Maytag dryer F4E2: second heater circuit problem
F4E2 on 2015-2016 electric models means the control did not detect power through the second heater relay circuit.
What F4E2 means
- Brand
- Maytag
- Appliance
- Electric dryer
- Code
- F4E2
- Documented meaning
- Second heater circuit problem
- Applies to
- 7 Maytag models on 3 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
What the dryer is detecting
Some electric dryers use a heating element with two sections, each switched by its own relay. F4E2 is the second-circuit version of F4E1: the control switched that section on but did not see power flowing through it.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A loose or disconnected wire at the heating element or at the relays on the main control.
- Documented An open section of the heating element.
- Possible A relay fault on the main control.
Safe checks you can make
- Clean the lint screen completely, and wash it with warm soapy water if it looks clogged with dryer-sheet film.
- Go outside while the dryer runs on heat and check the exhaust hood: you should feel a strong, warm airflow and the flap should open fully. A weak flow or a stuck flap points to a restricted vent.
- Check the dryer's breaker in the electrical panel. Electric dryers use a double breaker; if either handle is tripped or sits in the middle position, switch it fully off and then back on.
This stage requires professional testing. Full diagnosis involves hazards such as live line voltage, gas, a sealed refrigerant system or microwave high voltage. Do not attempt it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Inspects the heating element connections and the relay connections on the main control.
- Tests both heater circuits with power removed.
- On electric models the heating circuit runs on 240 volts and must only be tested by a professional.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer heating element replacement | $180–$400 | Moderate |
| Dryer main control board replacement | $280–$640 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Stop using the dryer until the heater circuit is diagnosed; heat-circuit faults can be related to overheating.
Maytag models documented with this code
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Maytag platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a dryer. Most F4E2 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 12–14-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need F4E2 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.