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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F3E5

Inlet and exhaust thermistors are both open; will occur if the P14 connector is not plugged into the CCU.

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Inlet and exhaust thermistors are both open; will occur if the P14 connector is not plugged into the CCU.

First step from the service manual

Check that P14 connector is plugged into the CCU.

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

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What F3E5 means on a Maytag dryer

F3E5 indicates the CCU (Central Control Unit) has detected that both the inlet thermistor and exhaust thermistor circuits are open simultaneously. Because a single failed thermistor would only trigger its own individual fault, both circuits reading open at the same time points away from two coincidental component failures and toward a shared cause. The P14 connector on the CCU is the wiring harness plug that feeds thermistor data to the control board, and an unplugged or poorly seated P14 is the primary trigger for this code.

For homeowners, the dryer is telling you that its temperature sensors are not communicating with the control board at all. The dryer uses these sensors to monitor air temperature at the inlet and exhaust points during a cycle. Without that data, the control board cannot regulate heat safely, so it stops operation and displays F3E5. This is not a situation where the dryer is failing to heat because of a heating element issue; it is a failure in the sensor reporting system.

The most common reason this code appears is a disconnected P14 connector on the CCU, which can happen after a previous repair or during shipping. Beyond a loose connector, a damaged wiring harness between the thermistors and the CCU or failed thermistors themselves can cause the same result. Starting with the connector check resolves the majority of F3E5 cases without any parts replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F3E5

  1. 01

    Disconnected or loose P14 connector on the CCU

    Wiring / connection

    If the P14 connector is not fully seated into the CCU, neither thermistor circuit can complete, causing both to read as open simultaneously. This is the most common cause of F3E5 and requires no parts to fix if the connector is simply reseated.

  2. 02

    Damaged or broken wiring harness between thermistors and CCU

    Part replacement

    A wire in the harness leading to the P14 connector can break, chafe, or develop an open circuit due to heat exposure or physical damage, cutting off the signal from both thermistors at once. The harness will need to be repaired or replaced.

  3. 03

    Failed inlet thermistor

    Part replacement

    If the inlet thermistor has failed open internally, it contributes to the F3E5 condition alongside any issue with the exhaust thermistor circuit. Thermistors that fail open measure outside the acceptable resistance range and must be replaced.

  4. 04

    Failed exhaust thermistor

    Part replacement

    The exhaust thermistor can independently fail open, and if both thermistors fail around the same time or the exhaust thermistor failure occurs alongside a wiring issue, F3E5 will be triggered. The failed thermistor requires replacement.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F3E5

What does F3E5 mean on a Maytag dryer?
F3E5 means the control board has detected that both the inlet thermistor and exhaust thermistor circuits are open, meaning it is receiving no temperature data from either sensor. The most common reason this happens is that the P14 connector on the CCU is not plugged in or has come loose. Because both sensors fail together rather than independently, the fault almost always points to a shared connection issue rather than two separate thermistor failures.
How do I fix F3E5 on a Maytag dryer?
Start by locating the CCU (Central Control Unit) inside the dryer cabinet and checking that the P14 connector is fully seated. Unplug the dryer, remove the panel to access the CCU, press the P14 connector firmly into place, and restore power to see if the code clears. If the code returns after reseating the connector, use a multimeter to test both thermistors for continuity and check the wiring harness for breaks or damage. A thermistor that reads open will need to be replaced.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer when it shows the F3E5 error code?
No. With F3E5 active, the dryer cannot monitor air temperature at either the inlet or exhaust, which means it has no way to regulate heat or detect overheating conditions. Running the dryer in this state risks overheating the drum, clothing, and internal components. Keep the dryer off until the P14 connector is inspected and the thermistor circuits are confirmed to be functioning.
How much does it cost to fix F3E5 on a Maytag dryer?
If the fix is simply reseating the P14 connector, the cost is nothing beyond the time to access the CCU. If one or both thermistors need replacement, each thermistor typically costs between $15 and $40 for the part, and the repair is accessible to a confident DIYer with basic tools. If the wiring harness is damaged, parts cost varies but the labor to diagnose and repair wiring is where professional service costs increase, generally ranging from $100 to $200 for a technician call depending on your area.
Can a bad CCU cause the F3E5 error code on a Maytag dryer?
It is possible but uncommon. The F3E5 code is specifically tied to the P14 connector port on the CCU and the thermistor circuits it serves. Before suspecting the CCU itself, confirm the P14 connector is secure, test both thermistors with a multimeter, and inspect the wiring harness for damage. If all of those components check out correctly and the code persists, a faulty CCU becomes a more credible diagnosis and replacement would be the next step.

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