I have a maytag dryer mde9700ayw that does not heat, the checked the continuity of the thermister in the exhaust and found none. I jumped the wires to see if it would heat before I ordered the part. I now get an error code that looks like an upside down f and a 5. Did I fry the circuit board or is this telling me the thermister is bad, thanks, Joe

Check to see if your thermistor is bad by measure the resistance. It should be 10K Ohms at room temperature.
If it's bad, replace it BUT you have to CLEAR to error code.
1. Enter to Service Mode by press CHIME and TEMPERATURE keys for 3 seconds or until 3 beeps are heard.
2. Access Diagnostic Codes by pressing WRINKLE PREVENT. A d will be displayed. Rotate the CYCLE SELECTOR KNOB in either direction to read it.
3. Press SENSOR DRY and TIME keys for 3 seconds to clear it.
4. Power OFF to exit Service Mode
5. Power ON
From: http://www.fixya.com/support/t2659711-maytag_neptune_mde9700ayw_ts_t5_error
Hope this helps. Never short out the thermistor. Possibly you did no harm.