mypros+
Error code reference

Maytag Microwave Error Code E22

Thermal sensor short error.

Maytag codesMaytag microwave codes

Thermal sensor short error.

First step from the service manual

Check if sensor is unplugged; inspect wiring and PCB assembly.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for E22.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What E22 means on a Maytag microwave

E22 on a Maytag microwave indicates the control board has detected a short circuit condition in the thermal sensor circuit. The thermal sensor monitors internal cavity temperature during cooking cycles. When the PCB assembly reads resistance from the sensor that falls outside the expected range on the low end, consistent with a short, it throws E22 and halts operation to prevent overheating or component damage. The fault can originate at the sensor itself, the wiring harness connecting it, or the PCB assembly that interprets the signal.

For homeowners, the thermal sensor is a small component inside the microwave that acts like a thermometer, telling the control board how hot the inside of the unit is getting. When this sensor shorts out, it sends a bad signal to the board, which cannot safely run the microwave without accurate temperature data. This is why the microwave stops working and displays E22.

Before assuming the sensor has failed, check whether the sensor connector has come loose from the PCB or from the sensor itself. A disconnected plug can mimic a short in some circuit configurations. If the wiring and connections look intact, resistance testing of the sensor with a multimeter will confirm whether the sensor or the board is the source of the fault.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E22

  1. 01

    Shorted thermal sensor

    Part replacement

    The thermal sensor itself has failed internally, causing it to present a short circuit to the PCB. This is the most common cause of E22 and requires replacing the sensor.

  2. 02

    Pinched or damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring between the thermal sensor and the PCB assembly can become pinched, chafed, or burned, creating a short in the circuit. Inspect the full length of the wire for visible damage or insulation failure.

  3. 03

    Loose or unplugged sensor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The sensor connector may have vibrated loose from the PCB or sensor terminal. In some circuit conditions this can register as a short rather than an open, and reseating the connector resolves the error without replacing any parts.

  4. 04

    Faulty PCB assembly

    Part replacement

    If the thermal sensor and wiring both test within spec, the PCB assembly itself may be misreading the sensor circuit due to a failed component on the board. This is the least common cause but requires board replacement if confirmed.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E22

What does E22 mean on a Maytag microwave?
E22 means the control board has detected a short circuit in the thermal sensor circuit. The thermal sensor monitors the internal temperature of the microwave cavity, and when the board reads an abnormal low-resistance signal from it, the unit shuts down and displays E22. The fault can be in the sensor itself, the wiring harness, or the PCB assembly.
How do I fix E22 on a Maytag microwave?
Start by unplugging the microwave and checking whether the thermal sensor connector is fully seated at both the sensor and the PCB assembly. If connections are secure, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the thermal sensor at room temperature and compare it to the spec in your service manual. A shorted sensor will read near zero ohms and needs to be replaced. If the sensor tests good, inspect the wiring harness for pinched or burned insulation. Replacing the sensor is a moderately involved repair that requires disassembling the microwave cabinet.
Is it safe to use my Maytag microwave when E22 is displayed?
No. When E22 is active, the microwave has lost reliable thermal sensor feedback, which means the control board cannot monitor internal temperatures accurately. Running the unit in this state risks overheating internal components. Do not attempt to use the microwave until the fault is diagnosed and repaired.
How much does it cost to fix E22 on a Maytag microwave?
If the thermal sensor is the cause, the part typically costs between $20 and $60 depending on the model, and a technician will add 30 to 60 minutes of labor on top of that. If the PCB assembly is at fault, parts alone can run $80 to $200 or more, which may approach the cost of replacing an older unit. A loose connector costs nothing to fix if you are comfortable working inside the microwave cabinet.
Can a loose wire cause E22 on a Maytag microwave?
Yes. A disconnected or partially seated connector on the thermal sensor circuit can produce readings the PCB interprets as a short, triggering E22. Before ordering parts, unplug the microwave, locate the thermal sensor connector at the PCB and at the sensor, and firmly reseat both ends. Clear the error and test the unit to see if the fault returns.

Related Maytag microwave codes

All Maytag microwave codes
View all 62 Maytag microwave codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass