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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 22

Dryness sensor bar possibly open.

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Dryness sensor bar possibly open.

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What 22 means on a Maytag dryer

Error code 22 on a Maytag dryer indicates the control board has detected an open circuit condition in the dryness sensor bar circuit. The dryness sensor bar is a pair of metal strips inside the drum that measure moisture content in the load by detecting electrical conductivity as clothes tumble against them. When the control board reads no signal or a broken circuit from these bars, it logs code 22 and flags the sensor as possibly open.

For homeowners, this means the dryer's moisture-sensing system has lost communication with the metal strips inside the drum. These strips are what allow the dryer to automatically stop when your clothes are dry. When this circuit is open or broken, the sensor cannot send a moisture reading back to the control board. Your dryer may run continuously without stopping, or it may shut down early depending on how the board handles the fault.

The most common physical causes are lint or residue buildup coating the sensor bars, a broken wire in the harness connecting the bars to the control board, or a failed sensor bar assembly itself. The control board is rarely the root cause but can be responsible if all other components test correctly.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 22

  1. 01

    Residue or lint coating the dryness sensor bars

    Wiring / connection

    A film of dryer sheet residue, lint, or fabric softener buildup on the sensor bars can prevent electrical conductivity, causing the control board to read an open circuit. Cleaning the bars with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth often resolves this without any parts replacement.

  2. 02

    Broken or disconnected wiring harness to sensor bars

    Wiring / connection

    The wires connecting the dryness sensor bars to the control board can break, fray, or pull loose from their connectors, creating an open circuit. Inspecting and reconnecting or splicing the harness will restore the signal path.

  3. 03

    Failed dryness sensor bar assembly

    Part replacement

    The sensor bars themselves can crack, corrode, or fail internally, leaving the circuit permanently open regardless of cleaning. Replacing the sensor bar assembly is required to restore normal operation.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor bars and wiring harness both test correctly with a multimeter, the control board may be misreading the sensor circuit or failing to supply the reference voltage needed for detection. Board replacement is needed in this case.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 22

What does error code 22 mean on a Maytag dryer?
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.
How do I fix error code 22 on a Maytag dryer?
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.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dryer when error code 22 is active?
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.
How much does it cost to repair error code 22 on a Maytag dryer?
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.
Can I test the dryness sensor bars myself to diagnose code 22?
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.

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