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
Checked against
atoz1.com ↗ third-party appliance-code list, not a manufacturer document

How to fix it

  1. Disconnect power at the breaker.
  2. Remove the back or top panel and find the exhaust thermistor on the blower housing.
  3. Unplug the thermistor and measure resistance — should be roughly 10K ohms at room temp; a reading near 0 confirms a short.
  4. Visually trace the harness from the thermistor to the control board and look for pinch damage or burned spots.
  5. 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 replacement
    Amazon →

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 →

Frequently asked questions

What does the F23 code mean on a Whirlpool dryer?

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.

What causes the F23 code on a Whirlpool dryer?

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.

Is it safe to keep using a Whirlpool dryer with a F23 error?

Limited use only. This is rated a serious-severity fault.

How do I fix F23 on a Whirlpool dryer?

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.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician. How we verify: atoz1.com — third-party appliance-code list, not a manufacturer document.