Maytag Dryer Error Code OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE

The OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the control board has detected an open circuit or a short circuit condition in the exhaust temperature sensor probe circuit. The exhaust temperature probe is a thermistor-based sensor that monitors the air temperature leaving the drum through the exhaust duct. The control board continuously reads the resistance value from this sensor to regulate heat output and prevent overheating. When the circuit is open, the board receives no signal; when it is shorted, the board reads an out-of-range resistance value. Either condition triggers this fault code.

The first diagnostic step involves inspecting the J3 connector on the control board (often called the computer in Maytag documentation). This connector links the main control board to the temperature sensor probe wiring harness. A loose, corroded, or partially seated connector at J3 is one of the most common causes of this fault, because even a slight loss of continuity in the harness will cause the board to log an open or shorted probe condition. Technicians should check both the board-side and harness-side terminals for corrosion, bent pins, or heat damage before condemning the sensor itself.

If the J3 connector checks out, the fault likely originates at the probe itself or in the wiring between the connector and the sensor. The exhaust temperature probe can fail internally due to heat stress over time, resulting in a permanent open or short in the thermistor element. Wiring insulation can also degrade near the heater assembly, causing intermittent shorts to ground. A proper diagnosis requires measuring the sensor's resistance with a multimeter and comparing the reading against the expected value for the current ambient temperature.