Maytag Dryer Error Codes and How to Fix Them

AF – Maytag Dryer airflow restriction

<cite index=”8-1″>The AF code appears when the dryer’s exhaust airflow is restricted, most often by a clogged lint screen or a blocked vent hose.</cite> Pull the lint trap and clean it fully, then check the vent hose behind the machine for kinks or crushing. <cite index=”3-1″>A blocked exhaust vent is the leading cause of dryer fires in Canada, so this code should not be ignored.</cite> If the vent runs a long distance to the exterior wall, have it inspected as part of your dryer repair visit, since lint can build up well past what you can reach by hand.

PF – Maytag Dryer power failure

<cite index=”1-1″>PF means the cycle was interrupted by a power failure. Press start to resume, or clear the display and restart the cycle.</cite> If PF recurs without any actual power outage in the house, the issue is more likely a loose plug or a failing outlet, worth checking during a Maytag dryer repair appointment.

L2 – low line voltage

<cite index=”1-1″>L2 points to low voltage reaching the dryer. Check the circuit breaker and the power supply to the outlet.</cite> A dryer that repeatedly loses one leg of its 240-volt supply will often heat poorly even when it starts normally. This is an electrical issue, not a dryer fault, and should be checked by an electrician or during dryer repair if the breaker and outlet test fine.

F01 – primary control board failure

<cite index=”3-1″>F01 indicates the main electronic control board has detected an internal fault and cannot operate the dryer safely.</cite> Unplug the dryer for one to two minutes, then plug it back in. If F01 returns after the reset, the control board needs replacement, which calls for a technician familiar with the correct part number for your model.

F02 – control keypad or user interface failure

<cite index=”2-1″>F02 signals a failure in the user interface keypad or control board, often caused by a stuck key or a communication fault between boards.</cite> <cite index=”2-1″>Symptoms include the code appearing on the panel, buttons that do not respond, or the dryer failing to start. </cite> Check for a physically stuck key, then power cycle the unit.

F03 – control board communication fault

<cite index=”2-1″>F03 points to an internal communication fault between the main control board and the user interface board, which can stop the dryer from starting or cause it to shut down mid-cycle.</cite> Check the connectors between the two boards and reset the dryer before assuming a board has failed.

F06 – motor fault

F06 appears when the control board detects the drive motor is not running or is drawing abnormal current. An overloaded drum can trip the motor’s thermal protector, which usually clears on its own after a 30-minute cooldown. If F06 keeps appearing with a normal-sized load, the motor or its relay needs professional testing.

E1 – thermistor fault

<cite index=”3-1″>E1 typically indicates a thermistor fault. The thermistor is the sensor that monitors air temperature inside the drum and heating circuit.</cite> A faulty thermistor can cause underdrying, overheating, or a failure to heat, and it needs to be tested with a multimeter and replaced if it is out of range.

F3E1 / F3E2 / F3E3 – exhaust and thermistor sensor codes

These related codes point to open or shorted temperature sensors in the exhaust or drum circuit. They share the same root cause as E1: test the sensor, check its wiring, and replace the part if it fails continuity.

F4E3 – restricted airflow sensor

F4E3 is a more severe version of AF, appearing when the airflow sensor detects a near total blockage. Check further down the duct run, since a partial clog that trips AF can progress to a full blockage that trips F4E3 if left uncleaned.