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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F3

Exhaust thermistor shorted

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

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

First step from the service manual

Check exhaust thermistor resistance (should be greater than 500 Ω); replace if shorted.

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

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What F3 means on a Maytag dryer

The F3 error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the exhaust thermistor has shorted. The thermistor is a resistive temperature sensor mounted in the exhaust airflow path that continuously monitors dryer outlet temperature during operation. Under normal conditions, the thermistor resistance decreases as temperature rises, but remains above 500 ohms within the safe operating range. When the control detects resistance below 500 ohms, it interprets this as a temperature reading above 250°F. If this condition persists for 1 minute during normal Run mode, the F3 code triggers. In Factory Diagnostic Mode, the fault triggers immediately upon detecting sub-500 ohm resistance.

A shorted thermistor typically means the sensor's internal resistance has collapsed due to component failure, physical damage, or a wiring fault causing the signal circuit to read near-zero ohms. This is distinct from an open-circuit failure, where resistance would be infinite. The control board uses the thermistor signal to regulate heat cycles, so a shorted sensor causes the board to misread the exhaust temperature, which can affect drying performance and trigger protective shutdowns.

Diagnosing F3 begins with disconnecting power, locating the exhaust thermistor, and measuring its resistance with a multimeter. A reading below 500 ohms confirms the short. Technicians should also inspect the wiring harness between the thermistor and control board for pinched wires, melted insulation, or connector corrosion that could create a false short before condemning the thermistor itself.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F3

  1. 01

    Failed exhaust thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has internally shorted, causing its resistance to drop below 500 ohms. This is the most common cause and is confirmed by measuring resistance directly at the sensor terminals with the wiring disconnected.

  2. 02

    Damaged wiring harness

    Wiring / connection

    A pinched, chafed, or heat-damaged wire in the harness between the thermistor and control board can create a short to ground or between signal wires. Inspect the full harness run for melted insulation, bare copper contact, or connector damage.

  3. 03

    Corroded or shorted connector

    Wiring / connection

    Moisture or debris in the thermistor connector can bridge the signal pins and create a false low-resistance reading. Inspect the connector for discoloration, corrosion, or debris and clean or replace as needed.

  4. 04

    Control board fault

    Part replacement

    In rare cases, the control board's thermistor input circuit can fail internally and read a false short even when the sensor and wiring are intact. This is typically diagnosed only after confirming the thermistor and harness measure correctly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F3

What does F3 mean on a Maytag dryer?
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.
Can I fix an F3 error on my Maytag dryer myself?
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.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when it shows F3?
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.
Will resetting the dryer clear the F3 error code?
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.
How much does it cost to repair an F3 error on a Maytag dryer?
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.

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