurately read exhaust heat, which removes an important safety reference during dryer operation. Continued use without a functioning thermistor increases the risk of undetected overheating.

If the exhaust thermistor is the cause, the part itself typically costs in the range of $10 to $40 depending on the model. If you hire a technician, total repair costs including labor generally fall in the range of $100 to $200. If the control board is the underlying cause, parts and labor costs will be higher, often in the range of $200 to $400 or more.

A knowledgeable DIYer can diagnose this fault by unplugging the dryer, locating the exhaust thermistor, and measuring its resistance with a multimeter. If the reading is below 500 ohms with the wiring disconnected, the thermistor needs to be replaced. If the sensor reads correctly in isolation, inspect the wiring harness and connectors for damage. Replacing a thermistor is generally a straightforward repair, but working inside the dryer cabinet requires basic disassembly skills.

Unplugging the dryer and restoring power may temporarily clear the displayed code, but the fault will return as soon as the control detects the thermistor resistance below 500 ohms again. Because the code is tied to an active hardware condition, resetting without replacing the faulty thermistor or repairing the wiring will not permanently resolve the problem.