Maytag Dryer F22 Error Code — What It Means
The F22 code on a Maytag dryer signals a fault in the exhaust thermistor or its temperature-sensing circuit. The dryer has detected a problem with the sensor that monitors exhaust temperature, or with the wiring and control path that carries its signal. In typical cases the dryer starts and heats for about a minute, then shuts down and displays F22. The thermistor itself, its wiring harness connections, or the main electronic control board are the usual culprits.
Common Causes
- Failed exhaust thermistor The thermistor has failed open, shorted, or is reading out of specification and can no longer report accurate temperature to the control board.
- Loose or corroded wiring connections Terminals at the thermistor connector or control board have worked loose, corroded, or suffered heat damage, breaking the circuit.
- Damaged wire harness The thermistor harness has chafed insulation, broken conductors, or internal opens that interrupt the signal path.
- Faulty main electronic control board The control board input circuit for the thermistor has failed, even though the sensor and wiring test good.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power at the breaker or unplug the dryer to make sure safe access to internal components.
- Access the exhaust thermistor by removing the rear or top panel (location varies by model). The exhaust thermistor is typically mounted on or near the blower housing or exhaust duct outlet.
- Inspect the thermistor connector and wiring for loose terminals, broken insulation, corrosion, or heat damage. Push connectors fully home and look for any obvious breaks or discoloration.
- Test the thermistor resistance with a multimeter set to ohms. Disconnect the sensor leads and measure across its terminals at room temperature. A typical exhaust thermistor reads around 10,000 ohms at room temperature. An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a short (zero resistance) confirms a failed sensor.
- Check harness continuity from the thermistor connector to the control board if the sensor tested good. Look for opens or shorts to ground in the wiring. Repair or replace the harness if any fault is found.
- Replace the main control board if the thermistor and all wiring test good but the F22 code persists. The fault lies in the board’s thermistor input circuit.
- Restore power and run a timed dry cycle for at least one minute to verify the code does not return. If F22 reappears immediately, recheck all connections and component values.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Maytag dryer exhaust thermistor | Amazon | Match your model number. Often called outlet thermistor or dryer thermistor. |
| Dryer wire harness (thermistor to control) | Amazon | Order if you find chafed or broken wires that cannot be spliced reliably. |
| Maytag dryer main electronic control board | Amazon | Required only if thermistor and wiring both test good but code remains. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a qualified appliance technician if you are not comfortable working with electrical testing equipment or accessing internal dryer components. If you have replaced the thermistor and checked all wiring but the F22 code returns immediately, the control board is likely at fault and a professional can confirm the diagnosis and handle the board replacement. Also call for help if your dryer uses gas heat, since any work near burner assemblies or gas valves requires proper training and attention to combustion safety.