Dryer shows E12 and may shut off quickly after starting
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Disconnect power before cleaning internal ducts or testing thermostats.
E12 indicates the exhaust temperature is rising too quickly or exceeding safe limits.
- Clean lint filter and housing: Remove the lint screen and vacuum inside the housing to remove hidden lint.
- Inspect and clean venting: Check the full exhaust path from dryer to outside for lint buildup, kinks, or obstructions. Use a vent brush to clean thoroughly.
- Test cycling thermostat: Locate the cycling thermostat on the blower housing. Test for continuity and proper opening temperature if you have specifications. Replace if stuck closed or out of spec.
- Check heater relay: If the heater stays on when the dryer is not calling for heat, the relay on the main control may be welded closed. In this case, replace the control board.
After correcting airflow and replacing faulty parts, clear the error by unplugging for several minutes and retesting.
Repair Difficulty
Required Part
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