Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F23

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

⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Outlet thermistor failure (short circuit)

The most common cause of the F23 error on a Whirlpool dryer is shorted outlet thermistor (~55% of cases); start with: test the thermistor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$200 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $140–$300 Save $125+ by doing it yourself

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

What Does Error Code F23 Mean on a Whirlpool Dryer?

Outlet thermistor failure (short circuit).

F23 fires when the control board reads the outlet (exhaust) thermistor as a short circuit — near-zero resistance that translates to an impossibly high temperature. As a safety measure, the control halts the cycle to prevent overheating. This differs from F22, which flags an open thermistor (high or infinite resistance). A shorted sensor, insulation rubbed through where the harness contacts the cabinet, or a failed control board can all produce the impossible reading.

Models affected: Whirlpool electric and gas dryers using outlet thermistor monitoring, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW

What owners report: Owners commonly report F23 appearing shortly after a cycle starts or mid-dry, with the dryer refusing to continue. A pinched or chafed wire behind the drum is a frequent false trigger that mimics a bad sensor, so inspecting the harness before buying a board is often the quick win.

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 outlet thermistor 55% of cases
2

Pinched harness shorting to chassis 30% of cases
3

Main control board failure 15% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F23

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min

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

1

Test the thermistor

Unplug the dryer and measure resistance — a reading near 0Ω confirms a shorted sensor.

🔩 Whirlpool dryer thermistor ($15–$35)

⚠️ Unplug the dryer before opening panels.
2

Check for pinched wiring

Trace the sensor wires for spots where insulation has rubbed through against the cabinet.
3

Replace control board

Only if the sensor and wiring both test good.

🔩 Whirlpool dryer control board ($100–$200)

How to Reset Error Code F23

Unplug for 5 minutes and retry.

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

Full Whirlpool dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

Persistent F23 with a good sensor means board or harness work — call a tech.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $140–$300

Related Error Codes

F22

Outlet thermistor failure

⚠ 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

Kenmore Dryer F23

Outlet thermistor failure — reading shorted

Maytag Dryer F23

Exhaust thermistor short circuit

Find Replacement Parts

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

🔩

Search PartSelect

Whirlpool Dryer repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

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

More Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes

F01 Main control board failure F30 Restricted airflow — vent blockage F26 Drive motor failure F28 Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor F29 Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor F31 Exhaust thermistor failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool Dryer? +

Across reported Whirlpool dryer repairs, the most frequent is shorted outlet thermistor (55% of cases), pinched harness shorting to chassis (30%), then main control board failure (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 check for pinched wiring — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.

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

A DIY repair typically runs $15–$200 in parts, versus $140–$300 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $125. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Which Whirlpool Dryer models show error F23? +

F23 is documented on Whirlpool electric and gas dryers using outlet thermistor monitoring, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

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

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

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