Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F31

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026

⚠ Medium Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

Exhaust thermistor failure

The most common cause of the F31 error on a Whirlpool dryer is thermistor open or shorted (~70% of cases); start with: test thermistor.

💰 DIY cost: $15–$40 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $150–$280 Save $135+ by doing it yourself

Whirlpool Dryer error code F31 on the display panel — How the F31 code appears on a Whirlpool dryer display

What Does Error Code F31 Mean on a Whirlpool Dryer?

Exhaust thermistor failure.

The control monitors resistance across the exhaust thermistor to track outgoing air temperature and cycle the heat source. F31 fires when it reads a value outside the valid window—an open or shorted circuit—so it cannot safely regulate heat and halts the cycle. Unlike F22 or F30, which flag thermistor readings that are out of range or drifting rather than electrically failed, F31 points to a hard sensor fault, a loose connector, or heat-damaged wiring in that circuit.

Models affected: Whirlpool electric and gas dryers using an exhaust thermistor for heat regulation, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW

What owners report: Owners commonly report this code appearing at startup or partway through a cycle, sometimes with the dryer refusing to heat. A reseated or corroded connector is a frequent quick win, though a thermistor that has drifted out of spec usually needs replacement before the code clears for good.

What Causes Error Code F31?

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

1

Thermistor open or shorted 70% of cases
2

Connector loose 20% of cases
3

Heat-damaged wiring 10% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F31

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min

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

1

Test thermistor

Room temp: ~10k–12k ohms.

🔩 Multimeter
2

Check connector

Reseat at thermistor.
3

Replace thermistor

Located in exhaust duct inside cabinet.

🔩 Whirlpool dryer thermistor ($15–$40)

How to Reset Error Code F31

After repair, unplug 1 minute and restart.

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

If new thermistor and error persists, control board thermistor input failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $150–$280

Related Error Codes

F22

Outlet thermistor failure

⚠ Medium Severity

F30

Restricted airflow — vent blockage

⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F31 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F31 →

Frigidaire Oven F31

Oven temperature probe short circuit

Maytag Dryer F31

L2 line voltage / heating circuit fault

Miele Washing Machine F31

NTC temperature sensor fault

Kenmore Oven F31

Oven temperature sensor shorted (Frigidaire-platform models)

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 F26 Drive motor failure F28 Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor F29 Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor L2 Low or missing voltage on one leg of 240V supply AF Restricted airflow — vent partially blocked

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool Dryer when error F31 appears? +

You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind F31 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.

What most commonly causes F31 on a Whirlpool Dryer? +

Across reported Whirlpool dryer repairs, the most frequent is thermistor open or shorted (70% of cases), connector loose (20%), then heat-damaged wiring (10%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

F31 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored F31 fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — test thermistor, then check connector — 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 F31? +

A DIY repair typically runs $15–$40 in parts, versus $150–$280 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $135. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Which Whirlpool Dryer models show error F31? +

F31 is documented on Whirlpool electric and gas dryers using an exhaust thermistor for heat regulation, 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 10, 2026.

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