Maytag Dryer F24 Error Code — What It Means
The F24 error code on a Maytag dryer indicates a temperature sensor or thermistor circuit fault in the heating system. Maytag’s official guidance treats this as a fault that may clear with a power cycle, but when it persists the code points to a problem in the inlet or exhaust temperature sensing circuit, the wiring between sensor and control board, or the control logic itself. The dryer uses thermistors to monitor air temperature and regulate heat. When the control board detects an open circuit, out-of-range reading, or no signal from one of these sensors, it halts the cycle and displays F24.
Common Causes
- Failed inlet or exhaust thermistor The temperature sensor itself has failed open, shorted, or drifted out of specification so the control board cannot read a valid temperature.
- Loose, damaged, or corroded wiring and connectors Wiring between the thermistor and the main control board has become loose, broken, or corroded, creating an open circuit the board interprets as a sensor fault.
- Transient control-board fault or power glitch A temporary misread or memory state in the electronic control can trigger F24 even when the sensor circuit is sound, and often clears after a full power reset.
- Faulty main electronic control board When the sensor and all wiring test good, the control board itself may have a failed input circuit or relay that cannot process the thermistor signal correctly.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Turn off power at the circuit breaker for a full five minutes, then restore power and start a Timed Dry cycle to see if the code clears and the dryer completes normally.
- If F24 returns immediately, unplug the dryer and pull it away from the wall so you can access the rear panel or top cabinet to reach the internal wiring and sensors.
- Locate the inlet thermistor (usually mounted on the blower housing or air duct near where room air enters the heater) and inspect its connector for tight fit, corrosion, or pushed-back pins.
- Disconnect the thermistor connector and use a multimeter set to resistance (ohms) to measure across the sensor terminals, then compare the reading to the resistance-versus-temperature chart printed on the service sheet inside the dryer cabinet or console.
- Check continuity and condition of the wire harness running from the thermistor to the main control board, looking for breaks, abrasion, or intermittent contact at every plug and terminal.
- If the sensor reads open, shorted, or far out of range, replace the thermistor with the correct OEM part for your model and reconnect all wiring securely.
- If the sensor and wiring both test good and the code persists after another power cycle and test run, replace the main electronic control board and clear the fault by cycling power before running a full heat cycle.
Parts Often Needed
| Part | Notes |
|---|---|
| Maytag dryer inlet thermistor / temperature sensor | Amazon | Verify your model number to order the correct OEM sensor; check the service sheet for the part number and resistance specification. |
| Maytag dryer exhaust thermistor | Amazon | Some models monitor exhaust temperature separately; replace if your model has an exhaust sensor and it tests faulty. |
| Maytag dryer main electronic control board | Amazon | Replace only after confirming that the thermistor and all wiring test good and the fault still returns. |
When to Call a Pro
Call a professional appliance technician if you are not comfortable working with electrical testing equipment, if you cannot safely access the dryer’s internal cabinet and wiring, or if the code persists after you have verified sensor resistance and inspected all connections. A qualified technician has the model-specific service literature, the correct thermistor resistance tables, and the diagnostic tools to pinpoint whether the fault lies in the sensor, the harness, or the control board. Technicians can also identify less common causes such as intermittent shorts or failed heater-relay circuits that are difficult to catch with a single static test.