Electrolux Washer-Dryer Error Code 88: Open Circuit Output Sensor
Error code 88 means the outlet thermistor or its wiring is open. The manual equates it to E 18 in Selecta II. A technician should follow that manual.
Medium: drying is stopped by a sensor circuit problem, and the machine itself is not at risk.
- Code
- Error code 88, OPEN CIRCUIT OUTPUT SENS.
- Equipment
- Industrial laundry
- Applies to
- Compass Control dryer program unit
What does Electrolux Professional error code 88 mean?
The outlet thermistor measures the temperature of the air leaving the drum, which helps the control judge how dry the load is. The dryer program unit reads its resistance through a small current. If the sensor or wiring is open, the resistance reads as infinite, far above any real temperature, and the unit shows ERROR 088 / OPEN CIRCUIT OUTPUT SENS. The manual lists no causes and sends the technician to E 18 in the Selecta II manual. The shorted version of the same circuit is code 74, and the open inlet sensor is code 87. The wire for the outlet sensor runs near the exhaust, where lint, moisture and heat reach it, so a loose plug or a broken lead is a common reason for an open reading. Without the outlet temperature the dryer cannot end its cycle correctly, so drying is blocked.
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 18 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 088 / OPEN CIRCUIT OUTPUT SENS.
- Drying stops or never starts
- Washing programs may still work
- Cycle does not reach a normal end
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 88 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Outlet sensor plug loose in the exhaust area
- Wire broken from vibration near the drum
- Sensor body failed after heat exposure
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the machine off and on once.
- Clean the lint filter and check that the exhaust is free.
- Do not remove panels to look for the sensor.
- Note the code, say it matches E 18 in the Selecta II manual, and call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 88
- Read the code and confirm it matches E 18 in the Selecta II manual.
- Follow the Selecta II service manual steps for E 18.
- Measure the outlet thermistor resistance for an open circuit.
- Check the plug and wiring to the board.
- Replace the sensor or harness after the test.
- The outlet sensor and its wires run in the exhaust path inside the cabinet.
- Tracing an open wire needs a meter with the machine isolated.
- The steps for E 18 are in the Selecta II service manual.
How error code 88 differs from similar codes
Code 88 is an open outlet thermistor; code 74 is the shorted outlet thermistor and code 87 the open inlet.
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.139 (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 it the inlet or the outlet?
Code 88 is the outlet sensor; code 87 is the inlet.
Can lint cause it?
It can hide a loose connection, so keep the filter clean.
Can I dry without the sensor?
Not reliably. The control needs the outlet reading.
Need help with Electrolux Professional error code 88?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.