Maytag microwave F8E5: exhaust air temperature sensor failure
F8E5 means the control found a fault in the temperature sensor that monitors the exhaust air leaving the microwave.
What F8E5 means
- Brand
- Maytag
- Appliance
- Over-the-range microwave
- Code
- F8E5
- Documented meaning
- Exhaust air temperature sensor failure
- Applies to
- 58 Maytag models on 17 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
What the microwave is detecting
An over-the-range microwave measures the temperature of the air in its exhaust path (the hood area) with a thermistor so it can protect itself and run the vent fan when the cooktop below gets hot. A reading that is open, shorted or out of range sets F8E5.
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 failed exhaust-air temperature sensor (thermistor).
- Possible A loose or damaged connection between the sensor and the main control.
- Documented A fault in the sensor input of the main control (ACU), checked after the sensor tests good.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the microwave (or switch off its breaker) for one minute, then restore power and see whether the code comes back.
- Do not remove the outer cabinet or the control panel. Nothing inside a microwave is owner-serviceable.
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
- Reads the sensor temperature in the service diagnostic mode.
- Tests the sensor out of circuit and checks its connection.
- Replaces the main control only if the sensor and wiring check good.
- This requires professional testing. Every component behind the microwave's outer cabinet shares space with the high-voltage circuit, and the high-voltage capacitor can hold a lethal charge even after the unit is unplugged.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Microwave control board replacement | $230–$520 | Moderate |
| Microwave turntable, vent fan or light motor repair | $180–$350 | 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?
Use with caution. Have it checked soon. Without this reading the microwave may not turn on its vent fan automatically when the cooktop below runs hot, so switch the vent fan on yourself while cooking on the range.
Maytag models documented with this code
And 49 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Maytag platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a microwave. Most F8E5 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 8–10-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need F8E5 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.