F22 Serious Moderate DIY

Whirlpool Dryer F22 — Outlet (Exhaust) Thermistor Failure

Whirlpool Dryer · Error code F22

What F22 Means

The control board sees the exhaust thermistor (temperature sensor) reading out of range — either open circuit, shorted, or wildly out of spec. The dryer cannot regulate heat safely and will usually stop heating or shut the cycle down.

Most Likely Fix

Exhaust thermistor fault or open circuit

PartExhaust thermistor
Typical cost$15-25
Difficultymoderate
Time45 min

Tools: multimeter, nut driver, screwdriver

Diagnose first: Check thermistor resistance (~10K ohms at room temp) before replacing. Often the connector is corroded or loose, not the thermistor itself.

Find this part on Amazon →

If the primary fix doesn't resolve it:

PartWiring harness
Typical cost$20-40
Find this part on Amazon →

Symptoms

  • F22 appears on display
  • Dryer stops mid-cycle or won't heat
  • Clothes coming out cold or barely warm
  • Cycle ends prematurely with the timer still showing time left

Common Causes

1
Failed exhaust thermistor

The thermistor element has drifted from its ~10,000 ohm at-room-temperature spec or gone open.

2
Wiring harness fault

Broken wire, chafed insulation, or loose connector between the thermistor and the main control board.

3
Main electronic control board

Less common — the input circuit on the control that reads the thermistor has failed.

How to Fix It

  1. Unplug the dryer and shut off the breaker before any internal work.
  2. Reset first: leave breaker off for 5 minutes, restore power, run a Timed Dry — if F22 returns, continue.
  3. Locate the exhaust thermistor on the blower housing / exhaust duct (consult the tech sheet inside the dryer).
  4. Disconnect the thermistor and measure resistance with a multimeter — about 10,000 ohms at ~70°F. Reading 'OL' (open) or near 0 ohms confirms a bad thermistor.
  5. Inspect the harness between the thermistor and the main control for breaks or burned connectors.
  6. Replace the thermistor (cheap part) before replacing the main control board.

Parts You May Need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Common replacement Exhaust thermistor View on Amazon→

More Whirlpool Dryer Codes

AF AF — Airflow Restriction E1 E1 — Inlet thermistor open circuit E2 E2 — Inlet thermistor shorted Err Err — Door Not Fully Closed F01 F01 — Main electronic control board failure F02 F02 — User Interface / Keypad Failure

All Whirlpool codes → All dryer codes →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: producthelp.whirlpool.com

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.