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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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What the F3E6 error code actually means

Your dryer's control board has lost communication with the moisture sensor, which is the component that detects how wet your clothes are and adjusts drying time accordingly. The electrical connection to this sensor is broken somewhere, meaning the dryer cannot get any readings from it. This code only shows up during a technician's diagnostic test, so a repair professional will need to trace the wiring and test the sensor to find the exact cause.

Diagnostic procedure

The full F3E6 procedure

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1
First diagnostic step
See TEST #5: Moisture Sensor, page 20.
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Most common causes of F3E6

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Failed moisture sensor strip
  2. 2Broken or disconnected wiring harness to moisture sensor
  3. 3Corroded or loose connector pins at moisture sensor
  4. 4Faulty control board

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Questions people ask 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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