Whirlpool · Dryer
Whirlpool Dryer F23 Error Code
Outlet thermistor shorted or out of range
What this error means
F23 is the companion fault to F22—here the outlet thermistor reads shorted or below the expected resistance curve. The control treats exhaust temperature as unreliable and stops heating.
How F23 is detected
When F23 appears on a Whirlpool dryer, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Whirlpool WED6600MW, Whirlpool WED5620HW, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F23 calls are resolved without parts: disconnect power and pull the lint screen—vacuum the housing slot thoroughly. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F23 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Shorted thermistor from lint moisture at the blower housing
- Pinched harness wire shorting to the dryer cabinet
- Failed thermistor reading near zero ohms
- Control board misreading a good sensor due to a faulty input
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Disconnect power and pull the lint screen—vacuum the housing slot thoroughly
- 2Inspect the thermistor harness for crushed wires along the cabinet edge
- 3Measure sensor resistance—values far below 8,000 ohms at room temp indicate a short
- 4Install a new outlet thermistor and rerun a timed heat cycle for five minutes
When to call a technician
Schedule service if a new thermistor with good wiring still triggers F23—board replacement may be required.
Affected models
- Whirlpool WED6600MW
- Whirlpool WED5620HW
- Whirlpool WGD5620HW
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dryers to prevent F23 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F23 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Whirlpool dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F23; Whirlpool uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F23; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.