Kenmore · Dryer
Kenmore Dryer F15 Error Code
Thermistor short circuit
What this error means
F15 means the exhaust thermistor reads a short circuit. The control disables heat because it cannot trust exhaust temperature feedback.
How F15 is detected
F15 on Kenmore dryer units indicates the drive system did not meet expected performance. Direct-drive washers monitor rotor position with a hall sensor; dryers and dishwashers track motor current draw. When the drum or spray arm fails to turn, the inverter or motor relay shuts down to prevent burned windings. Kenmore 110.65132410, Kenmore 110.67822600, and similar variants may show this fault after an overloaded tub or a foreign object jam.
Thermistor wires pinched at the blower housing is a leading trigger. Start with unplug and inspect thermistor wiring along the blower outlet. Rotate the drum or spray arm by hand when powered off—it should move without grinding. Grinding confirms mechanical obstruction; free rotation with repeated F15 on light loads suggests hall sensor, motor, or inverter board failure requiring professional diagnosis.
Common causes
- Thermistor wires pinched at the blower housing
- Water from a vent leak shorting the connector
- Failed thermistor with internal short
- Metal screw through harness insulation
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Unplug and inspect thermistor wiring along the blower outlet
- 2Dry the connector if moisture is present
- 3Measure resistance—near zero ohms at room temp confirms a short
- 4Replace the thermistor if wiring is intact
When to call a technician
New thermistor with immediate F15 may indicate a control board input fault.
Affected models
- Kenmore 110.65132410
- Kenmore 110.67822600
- Kenmore 110.60932990
Prevention & maintenance
- Avoid washing single heavy rugs or shoes that bind the drum; distribute weight evenly to reduce motor strain that precedes F15.
- Record when F15 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F15; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F15; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.