American Dryer Error Code OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE
OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE means the Phase 7 control finds the exhaust temperature probe open or shorted, so it cannot read exhaust heat and stops the dryer. Let it cool, clean the lint screen and drawer area, restart once, and call us if the message returns.
Medium: the dryer stops because it cannot read exhaust heat, but it is not reporting actual overheating.
- Code
- OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE
- Maker
- American Dryer (ADC)
- Equipment
- Dryers
- Applies to
- Phase 7 OPL microprocessor controller (also Phase 6 on ML-175/190)
What does American Dryer (ADC) OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE mean?
The Phase 7 control relies on an exhaust temperature probe to know how hot the air leaving the dryer is. It reads the probe the way you read a thermometer, as a resistance that changes with heat. An open probe, with a broken element or wire, gives a reading far outside any real temperature, and so does a shorted one. The control recognizes that the number is not believable and will not run heat without a trustworthy reading, so it stops and shows OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE. The cycle ends early and loads stay damp. The manual lists a probe that is open or shorted, a broken probe wire or damaged plug, lint packed around the probe, and a control input that cannot read it. This is a measurement problem, not an overheating report: the dryer is not saying it is too hot, only that it has lost its view of exhaust heat. The probe is near the lint path, where lint, heat and vibration all work on the wiring.
Affected models and control systems
This applies to American Dryer tumblers with the Phase 7 OPL microprocessor controller, such as the AD-115, AD-120 and AD-170, and the Phase 6 control on ML-175 and ML-190 models. Other controller generations use different messages.
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
- The dryer stops early and the message shows
- Loads come out damp after a shortened cycle
- The dryer will not run until the probe circuit reads normally
- The message appeared after lint cleaning or duct work
Possible causes
Listed in American Dryer (ADC)'s documentation
- An exhaust temperature probe that is open or shorted
- A broken probe wire or a damaged plug
- Lint packed around the exhaust probe
- A control input that cannot read the exhaust probe
Other likely causes — what usually sits behind OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A probe wire pinched when a panel was refitted after duct or lint cleaning
- A probe plug that has corroded or pulled partly out of its socket
- A probe element cracked by repeated heating and cooling cycles
Safe checks before calling for service
- Turn the dryer off and wait for it to cool.
- Clean the lint screen and the area around the lint drawer.
- Leave wires and panels alone.
- Restart once and see whether the message returns.
- If it does, note when it appeared in the cycle and call us.
How a technician diagnoses OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE
- Read the message and confirm it returns after a power cycle.
- Measure probe resistance at the probe and compare with the expected value for the temperature.
- Inspect the probe wire and plug for breaks, pinching and corrosion.
- Check for lint packed around the probe.
- Test the control input with a known resistor.
- Replace only the probe or wiring that fails.
- Testing the probe needs a meter and a temperature reference.
- The probe wiring runs near the lint path and burner area, where heat damage hides.
- The probe controls heat, so a wrong replacement affects safety.
How OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE differs from similar codes
OPEN S.A.F.E. SYSTEM PROBE FAULT is a separate probe circuit for the fire system, and dSFL is the sensor message on Phase 5 controls.
Technical reference
- Document
- AD-115/120/170 ML-120/130/145/170 Service Manual, Phase 7 Microprocessor Controls (part 451102 R2), Diagnostic messages pp.43-44
- Maker documentation
- American Dryer (ADC) owner support
- Edition
- Part 451102 R2
- Models / control
- Phase 7 OPL microprocessor controller (also Phase 6 on ML-175/190)
- Section
- Diagnostic messages pp.43-44
- 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 American Dryer (ADC) dryer error codes
Is OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE a sign the dryer overheated?
No. It says the control cannot read the probe, not that the dryer is hot.
Can I run the dryer without the probe?
No. The control will not allow heat without a believable reading.
Will lint cleaning help?
Lint packed around the probe is on the manual's list, so it is worth clearing what you can reach.
Need help with American Dryer (ADC) OPEN EXHAUST TEMPERATURE PROBE?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.