Kenmore Dryer F22 Error Code — What It Means
The F22 or F:22 error on Whirlpool-built Kenmore dryers indicates an outlet thermistor fault. The control board sees the outlet thermal sensor circuit as open or reading outside the expected range. The dryer may start briefly, then stop and flash the code when the circuit problem is detected.
Common Causes
- Failed outlet thermistor The sensor itself reads open or shows incorrect resistance, which is the most common root cause.
- Loose or corroded connector The plug at the thermistor or at the control board has backed out, corroded, or lost contact.
- Damaged wire harness One or both of the thermistor feed wires (often red wires) are broken, pinched, or shorted to ground.
- Open circuit in harness A break anywhere along the two-wire path between the control and the sensor will trigger the fault.
- Control board misinterpretation Less commonly, the board itself reads a good sensor incorrectly, though sensor and wiring faults are far more typical.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Disconnect power by unplugging the dryer or switching off the circuit breaker before any testing or disassembly.
- Access the outlet thermistor, usually mounted on the blower housing or exhaust duct near the outlet, and inspect the connector for looseness, corrosion, or damage.
- Disconnect the thermistor and use a multimeter set to resistance (ohms) to measure across its two terminals. A good thermistor typically reads around 10,000 ohms at room temperature.
- If the reading is open (infinite resistance) or far out of range, replace the outlet thermistor with a new sensor matched to your model.
- If the thermistor measures correctly, test continuity on each of the two thermistor wires from the sensor plug back toward the control, and check each wire for unwanted continuity to the dryer frame (ground).
- Replace the affected wire harness section if you find an open conductor or a short to ground. Repair any damaged connectors or terminals as needed.
- Reassemble the dryer, restore power, and run a timed dry cycle to verify the F22 code does not return and the machine completes normally.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Outlet thermistor (outlet thermal sensor) | Amazon | Match the part number to your Kenmore model. Typically a two-wire plug-in sensor on the blower housing. |
| Thermistor wire harness | Amazon | Order if you find broken, pinched, or shorted wires. Sometimes sold as a dryer harness kit or individual sections. |
When to Call a Pro
If you are uncomfortable working with electrical components or multimeter testing, or if the thermistor and harness both test good but the code persists, call an appliance technician. A pro can quickly isolate whether the control board itself has failed or if a hidden wiring fault is to blame. Repeated F22 codes after you have replaced the sensor and inspected the harness also warrant a service call to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.