Maytag Dryer Error Code F31

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: July 19, 2026

⚠ High Severity 🔧🔧 Moderate DIY

L2 line voltage / heating circuit fault

The most common cause of the F31 error on a Maytag dryer is one 240V breaker leg tripped / low line voltage (~35% of cases); start with: check the circuit breaker.

💰 DIY cost: $10–$120 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $180–$360 Save $170+ by doing it yourself

Maytag Dryer error code F31 on the display panel — How the F31 code appears on a Maytag dryer display

What Does Error Code F31 Mean on a Maytag Dryer?

L2 line voltage / heating circuit fault.

F31 fires when the control board senses that the L2 (line 2) leg of the 240V supply is missing or too low to energize the heater, so heating cannot start. The board is essentially monitoring voltage across the heat circuit. Unlike codes for temperature sensor faults, F31 points at the power path itself — a tripped breaker leg, an open high-limit thermostat or thermal fuse, an open element, or broken heater wiring anywhere in that L2 loop.

Models affected: Electric Maytag dryers with a 240V heating circuit and electronic control board, including models such as MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW

What owners report: Owners commonly report this code after the dryer runs but leaves clothes damp, since the drum still turns while the heater stays cold. A partially tripped double-pole breaker is a frequent false trigger, and many report the quick win is fully cycling both breaker legs off and back on before opening the machine.

What Causes Error Code F31?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

1

One 240V breaker leg tripped / low line voltage 35% of cases
2

High-limit thermostat or thermal fuse open 30% of cases
3

Heating element open 25% of cases
4

Wiring fault to heater 10% of cases

How to Fix Maytag Dryer Error Code F31

🔧🔧 Moderate DIY Est. time: 30–60 min

⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.

1

Check the circuit breaker

Both legs of the 240V double breaker must be on. Reset fully if one tripped.
2

Test the high-limit thermostat and thermal fuse

Check both for continuity; an open device kills the heat circuit.

🔩 Multimeter 🔩 Maytag dryer thermal fuse ($10–$25)

⚠️ Unplug before servicing.
3

Test the heating element

Check the element for continuity; replace if open.

🔩 Maytag dryer heating element ($45–$120)

⚠️ Unplug before servicing.

How to Reset Error Code F31

Reset both breaker legs and unplug 1 minute. Test the heat circuit if F31 persists.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Full Maytag dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode → Symptom guide: Dryer not heating →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If line voltage is good and F31 persists, the heating circuit or control board has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $180–$360

Related Error Codes

Low or no line voltage — heater cannot turn on

⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F31 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F31 →

Whirlpool Dryer F31

Exhaust thermistor failure

Frigidaire Oven F31

Oven temperature probe short circuit

Miele Washing Machine F31

NTC temperature sensor fault

Kenmore Oven F31

Oven temperature sensor shorted (Frigidaire-platform models)

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Maytag Dryer:

🔩

Search PartSelect

Maytag Dryer repair parts

🔧

Search RepairClinic

Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Maytag Dryer Error Codes

F01 Electronic control board failure F22 Outlet thermistor (temperature sensor) failure F06 Drive motor failure — drum not turning AF Restricted airflow — blocked vent (safety shutdown) E1 Thermistor open circuit — temperature sensor failure E2 Thermistor short circuit — temperature sensor failure

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Maytag Dryer when error F31 appears? +

It is not advisable. The dryer may still power on, but running it while F31 is active can worsen the heating fault or damage related parts. Treat it as a soon-as-possible repair.

What most commonly causes F31 on a Maytag Dryer? +

Across reported Maytag dryer repairs, the most frequent is one 240V breaker leg tripped / low line voltage (35% of cases), high-limit thermostat or thermal fuse open (30%), then heating element open (25%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.

F31 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +

A reset only clears the stored F31 fault; if it returns, the heating problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — check the circuit breaker, then test the high-limit thermostat and thermal fuse — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a moderate job — a multimeter and some disassembly are usually involved.

How much does it cost to fix Maytag Dryer error F31? +

A DIY repair typically runs $10–$120 in parts, versus $180–$360 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $170. Expect the work to take roughly 30–60 minutes.

Which Maytag Dryer models show error F31? +

F31 is documented on Electric Maytag dryers with a 240V heating circuit and electronic control board, including models such as MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

• Maytag Product Help — official manufacturer documentation
• Our editorial & verification policy

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: July 19, 2026.

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