Maytag Dryer HE Error: Heating element fault
What Does Maytag Dryer Error Code HE Mean? HE indicates a heating element fault on Maytag electric dryers — including Bravos XL and MEDB series models. The control board monitors exhaust temperature during a heat cycle and expects a measurable temperature rise within a set time window. When the exhaust temperature does not rise as […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
No. HE means the electric dryer cannot heat. Running the machine does not cause harm but produces no useful drying result — clothes will remain wet.
Can I reset the code?
No. HE caused by a broken element, open thermal fuse, or failed thermostat requires physical component replacement. No reset clears a genuine element circuit fault.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: No heat confirmed across multiple test cycles, Burning smell from element area before HE appeared.
Symptoms You May Notice
No heat on any electric cycle
Clothes tumble but remain cold or at room temperature. The element is not energizing on any heat setting including High Heat.
HE displayed during or at end of heat cycle
The board monitors the exhaust temperature rise during a heat cycle. If temperature does not increase as expected, HE is logged and displayed.
Cycle times double or triple with no drying progress
Because the element is not heating, the moisture sensor never detects dryness and the auto-dry cycle continues until the maximum time limit is reached.
Element not glowing when active
Looking through the dryer's rear exhaust area reveals no visible glow from the heating element during a heated cycle.
Possible Causes
Broken heating element
The nichrome heating coil inside the element housing has a break in its conductor. This is an open circuit — the element cannot carry current and generates no heat.
Requires ProfessionalTripped or open thermal fuse
The thermal fuse — a one-shot safety device on the heating element housing — has blown due to a past overheating event. Once blown, the thermal fuse interrupts the element circuit permanently until replaced.
Requires ProfessionalFailed cycling thermostat
The cycling thermostat on the element housing has failed open, breaking the heating circuit. The element itself may be functional but cannot receive power through the failed thermostat.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Confirm no heat is produced
Run a small load on the High Heat setting for 10 minutes. At the end of the timed run, reach into the drum and feel the drum wall and laundry — both should be noticeably warm. If the drum is cold, heat is confirmed absent and HE diagnosis is needed.
Do not assume the dryer is working on a lower heat setting if it fails on High — a failed element produces no heat on any setting.
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2
Check that L2 is not also present
A lost L2 supply leg mimics a heating element fault — the element is functional but receives no power. Check that the circuit breaker is fully on both legs (see L2 code above) before concluding the element has failed. This rules out a supply issue before scheduling an element replacement.
L2 and HE can occur together if a partial supply issue caused a thermal fuse to blow. Addressing supply first prevents a repeat thermal fuse failure after replacement.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Heating element continuity testing and replacement
- Thermal fuse testing and replacement (non-resettable)
- Cycling thermostat testing and replacement
Need Professional Help?
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