How to Fix Maytag Dryer AF Code [Solution]

If you own a Maytag dryer, then you’re probably aware of the issues that it may suffer from.

These dryers are known for their longevity, but they can still break down at any time. One common problem with Maytag dryers is the persistent AF code error.

The Maytag Dryer AF code error indicates that there is something wrong with the vents or that the air is unable to pass from the dryer.

If you own a Maytag dryer and it is displaying an AF code, then this article will help you figure out what exactly is causing the issue and how to fix it.

What is Maytag Dryer AF Code?

How to Fix Maytag Dryer AF Code [Solution]

The Maytag Dryer AF code error is similar to any other error code that gets displayed on the dryer’s screen.

The AF error code stands for Restricted Air Flow. The error code indicates that there is one or multiple vents that have been clogged, and the dryer is unable to function properly.

Hence, you need to clean those vents.

The first vent you need to check is the lint screen, as it is more prone to clogging.

Next is the exhaust vent or exhaust hood, which can be easily clogged,

especially when there is some stuff left in your jeans’ pocket, and clogs the vent.

Apart from these two major vents, the airflow restrictions can also cause the Maytag Dryer AF code.

Depending upon the model, the Maytag Dryer can have a separate vent for air intake.

If the air intake vent is clogged or sealed or if it is unable to pass the air, then it will lead to the error code AF.

On top of everything else, if the door felt seal is broken, it will also cause the error code AF in the Maytag dryer.

However, if everything is working fine and none of this is causing the issue, then the error code AF could be taking place due to a hardware failure like a main control board failure or malfunction of the sensor, motor, or thermostat.

Most Common Reasons for Maytag Dryer AF Code

The most common reasons for the Maytag Dryer AF code are listed below.

To start with this guide, you must have the necessary tools, like a basic toolkit which includes 2-3 screwdrivers, a wrench, and other tools.

Apart from that, you must keep the user manual of your Maytag dryer ready with you, as it will help you in fixing the dryer.

Furthermore, you will know what exactly you need to open or clean in order to fix the issue.

Last but not least, you may require someone’s assistance, especially if you are opening or cleaning the dryer’s vent for the first time by yourself.

Lint Screen or Vent Clogged

Lint build-up is one of the most common problems that can lead to the Maytag Dryer AF code.

When the lint screen is clogged, it prevents airflow from entering and exiting the dryer.

If you see the AF code on your Maytag dryer, it’s a good idea to check out the lint screen and duct.

In some cases, when the Maytag Dryer AF code error takes place, you can smell the burnout from the dryer.

This is because the dryer gets overheated due to a clogged lint screen or duct.

Furthermore, you may not be able to recognize a clogged lint screen in the first place, but after 2-3 dry cycles, you will probably smell the burnout.

This happens because the dirt and debris clog the lint screen or vent, which can also lead to sensor failure of the Maytag dryer.

You must keep your eyes on the display if you smell any burnout because the sensor will collect the data and display it on the dryer’s screen.

In most cases, you won’t be able to use the dryer when it displays error code AF, as it will cut down the power to the heating element.

To make the heating element work again and fix the error code AF, you must clean the lint screen and duct.

How to clean Lint Screen/Duct in Maytag Dryer?

When you get the error code AF in the Maytag dryer, it could be due to the clogged lint screen or because of the dryer’s clogged duct vent.

You can clean both of them by following these steps. Furthermore, we would advise you to follow these steps in the future and frequently clean your dryer’s duct vent and lint screen to prevent the error code AF.

1. First of all, make sure to turn off the dryer and unplug the power code.

2. Next, you need to clean the lint screen. It is located at the door opening of the dryer.

Pro Tip: If the dryer’s lint screen is damaged, loose, missing, or blocked, you should never run the dryer in such cases as it will cause overheating and damage your whole dryer, including your clothes.

You need to pull out the lint screen with your fingers gently. Make sure not to use force, as it can damage the lint screen if it is not coming out.
Then, you need to press the tab down and then open the lint screen.
You need to slowly roll the lint off the screen with your fingers.

Make sure not to rinse the lint screen in order to remove the lint. Instead, you can remove the lint with a lint remover solution or from your hands because dry lint is easy to remove than wet lint.
After the lint screen is cleaned up, you need to place it back into the dryer.
You can follow the steps in reverse in order to install it on the dryer.

There are various types of lint screen cleaning solutions available in the market if you are not able to take off the lint from the screen using your hands.

For instance, you can try using laundry detergent or fabric softener if you don’t want to invest in a lint remover.

You can also use a nylon brush to take off the lint from the screen every six months.

Exhaust Vent or Exhaust Hood Clogged

If the exhaust vent or hood is clogged, it will cause your dryer to shut down or cause the Maytag Dryer AF code, even if the lint screen is clean.

If your exhaust vent or exhaust hood is clogged, it’s recommended that you clean it out.

