Written by
Tessa Brandt Appliance Care EditorPublished October 29, 2026
VERIFIED
Error codeF3 E5
ApplianceDryer
Why F3 E5 shows up
This is a moisture sensor issue: the dryer has dried five consecutive loads and registered no sensor data in any of them. Maytag lists it for household and commercial dryers alike.
First, clear it
Press the Power button. The code goes away and you can restart the dryer. When it returns, work through two questions before calling.
Is the dryer level? A dryer that is not level can leave clothes away from the sensors in the drum. Level it by adjusting the feet; since dryer tops can be curved, take the reading from the cabinet edge or another surface.
Was the load tiny? A single item or a very small load can miss the sensors. Larger loads help, and so does an Automatic cycle instead of Timed Dry.
Cycle the power
For a household dryer, keep the breaker(s) off for 5 minutes, turn them on, begin a time dry cycle and watch for 5 minutes. The commercial dryer entry lists the same cycle but with a 1-minute watch.
If F3 E5 persists, the manual says to call for service.
Related moisture codes
F3 E2 is the other display message about moisture sensor data.
If the level check, a bigger load and the breaker reset have not cleared F3 E5, book a technician through (415) 649-2156. Bay Area appointments go quicker when you can say which of those steps you did and give the model number. Read about Maytag dryer repair.
Model compatibility: Maytag reuses codes across series and model years, so F3 E5 may mean something different on another appliance or generation. Confirm this against your model’s documentation and record your full model number before acting.
Plain language
What this code means
Moisture sensor issue after five consecutive loads dried with no sensor data registered.
Important safety warning. Do not attempt repairs involving electrical components, gas, water lines, refrigerant or sealed systems. Unplug the appliance if it is safe to reach the outlet, and leave internal diagnostics to a qualified technician.
Seeing this code on your Maytag appliance?
Book a specialist visit for a clear estimate and approval before any repair.
You submit a request with your appliance model and symptom, we confirm an appointment window, and a technician performs an on-site diagnosis. You then receive a clear estimate and decide whether to proceed before any repair begins.
Yes. We provide an upfront estimate after diagnosis. No parts are ordered or installed until you approve the work, so there are no surprise charges.
Replacement parts are selected for the exact model and confirmed with you before ordering or installation.
Service areas are listed on the Locations page. Contact us with your ZIP code to confirm current coverage for your address.
Ready to get your Maytag appliance working again?
Book a repair online or call us — clear estimates and approval before any repair work begins.
