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Whirlpool Dryer AF Error Code

Restricted airflow error

Also shown on Maytag and KitchenAid and Amana dryers.

Applies to: Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Amana electronic dryers. May also appear as F4 E3, F4E3, Check Vent.

What's going on

On Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Amana electronic dryers, the AF code means the dryer senses restricted airflow. The lint screen or the home's exhaust vent duct is likely blocked, so hot air and lint cannot escape. Because trapped heat and lint can cause a fire, stop using the dryer, unplug it or switch off its breaker, and have a qualified appliance technician inspect it.

A dryer pushes hot, damp air out through the lint screen and the exhaust vent duct to the outside. The dryer's control watches for signs that this air is not moving freely. When airflow drops too low, it shows AF.

This matters because lint burns easily. When air cannot escape, heat builds up inside the dryer and the duct, right where lint collects. That raises the risk of a dryer fire. It also makes clothes take much longer to dry.

This code applies to electronic dryers from Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, and Amana. Codes can mean different things on different model generations, so confirm with your model number and the owner's manual.

Likely causes

The same code can mean different things on different model generations. Check the model number on your dryer's rating plate before ordering parts.

Can you fix it yourself?

Usually a straightforward DIY fix.

When to call a technician

Stop using the dryer now, unplug it or switch off its breaker, and call a qualified appliance technician to inspect the dryer and the full vent duct. Do not run the dryer again until the cause has been found and fixed.

What the repair usually costs

$100–$250
Overheating / vent blockage repair, parts and labor — national reference range
Confidence: low (based on a single cost guide — treat as a rough guide). Plus a service call fee of about $50–$100, often credited toward the repair.

This is not a quote. Prices vary by region and by model.

Repair or replace?

Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.

A typical new dryer costs about $800–$1,200.

Common questions

What does AF mean on a Whirlpool / Maytag / KitchenAid / Amana dryer?
AF means: Restricted airflow error. The most likely parts involved are exhaust vent duct, lint screen, blower wheel.
Is it safe to keep using the dryer?
This code can mean the appliance is overheating. Turn it off at the circuit breaker (or unplug it if you can do so safely) and call a qualified technician. Do not try to diagnose or repair this yourself.
How much does it cost to fix AF?
A typical overheating / vent blockage repair costs about $100–$250 nationally, parts and labor included. This is a reference range, not a quote — local prices vary.
Should I repair or replace my dryer?
Repair usually makes sense. Even the high end of this repair stays under $500, about half the price of a typical new dryer.
Can I fix AF myself?
Usually a straightforward DIY fix.
Can I keep using my dryer if it shows AF?
No. The AF code points to trapped heat and lint, which is a fire risk. Leave the dryer unplugged or its breaker off until a qualified appliance technician has checked it.
Why would AF show up even if I clean the lint screen often?
The blockage is often farther down the line, inside the vent duct or at the outside vent, where you can't see it. A clean lint screen does not mean the rest of the airflow path is clear.

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