Maytag Dryer Error Code 22

Error code 22 means the control board has detected an open circuit in the dryness sensor bar circuit. The dryness sensor bars are the two metal strips inside the drum that detect moisture in your clothes. An open circuit means the board is not receiving any signal from those bars, which can be caused by residue buildup, a wiring problem, or a failed sensor bar assembly.

The dryer is not unsafe to run in the sense of a fire or electrical hazard from this specific code, but it will not operate correctly. With the dryness sensor circuit open, the dryer cannot automatically detect when clothes are dry, which means it may over-dry loads or fail to stop at the right time. Using it on a timed dry cycle is workable as a short-term workaround, but the underlying fault should be repaired promptly to avoid wasted energy and potential fabric damage.

Yes. Set a multimeter to measure resistance and touch the probes to the two sensor bars inside the drum. A working sensor bar circuit will show continuity or a measurable resistance value. If the meter reads OL or no continuity, the circuit is open, confirming the bars or their wiring are the problem. You can also test continuity along the wiring harness from the bars back to the control board connector to isolate whether the fault is in the bars themselves or in the wiring.

Start by cleaning the dryness sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol and a cloth to remove any residue buildup, then run a cycle to see if the code clears. If it returns, inspect the wiring harness between the sensor bars and the control board for broken wires or loose connectors. If the harness is intact and the bars still read open on a multimeter, replace the sensor bar assembly. A professional should handle control board diagnosis if all other components check out.

If cleaning the sensor bars with rubbing alcohol resolves the issue, the cost is effectively zero. A replacement dryness sensor bar assembly typically costs between $15 and $40 for the part, and the repair is accessible to most DIYers since it involves removing the front panel or drum depending on the model. If the wiring harness needs repair, that is also a low-cost fix. Control board replacement is the most expensive outcome, with boards ranging from $100 to $250 plus labor if you hire a technician.