FixByModel
E2

Maytag E2: Exhaust thermistor circuit shorted

The exhaust temperature sensor's circuit reads as shorted, so the control gets a false temperature and stops heating to stay safe. As with E1, try a reset first, but a shorted thermistor generally has to be replaced.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Shorted or failed exhaust thermistor (temperature sensor)
  2. Pinched or chafed wiring shorting the sensor circuit
  3. Moisture or lint bridging the sensor connector
  4. Damaged control board sensing circuit
The airflow path — check in this order
1Lint filter
2Blower / lint housing
3Vent hose
4Wall duct
5Exterior vent

Schematic illustration of a typical dryer — not your exact model.

Before you start — unplug the dryer, and on a gas model shut off the gas supply. Let it cool first — the drum, heater and exhaust can be hot. If a step involves the heating element, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Reset the controlTurn the breaker(s) off for 5 minutes, restore power, run a Timed Dry cycle, and watch briefly to see if E2 clears.
2Cut the powerIf it returns, unplug the dryer or switch off its breaker before removing any panels.
3Check the wiringInspect the exhaust thermistor connector and harness for pinched, melted, or lint-bridged wiring.
4Test the thermistorMeasure the sensor's resistance; a near-zero (shorted) reading confirms a failed thermistor.
5Replace if faultyReplace the exhaust thermistor if shorted; if wiring and sensor test good, have the control board evaluated.

Still showing E2?

If you’ve worked through every step and E2 keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Maytag dryers. Maytag dryers that display E-series codes; E2 is the shorted counterpart to the E1 open-thermistor fault.

FAQ

What does Maytag E2 mean?

Exhaust thermistor circuit shorted. The exhaust temperature sensor's circuit reads as shorted, so the control gets a false temperature and stops heating to stay safe. As with E1, try a reset first, but a shorted thermistor generally has to be replaced.

What causes Maytag E2?

The most likely cause is shorted or failed exhaust thermistor (temperature sensor). Other causes include Pinched or chafed wiring shorting the sensor circuit; Moisture or lint bridging the sensor connector; Damaged control board sensing circuit.

Can I fix Maytag E2 myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.