Electrolux Washer-Dryer Error Code 87: Open Circuit Input Sensor
Error code 87 means the inlet thermistor or its wiring is open. The manual equates it to E 17 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 87, OPEN CIRCUIT INPUT SENSOR
- Equipment
- Industrial laundry
- Applies to
- Compass Control dryer program unit
What does Electrolux Professional error code 87 mean?
The inlet thermistor tells the dryer program unit how warm the air entering the drum is. The unit supplies a small current and reads the resistance of the thermistor. When the sensor or its wiring is open, the resistance reads as infinite, which is far higher than any real temperature gives. The unit then shows ERROR 087 / OPEN CIRCUIT INPUT SENSOR instead of acting on the number. The manual gives no further causes and refers to E 17 in the Selecta II manual. It is the open-circuit counterpart of code 73, where the same sensor is shorted. An open circuit is often a loose or corroded plug, a broken wire or a failed sensor body. The dryer cannot regulate heating without the inlet temperature, so drying is stopped while washing programs may continue.
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 17 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 087 / OPEN CIRCUIT INPUT SENSOR
- Dryer will not heat or stops early
- Washing functions may be unaffected
- Message appears at the start of drying
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error code 87 on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- Sensor plug loosened or corroded by humidity
- Wire broken where it flexes or is clamped
- Sensor body failed after repeated heat cycles
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the machine off and on once.
- Clean the lint filter and make sure airflow is normal.
- Do not take panels off to look at the sensor.
- Note the code and say that it matches E 17 in the Selecta II manual, then call us.
How a technician diagnoses error code 87
- Read the code and confirm it matches E 17 in the Selecta II manual.
- Follow the Selecta II service manual steps for E 17.
- Measure the inlet thermistor resistance and look for an open circuit.
- Check the plug and wiring between the sensor and the board.
- Replace the sensor or harness after the test.
- Thermistor and harness tests are done with a meter inside the cabinet with the machine isolated.
- An open reading can be caused anywhere along the wire, so it must be traced.
- The right steps are in the Selecta II service manual.
How error code 87 differs from similar codes
Code 87 is an open inlet thermistor; code 73 is the shorted inlet thermistor.
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
How is it different from code 73?
Code 73 is a short in the same inlet circuit, while code 87 is an open circuit.
Is the sensor always bad?
Not necessarily. A loose plug or broken wire gives the same reading.
Will it clear itself?
Only if the loose connection settles.
Need help with Electrolux Professional error code 87?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.