Medium - Inspection Needed

Kenmore Dryer F23 Error Code (Exhaust Thermistor Shorted)

F23 means the exhaust thermistor circuit has shorted out — the opposite electrical failure from F22, but pointing to the same sensor and requiring the same careful diagnosis to confirm.

What F23 Means

F23 means the exhaust thermistor circuit has shorted out — the opposite electrical failure from F22, but pointing to the same sensor and requiring the same careful diagnosis to confirm.

Common Causes of F23

  • Shorted exhaust thermistor
  • Damaged wiring insulation allowing wires to contact each other
  • Moisture intrusion into the thermistor housing

🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try

Power-cycle the dryer at the breaker for a couple of minutes; if F23 returns on the next cycle attempt, that confirms a genuine sensor-circuit fault rather than a one-time glitch.

⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That

  • The thermistor sits inside the exhaust duct path near the heating element — reaching it typically means partial disassembly around a powered heat source.
  • A short in the wiring harness, rather than the thermistor itself, will make the exact same code reappear even after the sensor part is replaced.
  • Panel access to reach the exhaust thermistor can affect your remaining warranty coverage — check your terms first.

Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.

Other Dryer Error Codes

Related Guides

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FAQ

F23 FAQ

None from a symptom standpoint — both stop the dryer from heating and both need the same sensor-circuit diagnosis; the distinction mostly helps the technician narrow down the electrical fault type.

Yes — if the exhaust path has had condensation or a vent-related leak, moisture reaching the thermistor housing is a real, if less common, cause of a shorted reading.

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