Maytag Dryer Error Code F23 — Exhaust High-Limit Thermostat Tripped
What this means
The F23 error on Maytag dryers means the exhaust temperature exceeded a safe threshold and the high-limit thermostat tripped to cut off heating. This is a critical safety response. The most common cause is a restricted vent system — clogged lint screen, blocked dryer vent duct, crushed transition hose, or a bird nest in the exterior vent cap.
Step-by-step fix
4 stepsClean the lint screen
Remove the lint screen and clean it thoroughly. Also clean inside the lint trap housing with a long brush.
Run water over the screen — if water pools on the surface instead of passing through, there is a dryer sheet film clogging the mesh. Scrub with dish soap.
Clean the entire vent duct system
Disconnect the dryer from the wall vent. Use a vent brush kit to clean the entire run from the dryer to the exterior vent cap. Also clean the exterior vent flap or hood.
Flexible vinyl or foil transition hoses restrict airflow significantly. Replace with rigid or semi-rigid metal duct for best airflow.
Test the high-limit thermostat
Disconnect power. Locate the high-limit thermostat on the heater box or blower housing. Disconnect the wires and test for continuity. A tripped thermostat shows open (no continuity).
Replacing the thermostat without fixing the vent restriction will cause it to trip again — always address the root cause first.
Replace the high-limit thermostat
Remove the mounting screws, install the new thermostat, and reconnect the wires. Run a timed cycle and verify the dryer heats and shuts off normally.
After replacing, monitor the first few cycles for proper operation and check that exhaust air is flowing from the exterior vent.
When to call a professional
If the vent is clear and the thermostat has been replaced but F23 recurs, the heating element may be grounding to its housing — a dangerous condition requiring professional repair.
Information compiled from manufacturer service manuals, official troubleshooting documentation, and appliance repair industry resources. This guide is for informational purposes only — always consult a qualified technician for complex repairs.
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