Whirlpool · Dryer Serious
F23 — Exhaust Thermistor Short
The exhaust thermistor circuit reads a short (resistance too low). The control treats this as a temperature-sensing failure and halts heating to protect the dryer.
- Keep using it?
- Limited use only
- DIY difficulty
- Moderate
- Verified against
- atoz1.com ↗
How to fix it
- Disconnect power at the breaker.
- Remove the back or top panel and find the exhaust thermistor on the blower housing.
- Unplug the thermistor and measure resistance — should be roughly 10K ohms at room temp; a reading near 0 confirms a short.
- Visually trace the harness from the thermistor to the control board and look for pinch damage or burned spots.
- Replace the thermistor; if F23 persists with a new thermistor and verified-good wiring, replace the main control board.
Why it happens
Typical signs: F23 on display · No heat · Cycle aborts shortly after start · Dryer runs but never warms up
- Shorted thermistor element Internal short in the thermistor itself.
- Pinched or chafed harness Two thermistor wires shorted together where the harness routes past sheet metal.
- Failed control board input Shorted input on the main electronic control board reading low resistance no matter what.
Parts you may need
If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Exhaust thermistor Common replacementAmazon →
More Whirlpool 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: atoz1.com.