Electrolux Washer-Dryer Error Code 73: Short Temp Input Sensor
Error code 73 means the dryer program unit found a short in the thermistor that measures air inlet temperature into the drum, or in its wiring. The manual equates it to E 03 in the Selecta II manual. A technician should follow that manual.
Medium: drying is stopped by a sensor circuit problem, while washing and the machine itself are not endangered.
- Code
- Error code 73, SHORT TEMP INPUT SENSOR
- Equipment
- Industrial laundry
- Applies to
- Compass Control dryer program unit
What does Electrolux Professional error code 73 mean?
A washer-dryer needs to know how hot the air is entering the drum so it can heat and dry without scorching the load. A thermistor in the inlet airflow does this job, and its resistance changes with temperature. The dryer program unit reads that resistance. If the thermistor or its wiring is shorted, the resistance drops far below any real temperature, and the unit shows ERROR 073 / SHORT TEMP INPUT SENSOR instead of trusting the reading. The manual does not give causes. It says the code equals E 03 in the Selecta II manual, and the technician is sent there for the steps. The wording makes clear the problem is in the inlet sensor circuit, not in the washing part. Operators generally see the dryer stop or not start heating, while washing programs may still be available.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to the Compass Control washer-dryers WD4130 and WD4240, and the manual says the dryer codes apply only to these two. The code comes from the dryer program unit and corresponds to E 03 in the Selecta II manual.
Code numbers and their meaning can change between control generations. We match the full model and control before acting on a code.
What you may notice
- Display shows ERROR 073 / SHORT TEMP INPUT SENSOR
- Dryer will not start or stops heating
- Washing programs may still run
- Drying time does not progress
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 73 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Insulation on the sensor wires worn so the two leads touch
- Sensor body or plug wet with moisture or lint residue
- Damage to the harness near the heating area
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the machine off and on once to see if the message clears.
- Check that the lint filter and air path are clean.
- Do not open the cabinet to look for the sensor.
- Note the code and the drying program, then call us and mention that it is E 03 in the Selecta II manual.
How a technician diagnoses error code 73
- Read the code and confirm it matches E 03 in the Selecta II manual.
- Follow the Service Manual for Selecta II for E 03.
- Measure the inlet thermistor resistance at the sensor and at the board.
- Inspect the wiring for a short.
- Replace the thermistor or harness only after the measurement.
- The inlet thermistor sits in the airflow behind panels and its wiring runs near the heat source.
- Telling a shorted sensor from a shorted harness takes a resistance measurement.
- The correct steps are in the Selecta II service manual, which the technician follows.
How error code 73 differs from similar codes
Code 73 is a shorted inlet thermistor; code 87 is an open inlet thermistor, and codes 74 and 88 cover the outlet.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Electrolux Professional owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control dryer program unit
- Section
- Troubleshooting, printed p.138 (Error codes)
- Checked
- October 2026
We use the maker's document to read the code and do not reproduce it. Always confirm the complete model and control before applying these steps.
Related Electrolux Professional industrial laundry error codes
Is the washing part affected?
Not directly. The message belongs to the dryer program unit.
Why does the manual refer to Selecta II?
The dryer program unit uses the Selecta II codes, and this one is E 03.
Will drying work without the sensor?
The unit will not trust a shorted reading, so heating stops or is blocked.
Need help with Electrolux Professional error code 73?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.