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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 02

Thermistor open sensed

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Thermistor open sensed — thermistor resistance is very high; temperature is low, calling for heat increase but no temperature increase occurs in 3 minutes.

First step from the service manual

Check for low ambient temperature in room (below 50°F/10°C), outside vent damper stuck open in winter, or loose/open wire terminals.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What 02 means on a Maytag dryer

The Maytag dryer error code 02 indicates that the control board has detected an open thermistor condition. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing resistor located in the dryer's airflow path that continuously reports drum air temperature to the control board. When the thermistor circuit goes open, its resistance reads extremely high, which the control interprets as a very low temperature reading. In response, the control calls for heat, but because the sensor cannot accurately track any actual temperature rise, the board triggers error code 02 after approximately 3 minutes of calling for heat with no confirmed temperature increase.

The thermistor itself is a passive component, and an open circuit typically means either the component has failed internally or the wiring connecting it to the control board has broken continuity. A loose terminal connector, a wire that has pulled away from a pin, or a thermistor that has drifted far out of its normal resistance range will all produce the same open-circuit symptom. In genuine component failure, the thermistor resistance will measure far above the expected range for the current ambient temperature.

Environmental factors can also mimic a thermistor fault. If the room temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), or if an outside vent damper is stuck open during cold weather, cold air may flood the drum faster than the heater can overcome it. In that scenario, no actual fault exists in the sensor or wiring, but the heating performance condition still triggers the error. Ruling out these environmental conditions before replacing parts is an important first step.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 02

  1. 01

    Failed thermistor

    Part replacement

    The thermistor has failed internally and is reading an abnormally high resistance value, signaling an open circuit to the control board. You can confirm this by disconnecting the thermistor and measuring its resistance with a multimeter, then comparing the reading against the expected value for the current room temperature.

  2. 02

    Loose or open wire terminal at thermistor

    Wiring / connection

    A wire terminal that has backed out of the thermistor connector or a broken wire in the harness will create an open circuit identical to a failed sensor. Visually inspect the connector at the thermistor and wiggle the wiring harness while checking for continuity.

  3. 03

    Cold ambient room temperature below 50 degrees Fahrenheit

    Wiring / connection

    If the laundry area temperature is below 50 degrees F (10 degrees C), the dryer may not be able to raise drum temperature quickly enough to satisfy the control board within the 3-minute window. No parts are needed; warming the room or relocating the dryer resolves the condition.

  4. 04

    Outside vent damper stuck open in cold weather

    Wiring / connection

    A vent damper that fails to close allows cold outside air to flow back into the drum, pulling heat away faster than the heater can compensate. Inspect the exterior vent hood to confirm the damper flap opens and closes freely.

  5. 05

    Loose or open wire terminal at control board

    Wiring / connection

    The thermistor circuit runs back to the main control board, and a loose pin or corroded connector at the board end of the harness can open the circuit just as readily as a fault at the sensor itself. Inspect the board-side connector for pushed-back pins or corrosion and reseat the connector firmly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 02

What does 02 mean on a Maytag dryer?
Error code 02 on a Maytag dryer means the control board detected an open thermistor condition, where the thermistor resistance is reading extremely high and no temperature increase was detected within approximately 3 minutes of calling for heat. The thermistor is the component responsible for reporting drum air temperature to the control board. The dryer stops operating until the underlying cause is corrected.
Can I fix error code 02 on my Maytag dryer myself?
Many causes of code 02 are DIY-friendly. Start by checking that the laundry room temperature is above 50 degrees F and that the exterior vent damper is not stuck open. Next, inspect the wiring harness and connectors at the thermistor for loose or dislodged terminals. If the wiring checks out, testing the thermistor with a multimeter and replacing it if it reads an open circuit is a straightforward repair for someone comfortable working with appliances.
Will resetting the dryer clear error code 02?
Resetting the dryer by unplugging it for a few minutes may clear the code temporarily, but the error will return if the underlying problem is not fixed. If the thermistor is faulty or a wire connection is open, the control board will detect the same condition on the next cycle and display the code again. A reset is useful for ruling out a one-time glitch, but it is not a repair.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dryer when code 02 is showing?
The dryer typically stops normal operation when code 02 is active, which is a protective response. Attempting to force the dryer to run with a non-functional temperature sensor is not recommended, as the control board loses its ability to regulate heat accurately. Continuing to operate the unit in this condition could result in overheating or damage to clothing and internal components.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag dryer showing error code 02?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose wire connector or addressing a cold environment, there is no parts cost at all. A replacement thermistor is generally an inexpensive part, with the component itself typically ranging from around 10 dollars to 30 dollars depending on the model. If professional service is needed, total repair costs including labor generally fall in the range of 75 dollars to 200 dollars, depending on local rates and how much diagnostic time is involved.

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