KitchenAid Dryer F22 Error: Outlet Thermistor Fail
What Does KitchenAid Dryer Error Code F22 Mean? F22 on a KitchenAid dryer (built on the Whirlpool Duet platform) indicates the outlet thermistor is reading out of range. The outlet thermistor is an NTC sensor mounted in the exhaust airflow path that tells the control board the temperature of air leaving the drum. When the […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. Operating a dryer without valid exhaust temperature monitoring is a fire risk. F22 should be resolved before any further use.
Can I reset the code?
No. A power reset does not repair a failed thermistor or broken wire. F22 returns on the next cycle attempt.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: Burning smell from the dryer, Exhaust vent path cannot be cleared.
Symptoms You May Notice
Cycle halts with F22 on display
The dryer stops mid-cycle with F22 showing. The drum stops rotating and the heating element shuts off.
Clothes coming out overheated before F22 latched
Before the fault appeared, recent cycles may have produced clothes that were unusually hot or even scorched because the thermistor was reading low and the board kept the heater running too long.
Cycle will not restart after reset
Attempting to restart produces F22 again within seconds because the board immediately re-reads the thermistor on power-up and sees the out-of-range value.
Possible Causes
Outlet thermistor failed open or shorted
The NTC thermistor mounted in the exhaust airflow has failed electrically. Over years of heat cycling, the sensor element eventually fails and returns either infinite (open) or zero (short) resistance.
Requires ProfessionalThermistor wiring harness broken
The wiring between the outlet thermistor and main control board has broken or come unplugged. Flex fatigue at cabinet flex points is the usual cause.
Requires ProfessionalBlocked exhaust vent causing thermal cutout
A blocked vent causes exhaust temperature to climb far above normal, which can drive the thermistor out of range before it physically fails. The vent should be cleaned as part of repair.
DIY PossibleSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Clean the lint filter and vent system thoroughly
Remove and wash the lint filter. Disconnect the vent hose behind the dryer and clean it with a vent brush. Clean as far into the wall duct as you can reach. Check the exterior vent hood for blockages.
Blocked vents are a fire hazard and are often the underlying cause of F22. Cleaning the vent may not repair the fault but prevents heat damage from recurring.
Tools required -
2
Do not continue using the dryer with F22
F22 prevents the dryer from operating safely — without a valid temperature sensor, the heater cannot be controlled and the fire risk is significant. Schedule service promptly.
Use alternate drying (line dry or a laundromat) until the thermistor is replaced.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Outlet thermistor replacement clears the fault
- Sensor harness continuity fails at the connector
- Thermistor resistance measured out of specification at known temperature
Need Professional Help?
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