F-23
What code F-23 means on a Kenmore tumble dryers, what causes it, and which part to check first.
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Kenmore F-23 means: Exhaust thermistor failure. The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer. Check the resistance of the exhaust thermistor. It should measure about 10,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it
What F-23 means
Exhaust thermistor failure
The display shows F-23 and the machine stops until the fault is cleared.
What the technical documentation says
Causes documented in the technical source published by applianceaid.com
| DOCUMENTED CAUSE OR CHECK |
|---|
| Unplug the dryer |
| Check the resistance of the exhaust thermistor |
| It should measure about 10,000 ohms at room temperature |
| If the thermistor is defective, replace it |
Replacement parts
Tools you'll need
Before you open anything
Unplug the machine before removing any panel. Lint is flammable: never run a dryer with the filter removed, and clear the duct if the code points to airflow.
What to check, in order
From the quickest check to the one that needs a technician.

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Frequently asked questions
What does F-23 mean on a Kenmore?
Exhaust thermistor failure The documented cause is: Unplug the dryer. Check the resistance of the exhaust thermistor. It should measure about 10,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it
Can I fix F-23 myself?
It depends on the part involved: Unplug the dryer. Check the resistance of the exhaust thermistor. It should measure about 10,000 ohms at room temperature. If the thermistor is defective, replace it Clearing a filter or straightening a hose is within reach of anyone; anything behind a panel means mains electricity and water together — that is a job for a technician.
Does Kenmore use other codes on this appliance?
Yes: we document 65 other codes for Kenmore on this tumble dryers. They are listed at the bottom of this page, each with its own meaning.
Does the same code mean the same thing on other brands?
Often not. The same two characters can point to completely different faults depending on the manufacturer — always check the page for your own brand.

