# How to Fix Amana Error F23 (Heater Failure)
The Amana F23 error code typically indicates a problem with the **Heater Circuit Failure** or **Water Heating Fault**. This means that when the washing machine initiated a cycle requiring hot water (such as Sanitary or Heavy Duty), it failed to detect that the water temperature reached the required level within the allotted time.
The most common cause for this error is a burnt-out or shorted **Heating Element**.
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## Step-by-Step Fix: Diagnosing the Heating Element
**SAFETY WARNING:** Always unplug the washing machine from the wall outlet before attempting any diagnosis or repair. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination.
### Step 1: Power Cycle and Visual Check
1. **Unplug the Machine:** Disconnect the washer from the electrical outlet for five minutes.
2. **Plug Back In:** Plug the machine back in and attempt to run a short hot cycle. If the error persists, proceed to diagnosis.
3. **Access the Back Panel:** The heating element is usually located near the bottom of the tub, accessible by removing the rear access panel of the washer.
### Step 2: Locate and Test the Heating Element
The heating element looks like a metal loop or rod inserted into the tub, with two wiring terminals and sometimes a third terminal for the thermal cutoff/thermistor.
1. **Disconnect Wires:** Carefully disconnect the wires leading to the two main terminals of the heating element.
2. **Use a Multimeter:** Set your multimeter to the resistance setting (Ohms, Ω).
3. **Test for Resistance (Continuity):** Place one probe on each of the two main heating element terminals.
* **Good Reading:** A healthy heating element should show a resistance reading between **10 to 30 Ohms**. (The exact reading depends on the specific model and wattage).
* **Bad Reading (Faulty Element):** If the multimeter shows **OL (Over Limit/Open Loop)** or infinite resistance, the element is burned out and needs replacement.
### Step 3: Check for Ground Fault (Short Circuit)
A short circuit can also trigger the F23 error.
1. Keep your multimeter set to Ohms.
2. Place one probe on either of the main heating element terminals.
3. Touch the other probe to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the tub (ground).
* **Good Reading:** The reading should be **OL** (no continuity to ground).
* **Bad Reading (Ground Fault):** If you get any resistance reading (not OL), the element is shorted and must be replaced immediately.
### Step 4: Check the NTC Thermistor (If Applicable)
Some Amana models use a thermistor (temperature sensor) integrated with the heating element. If the element tested fine in Step 2, the sensor might be failing, confusing the control board.
1. Locate the sensor terminals (usually smaller and separate from the heating terminals).
2. Test the resistance of the thermistor. The acceptable range varies greatly depending on the room temperature, but generally, readings should be between **8,000 to 18,000 Ohms** (8kΩ to 18kΩ) at room temperature.
3. If the reading is 0 or OL, the thermistor is faulty, requiring replacement of the entire heating element assembly.
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If your testing confirms that the heating element has failed the resistance test (OL) or has shorted to ground, replacement is necessary to clear the F23 code.
Check the price for a replacement Heating Element here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Amana+Heating+Element&tag=trivian-20