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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT

The temperature probe for the S.A.F.E

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

The temperature probe for the S.A.F.E. system is open or shorted.

First step from the service manual

Check for a loose connection or shorted wire at the microprocessor J3 connector pin 7 red wire to J10 connector pin 1.

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

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What OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT means on a Maytag dryer

The OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT code indicates that the temperature probe associated with the S.A.F.E. (Simplified Appliance Fault Electronics) system has been detected as either open-circuit or shorted. The S.A.F.E. system is a protective monitoring circuit built into select Maytag dryers that continuously reads temperature data to prevent overheating conditions. When the microprocessor cannot receive a valid signal from this probe, it triggers a fault to halt operation and protect the dryer and its surroundings.

The diagnostic path begins at the microprocessor J3 connector pin 7, which carries a red wire that runs to J10 connector pin 1. This wiring path is the signal circuit between the temperature probe and the control board. A loose pin, corroded connector, or damaged wire along this route will interrupt or distort the signal, causing the board to register either an open or a short condition. These types of wiring faults are the most common source of this error.

If the wiring and connectors check out as intact and properly seated, the fault likely originates in the probe itself. An open probe means the internal sensing element has broken, creating infinite resistance in the circuit. A shorted probe means the element has failed in the opposite direction, collapsing resistance to near zero. Either condition produces an out-of-range signal that the microprocessor interprets as a fault, and the dryer will not run until the fault is resolved.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT

  1. 01

    Loose or disconnected connector at J3 pin 7 or J10 pin 1

    Wiring / connection

    The red wire connection between the microprocessor J3 connector pin 7 and J10 connector pin 1 may have worked loose due to vibration. Inspect both connectors for pins that are not fully seated, bent, or backed out of the housing.

  2. 02

    Damaged or shorted wiring along the probe circuit

    Wiring / connection

    The red wire running between J3 pin 7 and J10 pin 1 may be pinched, chafed, or melted against a heat source, creating a short to ground or another conductor. Visually trace the wire and use a multimeter to check for continuity and shorts.

  3. 03

    Failed S.A.F.E. system temperature probe (open circuit)

    Part replacement

    The internal sensing element inside the probe can break over time, resulting in an open circuit with infinite resistance. If the wiring and connectors test good, measure the resistance across the probe terminals to confirm an open reading.

  4. 04

    Failed S.A.F.E. system temperature probe (shorted)

    Part replacement

    The probe element can also fail by shorting internally, dropping resistance to near zero ohms. This will register as a shorted fault on the microprocessor even when all wiring is intact. A resistance measurement across the probe will confirm this failure mode.

  5. 05

    Faulty microprocessor or control board

    Part replacement

    If the probe and all wiring test within specification, the microprocessor input circuit at J3 pin 7 may have failed and is misreading the signal. Control board replacement should be considered only after all other components are ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT

What does OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT mean on a Maytag dryer?
This fault means the temperature probe for the dryer's S.A.F.E. system has been detected as either open-circuit or shorted by the microprocessor. The S.A.F.E. system monitors temperature to prevent overheating, and without a valid probe signal the dryer will not operate. The fault points specifically to the circuit running from microprocessor J3 connector pin 7 through the red wire to J10 connector pin 1.
Can I fix the OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT myself?
A knowledgeable DIYer can address this fault by first inspecting the J3 and J10 connectors for loose or damaged pins and checking the red wire for visible damage. Using a multimeter to test continuity along the wire and resistance across the probe itself will help isolate the failure. If the probe has failed, replacing it is a relatively straightforward repair, though accessing internal components requires disassembling the dryer cabinet.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when this fault is displayed?
No, you should not continue using the dryer while this fault is active. The S.A.F.E. system probe is part of the dryer's overheating protection circuit, and operating without a functional temperature probe removes a safety safeguard. The dryer may also refuse to run at all while the fault is present, which is the intended protective behavior.
How much does it cost to repair the OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT?
If the issue is a loose connector or a simple wiring repair, the cost may be minimal, primarily your time or a small charge for a service call. Replacing the S.A.F.E. system temperature probe typically costs between $20 and $80 for the part, plus labor if a technician performs the repair. Control board replacement, if needed, is the most expensive scenario, with parts ranging from $100 to $300 or more depending on the model.
Will resetting the dryer clear the OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT?
A power reset may temporarily clear the fault code display, but the fault will return immediately if the underlying problem has not been corrected. Because the microprocessor continuously monitors the probe circuit, any open or shorted condition will be detected again as soon as the dryer attempts to operate. The root cause, whether a wiring issue or a failed probe, must be diagnosed and repaired to permanently clear the fault.

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