If you don’t have the time or resources to clean out the exhaust hood or vent, then simply hire a professional to do the job for you.

This is because it is very important to clean the exhaust vent as it clean lead to damage to the dryer or even accidental fire.

A clogged exhaust vent system is responsible for slowing down the process of clothes drying by decreasing the moist air from escaping the dryer and increasing the time of drying.

For instance, if your Maytag dryer runs for 10 minutes to dry a batch of clothes, it will take 15 or even 20 minutes to dry the same batch of clothes due to a clogged exhaust vent.

How to Examine a Clogged Exhaust Vent in Maytag Dryer?

To examine a clogged exhaust vent in a Maytag dryer, you can simply hold or place your hand under the outer part of the exhaust hood or vent to check the air movement.

If the air movement is very less, then it is probably because the dryer’s exhaust vent is clogged.

Furthermore, if you don’t know if the air movement should be high, you can ask an expert to check for it.

How to Clean A Clogged Exhaust Vent/Hood in Maytag Dryer?

To clean the clogged exhaust vent/hood in your Maytag dryer, you need to have a proper cleaning kit which you can buy from a local store in your neighborhood.

Or you can also use a cleaning brush if you don’t want to buy a lint-cleaning kit.

However, you need to know that you won’t be able to make the exhaust hood as clean with a cleaning brush as a proper cleaning kit.

1. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Use the cleaning solution and leave it for 5-10 minutes, depending upon the strength of the solution.
3. Then, use the cleaning brush and scrub the exhaust vent properly. Make sure to clean all the dust, dirt, and debris in the vent. However, use the brush gently as it can break the vent.

4. If there are any turns in your Maytag dryer’s exhaust vent, then you gently need to capture the lint and dust from there as well.
5. Apart from a cleaning brush, you can also use a vacuum equipped with a hose to effectively take out the lint and debris from hard-to-reach places.

Restricted Air Flow

If the exhaust vent or lint screen is not clogged, it could be due to restricted airflow that the Maytag Dryer AF code is taking place in your dryer.

Some models of the Maytag dryer come with a separate air intake vent, which you probably are not aware of, and if that is the case, then you need to clean it out.

For cleaning the air intake vent in your Maytag dryer, you can take the help of the user manual and clean the air intake vent.

Dryer Vent is Kinked/Crushed or Twisted

A kinked or crushed dryer vent will cause the Maytag Dryer AF code. A twisted dryer vent will also lead to the error code AF.

If your dryer vent is kinked, twisted, or crushed, it will block the airflow in the dryer leading to the error code AF problem.

The dryer vent can have one or multiple twisted or kinks, so you can simply stretch the hose in order to fix this problem.

However, in some cases, you are not able to fix a twisted dryer vent, and that is because the vent has been twisted and idle for a long time.

In this case, you can buy a new hose pipe and install it in place of the old and twisted dryer vent.

The Door Seal is Broken

The door seal is one of the most important components of your Maytag dryer.

If the dryer’s door seal is broken, it will not be able to retain the hot air inside, and the dryer may not be effectively able to dry the clothes, which also increases the drying time.

The Maytag Dryer AF code can also indicate a broken door seal.

However, some of the old models of Maytag dryers may not be able to recognize the broken door seal and may not show the AF code error, which can also lead to a broken door gasket.

You need to make sure that the door seal is not broken and is intact to avoid the error code AF in the Maytag dryer.

Here is how you can replace the broken door seal in the Maytag dryer.

How to Replace Broken Door Seal in Maytag Dryer?

First of all, inspect the door seal, and if it is broken, then you have to get the replacement unit first for your specific dryer model.
Unplug the dryer from power.

Take the door down by unmounting the screws.
Before taking out the door seal, make sure to know the door seal mounting method.
Pull the seal out of the door in a gentle manner.

Then, install the new door seal.
Reinstall the door and mount the screws.
Check to see if the error code still appears on the dryer’s screen.

How to Prevent Maytag Dryer AF Code in the Future?

There are certain ways to prevent the Maytag Dryer AF Code in the future.

The first and most important thing you need to ensure is that you clean and maintain the dryer vents frequently.

If you want to prevent your dryer from shutting down in the future, then you should clean out the lint from the exhaust vent, lint screen, and duct regularly.

It’s recommended that you clean the lint from these areas at least once every two years.

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Conclusion

In short, the Maytag Dryer AF code is a common code that requires cleaning of all the vents and air intake places.

If you don’t often clean these vents or spots in your dryer, it is likely to get clogged and will lead to several problems, including the Maytag Dryer AF code.

However, if all the vents are clean and working fine, including the ones that intake air, then you need to check the door deal of the Maytag dryer.

Furthermore, if the Maytag Dryer AF code still exists, then there could be other hardware issues in the control board, sensor, motor, or thermostat.

In this case, call the technician and get your dryer fixed.