mypros+
Error code reference

Whirlpool Dryer Error Code E:13

Maximum drying time exceeded

Avg. service call
$285
National average. Trip fee plus diagnostic plus labor. Before parts.
MyPros+ 3-day pass
$9.95
Same diagnostic steps, on your phone. Start now.
You keep in your pocket
~$275
Even before you buy the part.
Skip the service call. Fix it yourself.
Full procedure unlocks instantly.
Get Started

What the E:13 error code actually means

Your Whirlpool dryer ran for the maximum allowed time but was not able to fully dry the load, so it stopped and displayed this code. This usually means either something in the heating system is not working correctly, or the load was too large or too wet for one cycle. Reducing the load size or checking that the dryer is producing heat are good first steps.

Diagnostic procedure

The full E:13 procedure

Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.

MyPros+ · DiagnosticsStep 1 preview
1
First diagnostic step
Check heating circuit and bimetal switch, replace damaged parts. Reduce laundry load or select adequate program.
More steps, wiring diagram references, and verified part numbers
Includes expected resistance and voltage values, connector pinouts, and supersession notes for replacement parts.
Unlock E:13 procedure $9.95

Or subscribe: $29/month for unlimited access to all codes plus Max AI diagnostics.

Most common causes of E:13

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Oversized or excessively wet laundry load
  2. 2Triggered or faulty bimetal switch
  3. 3Damaged heating element
  4. 4Heater control failure
  5. 5Incorrect program selection

Most DIYers save hundreds by diagnosing before ordering parts.

Get Started

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

Questions people ask about E:13

What does E:13 mean on a Whirlpool dryer?
E:13 means the dryer ran for the maximum allowed drying time without successfully drying the load. The code is triggered when the cycle duration exceeds the programmed limit, indicating a problem with heat output or an unsuitable load condition. The heating element, heater control, and bimetal switch are the primary components to inspect.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when E:13 appears?
You should not continue running the dryer until the cause has been identified. If the bimetal switch has tripped, it may have done so because of a genuine overtemperature condition that needs to be investigated before the next cycle. Continuing to operate with a damaged heater or control component could cause further damage to the appliance.
How much does it cost to repair an E:13 error on a Whirlpool dryer?
Repair costs depend on which component has failed. A bimetal switch or heating element replacement is generally in the range of $30 to $120 for parts, plus labor if a technician is hired. A heater control component can be more expensive depending on availability. If the cause is simply an oversized load or wrong program selection, there is no cost at all.
Can I fix E:13 on my Whirlpool dryer myself?
Some causes of E:13 require no parts at all. Reducing the load size, separating very wet items, or selecting a more appropriate drying program can resolve the error immediately. If the fault is in a component like the bimetal switch or heating element, a technician or experienced DIYer can test these parts for continuity and replace them if needed.
Will resetting the dryer clear the E:13 error code?
A reset may clear the error code from the display, but it will not resolve the underlying problem. If the heating circuit is damaged or the bimetal switch is faulty, the error will return once the dryer runs another cycle. A reset is only a lasting fix if the cause was a one-time overload from an unusually heavy or wet load.

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

Get Started

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