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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code oP

Thermistor is open (infinite resistance) or temperature near thermistor has fallen below 30°F, causing…

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Thermistor is open (infinite resistance) or temperature near thermistor has fallen below 30°F, causing control to enter open-circuit protection mode.

First step from the service manual

Unplug power cord, remove front panel and check for broken, loose or incorrect wiring between thermistor and control terminals P5 and P6.

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

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What oP means on a Maytag dryer

The oP error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the thermistor circuit has opened, meaning the control board is detecting infinite resistance across the thermistor leads. The thermistor is a temperature-sensing component that feeds real-time temperature data to the control board by varying its resistance in proportion to heat. When that resistance reading shoots to infinity, the board interprets it as a broken circuit and enters open-circuit protection mode to prevent uncontrolled or unmonitored heating. This condition can also trigger if the ambient temperature near the thermistor drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which is relevant in unheated garages or utility spaces during cold weather.

The thermistor connects to the control board through terminals P5 and P6. A wiring fault anywhere along that path, including a broken lead, a loose connector, or a wire routed incorrectly, will produce the same infinite-resistance reading as a failed thermistor itself. This is why the first diagnostic step focuses on inspecting the wiring before condemning the thermistor component. The front panel must be removed to access the wiring harness and trace the leads back to the control terminals.

If the wiring checks out and the ambient temperature is above 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the thermistor itself is the likely failed component. A thermistor with an open internal element cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Continuing to run the dryer with this fault active is not recommended, as the control board cannot regulate heat output without accurate temperature feedback.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of oP

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected wiring at thermistor terminals

    Wiring / connection

    A connector that has vibrated loose or a wire that has pulled off terminals P5 or P6 will instantly produce an open-circuit reading. Inspect the full harness path with the power disconnected and reseat any loose connectors.

  2. 02

    Failed thermistor with open internal element

    Part replacement

    The thermistor element itself can fracture or burn out internally, causing its resistance to read as infinite even when wiring is intact. If wiring is secure and ambient temperature is above 30 degrees Fahrenheit, the thermistor component needs replacement.

  3. 03

    Broken or damaged wire in the thermistor harness

    Wiring / connection

    A wire that has chafed against a sharp edge, been pinched by a panel, or cracked due to heat cycling can break continuity without a visible disconnection at the terminal. Inspect the full length of the wiring between the thermistor and the control board.

  4. 04

    Ambient temperature below 30 degrees Fahrenheit

    Wiring / connection

    If the dryer is installed in an unheated space such as a garage or basement, extreme cold can cause the thermistor to read outside its normal range and trigger the oP code. Allow the space to warm above 30 degrees Fahrenheit and retry before replacing any parts.

  5. 05

    Incorrectly routed thermistor wiring

    Wiring / connection

    A wiring harness that was routed incorrectly during a previous repair can create intermittent open circuits or cause connector misalignment at the control terminals. Verify the routing matches the correct path for terminals P5 and P6.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about oP

What does oP mean on a Maytag dryer?
The oP code means the control board has detected an open circuit in the thermistor, which is the temperature sensor. This occurs when the thermistor reads infinite resistance, either because the sensor itself has failed or because there is a wiring problem between the thermistor and control terminals P5 and P6. The code can also appear if the temperature near the thermistor drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The dryer enters a protection mode and stops operating until the fault is resolved.
Can I fix the oP error code myself?
Many cases of the oP code are caused by a loose wire or disconnected connector, which a DIYer comfortable with basic appliance work can address. Unplug the dryer, remove the front panel, and inspect the wiring between the thermistor and the control board terminals P5 and P6. If wiring is secure and the thermistor has failed, replacing the thermistor is a moderate-difficulty repair that requires sourcing the correct part for your specific model.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when the oP code is showing?
No, it is not recommended to run the dryer while the oP code is active. The thermistor provides the control board with the temperature data it needs to regulate heat output. Without a working thermistor, the board cannot monitor or control heating properly, which creates a risk of overheating. Resolve the fault before resuming normal use.
Will resetting the dryer clear the oP error code?
Unplugging the dryer and restoring power may temporarily clear the display, but the oP code will return if the underlying fault is not corrected. If the thermistor is physically damaged or the wiring is broken, no amount of resetting will produce a lasting fix. The root cause, whether a failed thermistor, a broken wire, or a loose connector, must be addressed first.
How much does it cost to repair the oP error code on a Maytag dryer?
If the fix is simply reseating a loose connector, the repair can cost nothing beyond your time. A replacement thermistor part typically falls in the range of $15 to $50 depending on the model. If you hire a technician, expect to pay $100 to $250 or more total, factoring in the service call, labor, and any parts needed.

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