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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 2

Lower Dryer Thermistor Open Sensed

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Lower Dryer Thermistor Open Sensed — temperature is low with an expected increase and no increase occurring after 3 minutes.

First step from the service manual

Check for low ambient temperature in room (below 50°F/10°C) and outside vent damper stuck open in wintertime.

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

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What 2 means on a Maytag dryer

Error code 2 on a Maytag dryer indicates the control board has detected an open thermistor circuit, meaning the resistance reading from the thermistor is abnormally high. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing component that continuously reports drum or exhaust air temperature to the control board. When the board sees resistance far outside the expected operating range, it interprets this as a broken or disconnected sensor and triggers code 2 to prevent the dryer from running blind on temperature control.

For homeowners, think of the thermistor as the dryer's thermometer. When it stops sending a readable signal, the dryer cannot monitor heat levels safely and shuts down to protect your clothes and the machine. The good news is that code 2 does not always mean a failed part. Cold operating environments below 50°F or 10°C can cause thermistor resistance to spike into the fault range, and a damper stuck open in winter can flood the unit with frigid outside air, mimicking a broken sensor. Loose or disconnected wire terminals at the thermistor plug are another frequent non-part cause.

Start diagnosis by ruling out environmental and wiring issues before ordering components. Move the dryer to a warmer space, check the exterior vent damper for ice or debris, and inspect the thermistor connector for pushed-back or corroded terminals.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 2

  1. 01

    Low ambient room temperature below 50°F / 10°C

    Wiring / connection

    Cold air in the laundry space causes thermistor resistance to rise sharply, pushing the reading into the open-circuit fault range even when the sensor itself is functional. Warming the room or relocating the dryer resolves this without any parts replacement.

  2. 02

    Exterior vent damper stuck open in cold weather

    Wiring / connection

    A damper frozen open or jammed with debris allows outside winter air to continuously enter the dryer drum and exhaust path, driving down the thermistor temperature reading and spiking its resistance. Inspecting and freeing or replacing the vent damper corrects this condition.

  3. 03

    Loose or open wire terminals at the thermistor connector

    Wiring / connection

    Vibration over time can cause the thermistor wiring harness connector to back out or corrode, breaking the electrical circuit between the sensor and the control board. The board reads this open circuit as an extreme high-resistance condition and logs code 2. Reseating or replacing the connector resolves the fault.

  4. 04

    Failed thermistor

    Part replacement

    If environmental conditions and wiring check out, the thermistor itself may have an internal open, meaning the sensing element has broken and the component will never return a valid resistance reading. Replacing the thermistor with the correct OEM part is required to clear the code.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 2

What does error code 2 mean on a Maytag dryer?
Error code 2 means the control board detected an open thermistor circuit, where the thermistor's resistance reading is too high for the board to interpret as a valid temperature signal. The thermistor is the sensor that monitors heat inside the dryer. The fault can stem from a genuinely failed sensor, but cold room temperatures, a stuck vent damper, or a loose wiring connector are just as likely and easier to fix first.
How do I fix error code 2 on a Maytag dryer?
Begin by checking the ambient room temperature. If the laundry area is below 50°F / 10°C, warm it up and clear the code. Next, inspect the exterior vent damper for ice, debris, or physical damage keeping it open. Then check the thermistor wiring connector for loose or corroded terminals and reseat it firmly. If all three checks pass and the code returns, test the thermistor's resistance with a multimeter and replace it if the reading is out of spec for your model.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer when error code 2 is active?
Running the dryer with code 2 active is not recommended. The thermistor is the primary temperature-monitoring sensor, and without a valid reading the control board cannot regulate heat accurately. This creates a risk of overheating your laundry or the internal components. Resolve the fault before resuming normal use.
How much does it cost to fix error code 2 on a Maytag dryer?
If the cause is low room temperature, a stuck vent damper, or a loose wire terminal, the fix costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement thermistor typically runs between $10 and $30 for the part alone. If you hire a technician for the diagnosis and thermistor replacement, expect a total service call cost in the range of $75 to $150 depending on your area and the technician's rates.
Can cold weather cause a Maytag dryer to show error code 2?
Yes, cold weather is a documented trigger for code 2. The thermistor's resistance increases as temperature drops, and below 50°F / 10°C the resistance can climb high enough that the control board flags it as an open circuit. This is especially common when an exterior vent damper is stuck open, allowing cold outside air to flow through the vent path and keep the thermistor reading abnormally cold even after the dryer warms up. Addressing the damper and room temperature is the first step before any parts replacement.

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