Whirlpool · Dryer Serious

F22 — Outlet (Exhaust) Thermistor Failure

The control board sees the exhaust thermistor (temperature sensor) reading out of range — either open circuit, shorted, or wildly out of spec. The dryer cannot regulate heat safely and will usually stop heating or shut the cycle down.

Keep using it?
Limited use only
DIY difficulty
Moderate
Typical cost
$15-25
Verified against
producthelp.whirlpool.com ↗

The fix

Exhaust thermistor

Exhaust thermistor fault or open circuit

$15-25 moderate difficulty 45 min Tools: multimeter, nut driver, screwdriver

Diagnose first: Check thermistor resistance (~10K ohms at room temp) before replacing. Often the connector is corroded or loose, not the thermistor itself.

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Didn't resolve it? Next suspect: Wiring harness ($20-40)

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How to fix it

  1. Unplug the dryer and shut off the breaker before any internal work.
  2. Reset first: leave breaker off for 5 minutes, restore power, run a Timed Dry — if F22 returns, continue.
  3. Locate the exhaust thermistor on the blower housing / exhaust duct (consult the tech sheet inside the dryer).
  4. Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance with a multimeter — about 10,000 ohms at ~70°F. Reading 'OL' (open) or near 0 ohms confirms a bad thermistor.
  5. Inspect the harness between the thermistor and the main control for breaks or burned connectors.
  6. Replace the thermistor (cheap part) before replacing the main control board.

Why it happens

Typical signs: F22 appears on display · Dryer stops mid-cycle or won't heat · Clothes coming out cold or barely warm · Cycle ends prematurely with the timer still showing time left

  • Failed exhaust thermistor The thermistor element has drifted from its ~10,000 ohm at-room-temperature spec or gone open.
  • Wiring harness fault Broken wire, chafed insulation, or loose connector between the thermistor and the main control board.
  • Main electronic control board Less common — the input circuit on the control that reads the thermistor has failed.

More Whirlpool dryer codes

AF AF — Airflow Restriction E1 E1 — Exhaust Thermistor Open/Shorted E2 E2 — Outlet (Exhaust) Thermistor Shorted Err Err — Door Not Fully Closed F01 F01 — Main electronic control board failure F02 F02 — User Interface / Keypad Failure

All Whirlpool codes → All dryer codes →

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com.