How to Troubleshoot the Maytag Dryer HP Error Code

Getting an “HP” error code on your Maytag Neptune dryer system can be frustrating, but this guide will walk you through how to diagnose and fix the issue. With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can have your dryer back up and running smoothly, and the HP Maytag dryer error code resolved.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The information in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. We recommend consulting your manufacturer’s documentation or contact us with any questions.

What does the error code mean?

The HP error code stands for “high limit thermistor.” It indicates that the dryer’s thermistor is detecting temperatures outside of the normal operating range. This error code appears on both electric dryers and gas dryer models.

The thermistor is a heat sensor that monitors the temperature of the exhaust air. It sends input back to the control board. If the control board receives readings from the thermistor that are abnormally high or low, it will halt operation and display the HP diagnostic codes. These are clear signs of a thermistor malfunction.

Some common causes for the thermistor giving false readings include:

• Restricted ventilation
• Reduced airflow
• Faulty thermistor
• Defective control board

By following a troubleshooting process, you can isolate the specific issue causing the HP code on your dryer. 

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Troubleshooting steps  

Here are the steps to diagnose an HP error code:

Step 1: Power cycle the dryer

The first thing to try is performing a power reset of the electric dryer. Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet and leave it unplugged for 1 minute. This clears any temporary errors from the control board.

Plug the dryer back in, restart a cycle, and see if the error code reappears. Sometimes a simple power reset will resolve the problem.

Step 2: Check the dryer venting

When airflow is reduced, temperatures inside the dryer can escalate. This throws off the thermistor readings.

1. Remove the dryer’s exhaust vent and inspect it thoroughly. 
2. Look for any obstructions, lint buildup, or kinks that are blocking ventilation. 
3. Ensure the outdoor vent hood operates properly and opens when the dryer runs.
4. Check for any airflow restrictions inside the dryer itself. Remove the front panel of the dryer to access the blower area. 
5. Make sure there is no lint accumulation in the blower housing or drum. Clear out any lint obstruction so airflow can circulate properly. 
6. Proper airflow is crucial for accurate thermistor reading and operation.

Step 3: Check the thermistor connections

The thermistor is typically located inside the dryer’s exhaust duct or near the blower housing. It has two wire leads that connect back to the main control board. Follow these steps to check the thermistor connections:

1. Unplug the dryer and remove the rear access panel. This will expose the thermistor wires.
2. Check that both wire leads are securely inserted into the connector terminal on the control board. Remove and reseat each wire. The connections may have vibrated loose over time.
3. Examine the wires for any damage. Look for cracked wire insulation, bare wire exposure, melted connectors, burn marks, etc. Damaged wires can cause resistance and throw off thermistor readings.
4. Verify proper continuity through the wires using a multimeter. You should get a low resistance reading when probing the pins at the control board vs. the thermistor end.
5. Inspect where the wires route through the dryer chassis. Make sure they are not pinched, abraded, or pierced. The sharp metal edges can damage wire insulation over time.
6. Replace any damaged or degraded wiring. Use high-quality wire of the same gauge or larger.

Step 4: Replace the faulty thermistor

If the thermistor wiring checks out okay, the next step is to replace the thermistor itself. Follow these steps when replacing the thermistor:

1. Order a replacement thermistor designed specifically for your Maytag dryer model. The part number should be printed on the existing thermistor housing.
2. Unplug the wires and use a wrench to unscrew the faulty thermistor from the dryer chassis. Apply some penetrating oil if it is stuck.
3. Clean off any lint or residue from the threaded thermistor mount hole before installing the new part.
4. Screw in the new thermistor and make sure the sensor tip protrudes into the airflow path properly. Consult a wiring diagram to verify the correct mounting position.
5. Attach the wires to the new thermistor and secure them with wire nuts or crimp connectors. Refer to the wiring diagram for pinouts.
6. Power on the dryer and verify proper temperature readings during a cycle. The thermistor replacement should resolve the HP error.

Pro Note: When replacing the thermistor, it is advisable to replace the thermal fuse as well. The two components often go out at the same time.

Step 5: Replace the control board

If the error code still appears after replacing the thermistor, the electronic control board is likely defective. The control board regulates all dryer functions and may be misinterpreting input from the thermistor sensor.

Follow these steps to replace the control board:

1. Unplug the dryer and open the control console panel. Locate the large multi-pin connector for the control board.
2. Label and disconnect all the wire harness plugs from the faulty control board. This prevents mixing up pin connections later.
3. Remove the mounting screws and carefully extract the control board from the dryer console.
4. Install the replacement control board in the same orientation and remount with screws.
5. Refer to your wire labels and wiring diagram to reconnect all plugs to the board. Double-check pin alignments.
6. Power up the dryer and verify the new control board clears the HP error code. Also, check that all dryer functions operate properly.
7. Use caution when handling control boards to prevent electrostatic discharge damage.
8. Confirm the replacement part is an exact match for your specific Maytag model before purchasing and installing.

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope you found this information useful to get your dryer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our thousands of free videos and troubleshooting guides available. If you need replacement parts or some extra help, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, order parts, read our DIY blog, and more.

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