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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F3E6

Moisture sensor strip is open; this fault code will only appear when in the service diagnostic mode.

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Moisture sensor strip is open; this fault code will only appear when in the service diagnostic mode.

First step from the service manual

See TEST #5: Moisture Sensor, page 20.

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

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What F3E6 means on a Maytag dryer

F3E6 indicates the control board has detected an open circuit in the moisture sensor strip circuit. This code only appears during service diagnostic mode, not during normal operation. An open circuit means the electrical path through the moisture sensor strip is broken, preventing the board from receiving any resistance reading from the sensor. Technicians should proceed directly to TEST #5: Moisture Sensor on page 19 to isolate whether the fault lies in the sensor strip itself, the wiring harness connecting it, or the control board.

The moisture sensor strip is a pair of metal bars located inside the dryer drum, typically near the lint filter. As clothes tumble and make contact with these bars, the dryer measures electrical resistance to estimate how wet the load is. When the resistance is high or infinite (open circuit), the dryer cannot detect moisture levels accurately. This is what the control board is flagging with F3E6.

Because this code only surfaces in diagnostic mode, the dryer may still run normal cycles, but automatic dry settings that rely on moisture sensing will not function correctly. The dryer may over-dry loads, run until a timed backup limit is reached, or behave inconsistently. Diagnosing the sensor strip, its wiring, and connector pins is the required first step before replacing any parts.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F3E6

  1. 01

    Failed moisture sensor strip

    Part replacement

    The sensor strip itself can develop an open circuit internally due to corrosion, physical damage, or wear over time. When the strip fails open, the control board receives no valid resistance signal from the sensor.

  2. 02

    Broken or disconnected wiring harness to moisture sensor

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring between the moisture sensor strip and the control board can become damaged, pinched, or disconnected, creating an open circuit even when the sensor strip is fully functional.

  3. 03

    Corroded or loose connector pins at moisture sensor

    Wiring / connection

    Connector pins at either end of the moisture sensor circuit can corrode or back out of their housing, interrupting the circuit. This often produces an intermittent or permanent open condition.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the moisture sensor strip, wiring, and connectors all test within spec during TEST #5, the control board itself may have a failed input circuit preventing it from reading the sensor correctly.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F3E6

What does F3E6 mean on a Maytag dryer?
F3E6 means the control board detected an open circuit in the moisture sensor strip. The moisture sensor strip is a set of metal bars inside the drum that the dryer uses to measure how wet your clothes are. An open circuit means the electrical path through the sensor is broken, so the dryer cannot read moisture levels. This code only appears in the dryer's service diagnostic mode.
How do I fix F3E6 on a Maytag dryer?
Start with TEST #5: Moisture Sensor on page 19 of the service manual. This test walks you through checking the sensor strip itself, the wiring harness, and the connector pins for continuity. If the sensor strip tests open, replace it. If wiring or connectors are the problem, repair or replace those components. If everything in the sensor circuit checks out, the control board may need replacement.
Can I still use my Maytag dryer with an F3E6 code?
The dryer will likely still run, but automatic moisture-sensing dry cycles will not work correctly since the sensor strip circuit is open. The dryer may over-dry loads or default to a timed cycle backup. Using timed dry settings avoids relying on the broken sensor, but the underlying fault should still be diagnosed and repaired to prevent unnecessary wear on fabrics and heating elements.
How much does it cost to fix F3E6 on a Maytag dryer?
If the moisture sensor strip is the cause, the part typically costs between $20 and $60, and replacing it is manageable for a DIY repair since it involves removing a few screws and disconnecting a wire harness. If the control board is at fault, parts alone can run $100 to $250, and professional labor adds to that cost. Start with TEST #5 to identify the exact failed component before purchasing anything.
Why does F3E6 only show up in diagnostic mode on my Maytag dryer?
Maytag's control system stores and displays F3E6 exclusively during service diagnostic mode because an open moisture sensor is not an immediate safety hazard and does not prevent the dryer from completing a cycle. The diagnostic mode is designed to surface sensor-level faults that affect performance but do not shut the machine down. To access and read this code, you need to enter the service diagnostic sequence specific to your model.

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