Maytag Dryer Error Code F23

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026

⚠ Medium Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Exhaust thermistor short circuit

The most common cause of the F23 error on a Maytag dryer is shorted exhaust thermistor (~60% of cases); start with: test the thermistor.

💰 DIY cost: $10–$25 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $130–$250 Save $120+ by doing it yourself

Maytag Dryer error code F23 on the display panel — How the F23 code appears on a Maytag dryer display

What Does Error Code F23 Mean on a Maytag Dryer?

Exhaust thermistor short circuit.

F23 fires when the control board reads the exhaust thermistor circuit as shorted — resistance near zero ohms instead of the expected ~10kΩ at room temperature. Without a valid temperature signal the board can't regulate heat safely, so it halts the cycle. This differs from F22 (open thermistor, near-infinite resistance) in that F23 signals a dead short, most often the sensor itself or a harness wire chafed and grounding against the cabinet or blower housing.

Models affected: Maytag dryers built on the Whirlpool platform, including many electric models such as MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW

What owners report: Owners commonly report this code appearing mid-cycle or shortly after startup, sometimes after a repair or panel job disturbed the wiring. Because a pinched or chafed harness wire mimics a failed sensor, some find the thermistor itself tests fine and the quick win is repairing a grounded wire rather than swapping the part.

What Causes Error Code F23?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

1

Shorted exhaust thermistor 60% of cases
2

Harness wire pinched to cabinet ground 25% of cases
3

Moisture/corrosion at the sensor connector 15% of cases

How to Fix Maytag Dryer Error Code F23

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min

⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1

Test the thermistor

Unplug the dryer, remove the lower access panel, and measure the sensor on the blower housing: ~10kΩ at room temperature; near 0Ω = replace.
2

Inspect the harness

Check the two sensor wires along the blower housing for pinch points and chafed insulation.
3

Replace the thermistor

Two screws and a connector swap.

🔩 Dryer thermistor (Whirlpool/Maytag) ($10–$25)

⚠️ Unplug the dryer before opening panels.

How to Reset Error Code F23

Unplug the dryer for 60 seconds after the repair and run a Timed Dry on medium heat to confirm.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Maytag dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If a new sensor still reads shorted at the board end of the harness, the wiring or board input is at fault — meter before buying a control board.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $130–$250

Related Error Codes

F22

Outlet thermistor (temperature sensor) failure

⚠ Medium Severity

F01

Electronic control board failure

⚠ High Severity

F28

Moisture sensor open circuit

⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F23 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F23 →

Bosch Washing Machine F23

Leak sensor activated — AquaStop or flood-protection sensor triggered

Whirlpool Dryer F23

Outlet thermistor failure (short circuit)

Kenmore Dryer F23

Outlet thermistor failure — reading shorted

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Maytag Dryer:

🔩

Search PartSelect

Maytag Dryer repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Maytag Dryer Error Codes

F06 Drive motor failure — drum not turning AF Restricted airflow — blocked vent (safety shutdown) E1 Thermistor open circuit — temperature sensor failure E2 Thermistor short circuit — temperature sensor failure F24 Inlet thermistor failure — temperature sensor fault F26 Drive motor failure — drum not turning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Maytag Dryer when error F23 appears? +

You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind F23 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.

What most commonly causes F23 on a Maytag Dryer? +

Across reported Maytag dryer repairs, the most frequent is shorted exhaust thermistor (60% of cases), harness wire pinched to cabinet ground (25%), then moisture/corrosion at the sensor connector (15%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

F23 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored F23 fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test the thermistor, then inspect the harness — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.

How much does it cost to fix Maytag Dryer error F23? +

A DIY repair typically runs $10–$25 in parts, versus $130–$250 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $120. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.

Which Maytag Dryer models show error F23? +

F23 is documented on Maytag dryers built on the Whirlpool platform, including many electric models such as MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

• Maytag Product Help — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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