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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code SH

Thermistor is shorted (zero ohms resistance) or temperature near thermistor is above 175°F, causing control…

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Thermistor is shorted (zero ohms resistance) or temperature near thermistor is above 175°F, causing control to enter shorted-thermistor protection mode.

First step from the service manual

Unplug power cord, remove front panel and control hood, check for shorted wiring between terminals P5 and P6 on control and thermistor.

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

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What SH means on a Maytag dryer

The SH error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the thermistor has shorted to near-zero ohms resistance, or that the temperature in the vicinity of the thermistor has risen above 175 degrees Fahrenheit. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor that the control board monitors continuously to regulate dryer heat output. When the control detects a shorted condition, it enters a built-in protection mode to prevent overheating damage to internal components and laundry.

A properly functioning thermistor changes its resistance in response to temperature. A short circuit collapses that resistance to near zero ohms, sending the control board a signal that mimics an extreme temperature reading. The control board cannot distinguish between an actual overheat event and a failed sensor reporting false data, so it responds the same way to both: by entering shorted-thermistor protection mode and displaying SH.

Diagnosis begins with disconnecting power, then removing the front panel and control hood to access the wiring harness. The key test point is the wiring between terminals P5 and P6 on the control board, which carry the thermistor signal. Inspecting and testing this wiring for a short to ground or a short between conductors, as well as measuring the thermistor resistance directly, will identify whether the fault is in the sensor itself or in the wiring connecting it to the control board.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of SH

  1. 01

    Failed thermistor (shorted internally)

    Part replacement

    The thermistor itself has internally short-circuited, dropping its resistance to near zero ohms. This is the most common cause and is confirmed by measuring near-zero resistance across the thermistor terminals with an ohmmeter after disconnecting it from the circuit.

  2. 02

    Shorted wiring between P5 and P6 terminals

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness between the thermistor and the control board terminals P5 and P6 may have a short circuit caused by pinched, melted, or chafed insulation. Visually inspecting the harness and checking for continuity between the two wires while disconnected from both ends will identify this fault.

  3. 03

    Actual high temperature condition above 175 degrees F

    Wiring / connection

    If airflow through the dryer is severely restricted by a clogged lint screen, blocked exhaust duct, or failed blower, the temperature near the thermistor can genuinely exceed 175 degrees F, triggering the code. Clearing restrictions and inspecting the exhaust path should be part of any SH diagnosis.

  4. 04

    Damaged thermistor connector or terminal

    Wiring / connection

    A corroded, bent, or pushed-back pin in the thermistor connector at the control board can create an unintended low-resistance path that mimics a shorted sensor. Inspecting the P5 and P6 connector terminals for physical damage is a quick check before replacing the thermistor.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the thermistor measures correct resistance and the wiring shows no fault, the control board itself may be misreading the signal due to a failed input circuit. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after all wiring and sensor checks are complete.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about SH

What does SH mean on a Maytag dryer?
SH on a Maytag dryer means the control board has detected that the thermistor, the temperature-sensing resistor inside the dryer, is reading near-zero ohms resistance. This shorted condition, whether caused by a failed thermistor, damaged wiring, or an actual temperature above 175 degrees F near the sensor, causes the dryer to enter a protective mode and stop normal operation. The code will remain active until the underlying fault is identified and corrected.
Can I reset the SH code by unplugging the dryer?
Unplugging the dryer may temporarily clear the SH code, but the code will return if the underlying fault has not been fixed. If the thermistor is shorted or the wiring between terminals P5 and P6 is damaged, the control board will detect the same fault condition as soon as power is restored and the dryer attempts to operate. A reset alone is not a repair.
Is it safe to run my dryer when SH is displayed?
You should not continue running the dryer while the SH code is active. The code means the temperature monitoring system is compromised, either because the sensor is faulty or because the area around the sensor actually reached above 175 degrees F. Without reliable temperature feedback, the control board cannot properly regulate heat, which creates a risk of overheating the drum or internal components.
How do I fix the SH error code on my Maytag dryer?
Start by unplugging the dryer, then remove the front panel and control hood to access the wiring harness. Check the wiring between terminals P5 and P6 on the control board for any visible damage, pinching, or shorts. Disconnect the thermistor and measure its resistance with an ohmmeter: a reading near zero ohms confirms the thermistor is shorted and needs replacement. Also inspect the exhaust duct and lint trap for blockages that could cause genuine overheating.
How much does it cost to repair an SH error code on a Maytag dryer?
If the thermistor itself is the cause, the part typically costs somewhere in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the model, making it one of the more affordable dryer repairs. If the fault is in the wiring harness, repair costs depend on whether the harness can be repaired or needs replacement. A control board replacement, if required, can range from $100 to $250 or more for the part alone. Labor costs will vary by region and service provider.

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