Maytag Dryer Error Code hE

The hE error code on a Maytag dryer indicates a heater error, meaning the control board has detected an invalid heating temperature during a drying cycle. The control system continuously monitors drum temperature through a thermistor, and when the sensed temperature falls outside the expected range for the current cycle stage, whether too high or too low, the board flags the hE fault and typically stops the heating element from operating. This protection is designed to prevent fire hazards from overheating or damage from running a cycle without adequate heat.

The thermistor is the primary component to evaluate when diagnosing this code. A failed or drifting thermistor will send an inaccurate resistance signal to the control board, causing the board to interpret the temperature as invalid. Thermistor resistance values vary with temperature, so a reading that is open, shorted, or significantly out of specification at room temperature confirms a faulty sensor. The heating element, thermal fuse, and high-limit thermostat are also part of this circuit and should be inspected for continuity.

A restricted vent system is one of the most common root causes of heating faults in dryers. When airflow through the exhaust duct is blocked or reduced by lint buildup, crushed ducting, or a clogged exterior vent cap, heat accumulates inside the drum faster than it dissipates. This can cause the thermal fuse or high-limit thermostat to trip, cutting power to the heater and producing an invalid temperature reading that triggers the hE code. Always clear and inspect the full vent path before replacing components.