Frustrated by your Maytag dryer constantly showing E1 or E2 error codes? If your dryer is leaving your clothes sopping wet due to mysterious error messages, this comprehensive guide is here to help. The E1 and E2 codes indicate issues with the dryer’s temperature sensor, called a thermistor. Learn exactly what these errors mean and follow our step-by-step process to troubleshoot the problem parts to get your dryer running smoothly again.
What Do E1 and E2 Error Codes Mean on a Maytag Dryer?
Do you have a Maytag dryer that keeps shutting off and showing E1 or E2 error codes? Don’t worry – this guide will explain what those codes mean and how to fix the issue.
E1 Error Code
The E1 error code on a Maytag dryer means there is a problem with the exhaust thermistor. The thermistor is a sensor that measures the temperature of the air exhaust.
Specifically, the E1 code tells you there is an open circuit for the thermistor. This usually means:
- The thermistor itself is broken
- There is a wiring problem between the thermistor and the control board
- The control board is having issues
When the dryer can’t get a proper temperature reading from the thermistor, the E1 error shuts the dryer down as a safety precaution.
E2 Error Code
The E2 code is related to the E1 code. This error means the exhaust thermistor circuit is shorted rather than open.
A short circuit usually indicates:
- Thermistor wires touching each other
- Damaged wiring harness
- Bad control board
Like the E1 code, the E2 shuts the dryer down when it can’t read the thermistor properly.
Why These Codes Appear
The dryer needs the thermistor working right to keep the ideal drying temperature. Without accurate exhaust temperature data, the dryer can’t regulate the heat well.
This could lead to the dryer overheating or taking too long to dry loads. That’s why it turns off when it sees E1 or E2 codes. The dryer is trying to avoid damaging itself or your clothes.
Why the Thermistor is So Important in a Dryer
The thermistor has one crucial job – measuring the temperature of the air exhausted out of the dryer. Here’s why that matters:
Keeps the Perfect Drying Temperature
The thermistor sends the exhaust temperature data to the dryer’s control board. The board uses this info to turn the heating elements on and off.
This keeps the internal temperature right where it needs to be – not too hot, not too cold. Just right for drying your clothes quickly and efficiently!
Signals When to Turn Heaters On/Off
The control board constantly monitors the temperature data from the thermistor during the drying cycle.
When the exhaust air drops below the target temp, the board knows it’s time to turn a heating element on to warm things up.
Once the exhaust reaches the perfect temperature again, the board turns the heaters back off.
This cycle repeats over and over to keep the temp consistent.
Dryer Can’t Regulate Temperature Without It
Without the thermistor’s input, the control board is “blind” to what’s going on inside the dryer drum.
The heating elements will switch on and off at the wrong times, making the internal temperature fluctuate.
This leads to slow, inefficient drying cycles and prime conditions for overheating.
Step-by-Step Guide to Troubleshooting E1 and E2 Error Codes
Figuring out why your Maytag dryer is showing error codes E1 or E2 can be tricky. But don’t worry – with this guide, you’ll learn how to troubleshoot the issue step-by-step. Let’s walk through it together!
Unplug the Dryer and Check the Wire Connections
First things first – we need to cut power to the dryer to stay safe while troubleshooting.
- Unplug the dryer from the outlet so it’s powered off. Safety first!
- Open the back panel to access the inside. Look for the panel held on by screws or clips and remove it.
- Check wire connections to and from the thermistor sensor. Make sure the connectors are pushed in all the way. Look for any damaged or loose wires too. Tug gently on the wires to confirm they’re secure.
Check the Thermistor Resistance
Now, we can test the thermistor itself with a multimeter to see if it’s faulty.
- Disconnect the thermistor from the wiring harness in the dryer. We need to isolate it for testing.
- Set your multimeter to ohms. This measures resistance.
- Compare the reading to the factory spec chart. If it’s way off, the thermistor is likely bad.
- A faulty thermistor will need to be replaced.
Replace the Thermistor if Needed
If the thermistor is faulty, here’s how to swap in a new one:
- Order a compatible replacement thermistor. Find the right part number for your model.
- Turn off the power, disconnect the bad sensor, and install the new one. Carefully reconnect the wires.
- Restore power, clear error codes, and run a test cycle. It should heat properly now!
Check Resistance at the Control Board
Let’s make sure the issue isn’t with the control board:
- Locate the control board and find the thermistor connector pins.
- Check resistance between pins with power off.
- If the reading is way off, the control board is likely bad and needs replacing.
- Verify continuity from board pins to thermistor wires.
Inspect the Wiring Harness
Lastly, let’s check the wiring:
- Inspect the wire harness between the thermistor and the control board.
- Repair or replace any damaged wiring sections.
- Retest the dryer. It should be back in good working order!
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Conclusion
Troubleshooting dryer error codes E1 and E2 related to thermistor issues can be frustrating, but this guide outlines the key steps to get your dryer functioning properly again. Here’s a quick recap of what we learned:
- E1 and E2 errors mean the dryer can’t read the exhaust temperature correctly due to a problem with the thermistor sensor. This prevents efficient drying.
- The thermistor tells the dryer’s control board when to turn the heating elements on and off based on the current exhaust temperature.
- To fix this, first, unplug the dryer and check the thermistor’s wire connections. Make sure the connectors are plugged in fully, and the wires aren’t damaged.
- Use a multimeter to check the thermistor’s resistance and compare it to the manual’s specifications. If it is off, the thermistor is likely bad and needs replacement.
- If the thermistor checks out, verify resistance at the control board connector pins. If readings are very high or very low, the control board itself may need replacement.
- Inspect the wiring harness between the thermistor and the control board. Repair or replace any damaged sections of wiring.
- With the thermistor, control board, and wiring harness checked over, the dryer should operate normally again after resetting any error codes.
The key takeaways are to methodically troubleshoot each component, use a multimeter to check thermistor resistance and inspect all wiring connections. While E1 and E2 errors can be annoying, this step-by-step guide will help you get your Maytag dryer functioning again!