On the covered Maytag over-the-range microwave, E22 means the thermal sensor circuit reported a short to the control board First, turn off the circuit breaker, turn it on and watch the microwave for a minute. Then: if E22 returns, the thermal sensor, the control board or the wiring between them needs service.
Differential
Likely causes of “Maytag over-the-range microwave code E22”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A shorted thermal sensor
What separates it E22 shows soon after the microwave starts
How to confirm Reset and watch for a minute
- 2
Damaged sensor wiring
What separates it The code follows a repair or a move
How to confirm A technician checks the leads
- 3
The control board
What separates it E22 returns with a good sensor
How to confirm The board is replaced last
- 4
A thermal sensor wire pinched during a repair
What separates it E22 appearing after a microwave was removed and reinstalled
How to confirm A pinched lead can short against the cabinet
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- When E22 appears
- Whether the microwave heats
- Whether it was repaired recently
- The model number
Try in this order
0 of 8 completedWhat to do first
Reversibleturn off the circuit breaker, turn it on and watch the microwave for a minute.
Correct only the documented fault domain
ReversibleIf E22 returns, the thermal sensor, the control board or the wiring between them needs service. A power reset is the whole of what Maytag publishes for this code: remove power for 1 minute, restore it, and watch whether the code returns.
Power down at the breaker
ReversibleTurn off the circuit breaker, turn it on, and monitor the microwave for one minute.
Run a short test
ReversibleTry a short run with a cup of water.
Book the sensor
ReversibleMaytag lists the thermal sensor, the control board or the wiring.
Check how the unit was installed
ReversibleAn over-the-range microwave that was recently moved can have a sensor wire trapped under the cabinet. A technician checks the sensor lead before replacing parts.
Test with a cup of water
ReversibleAfter a reset, run a short heat of a cup of water. If E22 returns during or just after the run, the sensor circuit is still shorted.
Check the venting above the microwave
ReversibleAn over-the-range microwave that runs hot because its vents are blocked can stress the sensor. Clear the vents above and behind the unit and keep cooking steam away from them.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Shown as
- E22.
- Part named
- Thermal sensor.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !Do not run the microwave while E22 shows
- !Book service if E22 returns
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
What does E22 mean on a Maytag over-the-range microwave?+
the thermal sensor circuit reported a short to the control board
Is the sensor easy to replace?+
It sits inside the cabinet, so a technician fits it.
Does E22 affect cooking?+
The control may stop the microwave to protect it.
What is the thermal sensor for?+
It reads the temperature in the microwave so the control can protect the unit from overheating.
Can E22 be cleared by a reset?+
A reset clears a one-time error; a short circuit stays until the sensor or wiring is fixed.
Is E22 the same as E21?+
They are neighboring thermal sensor codes in Maytag's list, with E22 meaning a short; check which number your microwave shows.
Can a heavy load cause E22?+
A heavy cooking load raises the cabinet temperature, but a short in the sensor circuit is a wiring or sensor fault, not a load problem.
Is a thermal sensor short common on over-the-range microwaves?+
It is less common than a door switch fault, but heat and steam over a stove can wear sensor wiring.