Maytag Dryer Error Code S.A.F.E. SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED

It means the dryer's built-in Sensor Activated Fire Extinguishing system detected a fire and completed a suppression cycle. The control then locked out the machine to prevent it from restarting automatically. This is a genuine safety event, not a sensor glitch or routine fault code. The dryer requires a physical inspection and root cause correction before it should be returned to service.

Not until you have completed a full inspection and addressed the cause of the fire. Pressing STOP/CLEAR and resuming operation without investigating puts the machine at risk of another fire event. Look carefully at the drum, exhaust path, heating components, and any load residue before restarting. If you are unsure of the cause or find significant damage, contact a qualified appliance technician before using the dryer again.

Cost depends entirely on what caused the fire and what components were damaged. If the cause was lint buildup and no parts were harmed, the only cost may be a professional cleaning and inspection, typically in the range of $75 to $150. If components like the heating element, thermal fuse, or high-limit thermostat were damaged, parts and labor can run from $150 to $400 or more depending on the extent of the damage and the technician's rates.

Press the red STOP/CLEAR key to reset the microprocessor and clear the lockout. Before doing so, inspect the drum interior, lint trap, exhaust ductwork, heating element, and surrounding areas for damage, residue, or the source of ignition. Once you have identified and corrected the cause, the dryer can be restarted. If you find burned components, those parts must be replaced before operation resumes.

Yes, pressing the red STOP/CLEAR key resets the microprocessor and clears the lockout so the dryer can operate again. However, the reset only removes the error state from the control. It does not repair any physical damage, remove lint, or correct whatever condition caused the fire. The error will likely recur if the underlying cause is not corrected.