Maytag Dryer Error Code TRAC

The TRAC error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the exhaust thermistor has gone open circuit. The exhaust thermistor is a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor that monitors the temperature of air leaving the drum through the exhaust duct. Under normal operating conditions, this sensor produces a resistance value that decreases as temperature rises. When the control board reads a resistance above 50 kΩ, it interprets this as a temperature below 18°F, which is outside any realistic operating range and signals a failed or disconnected sensor rather than an actual temperature condition.

The fault triggers in one of two ways depending on the dryer's current state. In Run mode, the control requires the out-of-range reading to persist for at least one continuous minute before setting the TRAC code, which helps filter out momentary electrical noise. In Factory Diagnostic Mode, the fault is flagged immediately with no delay, allowing faster identification during bench or installation testing. Both conditions point to the same root cause: the thermistor circuit is broken, presenting an effectively infinite resistance to the control board.

Common causes include a thermistor that has failed internally and gone open, a wiring harness connector that has pulled loose or corroded at the thermistor terminals, or a break in the wire leads between the sensor and the control board. Because the threshold is so low (below 18°F), ambient temperature fluctuations will never trigger this code under normal circumstances. Any TRAC fault should be treated as a component or wiring failure requiring physical inspection.