Midea Washer Error Code E38

E38 indicates that the drum drying inlet temperature sensor has failed or is sending an invalid signal to the control board. Because the machine cannot confirm safe drying temperatures, it disables the drying function entirely. The washer's washing functions may still operate, but the drying cycle will not run until the fault is resolved.

A reset may temporarily clear the error code from the display, but if the underlying fault with the inlet temperature sensor or its wiring is still present, the E38 code will return when the drying cycle is attempted again. The root cause must be identified and repaired to permanently resolve the error.

If only a wiring repair or connector cleaning is needed, costs are minimal, often just the cost of a service call ranging from $50 to $120. If the inlet temperature sensor requires replacement, parts typically cost in the range of $15 to $50, with total repair costs including labor potentially ranging from $80 to $200 depending on your location and the technician's rates.

The first step is to inspect the wiring and connector leading to the inlet temperature sensor, which does not require any replacement parts. If the wiring appears intact, you can test the thermistor's resistance with a multimeter. If the sensor has failed, replacing it is a moderately straightforward repair for someone comfortable working on appliances, but if you are unsure, a qualified technician should perform the diagnosis.

The washer protects itself by disabling the drying function when E38 is active, so running a standard wash-only cycle is generally not a safety risk. However, you should not attempt to bypass the drying function or ignore the fault, as an unmonitored heating system could pose a risk if the underlying issue changes. Address the fault promptly to restore normal operation.