Kenmore Dryer Error Codes F22 / F23: Outlet Thermistor (Temperature Sensor) Fix

Updated: February 2026

If your Kenmore dryer displays F22 or F23 , the dryer is usually reporting a problem with the outlet temperature sensor, often called the outlet thermistor. This sensor helps the control board track exhaust temperature so it can regulate heat safely and dry clothes efficiently. When the dryer cannot trust that temperature signal, it may reduce heat, shut heat off entirely, stop the cycle, or behave inconsistently.

The good news is that F22/F23 problems are often fixable with careful inspection, basic cleaning, and a few multimeter checks. This guide walks you through the safest and most effective troubleshooting steps, starting with what costs nothing and moving toward parts replacement only when it is truly justified.

What F22 / F23 typically mean

💡 Pro Tip: Take a photo of this guide on your phone so you have it handy when you need it most.

On many Kenmore platforms, F22/F23 indicate the control is seeing an outlet thermistor circuit that appears open, shorted, or out of an expected range. In plain English, the dryer thinks the exhaust sensor signal is not reasonable. Because the outlet thermistor is a safety and performance input, the dryer may protect itself by limiting heating or ending the cycle early.

Common symptoms

Dryer runs but produces little or no heat.
Heat starts, then stops unexpectedly.
Auto or sensor cycles end too soon.
Dry times are much longer than normal even though the dryer seems to heat.
The code appears after a few minutes rather than immediately.

Step 1: Rule out airflow problems first

Airflow problems can create temperature behavior that confuses sensors and can also cause real overheating. Before you test parts, do these quick checks:

Clean the lint screen and confirm it is not coated with a waxy film from dryer sheets. If it is, wash it with warm water and a soft brush, rinse, and fully dry it.
Vacuum lint around the lint chute area if your model allows access.
Inspect the vent hose behind the dryer for crushing, kinks, or loose joints.
Check the outside vent hood for a stuck flap, lint blockage, or a bird nest.

If you suspect a restriction, a practical test is to run a short timed cycle with the vent hose temporarily disconnected (only if safe for your space). If airflow and heating behavior improve dramatically, the restriction is likely in the household venting, not the dryer.

Step 2: Perform a safe reset

Unplug the dryer (or turn off the breaker) for two to five minutes, then restore power and try a timed dry cycle. A reset will not repair a bad thermistor, but it can clear a one-time control hiccup and help you confirm whether the code is persistent.

Step 3: Locate the outlet thermistor

The outlet thermistor is usually mounted on or near the blower housing or exhaust duct inside the cabinet, where it can sense the temperature of the air leaving the drum. Access varies by model, but many units require removing a rear panel or a lower front access panel. Always disconnect power before opening any panel.

Step 4: Inspect connectors and wiring

Many F22/F23 cases are caused by loose or heat-damaged connections rather than the sensor itself. Look closely for:

Loose spade terminals that wiggle on the sensor tabs.
Corrosion on terminals or connector pins.
Darkened insulation, melting, or a burned smell near the sensor area.
Wires rubbed through by sharp sheet metal edges or a moving drum.

Reseat connectors firmly. If a spade terminal feels loose, replace it or crimp it for a tighter grip. A poor connection can act like an open sensor circuit once the dryer warms up and vibration increases.

Step 5: Test the outlet thermistor with a multimeter

With the dryer unplugged, disconnect the thermistor wires. Measure resistance across the thermistor terminals. Thermistors change resistance with temperature, so exact numbers vary, but the reading should be stable and not an obvious open or short.

If your meter reads open (infinite resistance), the thermistor circuit is open and the sensor is a strong replacement candidate.
If your meter reads near zero ohms, the sensor may be shorted (less common but possible).
If the reading jumps around when you gently move the harness, the issue may be in wiring or a connector rather than the sensor itself.

If you can locate the dryer tech sheet (often hidden in the console or inside a panel), use its resistance chart at room temperature for a definitive pass or fail. That chart is more reliable than generic numbers because platforms differ.

Step 6: If the sensor tests good, check the rest of the temperature-control chain

If the outlet thermistor resistance looks reasonable and the harness is intact, the fault may be related to how the control board reads the sensor input. Before you consider a board, verify the harness continuity end to end and confirm you are testing the correct sensor. Some dryers have multiple temperature-related devices (thermistors and thermostats) and mixing them up leads to wrong conclusions.

Replacement guidance

If the thermistor is confirmed faulty, replace it with the exact part that matches your full model number. Avoid swapping in a similar-looking sensor because thermistor curves (resistance vs temperature behavior) can differ and lead to repeated errors or poor drying performance. When installing the new sensor, route wires exactly as they were to prevent rubbing or heat exposure.

After the fix: prove it worked

Run timed dry with heat for 10 to 15 minutes and confirm warm exhaust air outside.
Run a normal load and verify the dryer completes the cycle without errors.
Confirm dry time has returned to normal.

When to call a technician

Stop and call a professional if you find melted wiring, repeated breaker trips, or scorching. Those signs point to an electrical hazard or major overheating issue that should be corrected by a qualified appliance technician.

Bottom Line: Kenmore Dryer Error Codes F22 / F23: Outlet Thermistor (Temperature Sensor) Fix does not have to be complicated. Follow the step-by-step approach outlined above and you will be set for success.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kenmore Dryer Error Codes F22 / F23: Outlet Thermistor (Temperature Sensor) Fix

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