Wascomat Washer-Dryer Error Code 73: Short Temp Input Sensor
Code 73 on the Selecta II dryer program unit means the thermistor measuring air inlet temperature to the drum, or its wiring, has shorted. This is E 03 in the Selecta II manual. A technician should follow the Selecta II service manual.
Medium: the dryer stops because its inlet temperature reading is unusable.
What does Wascomat error 073 / short temp input sensor mean?
The Selecta II program unit controls the dryer section of Wascomat washer-dryers WD4130 and WD4240. It uses a thermistor at the air inlet to the drum to read the temperature of the incoming air. A thermistor changes its resistance with temperature, so the program unit can tell what the air is doing. If that sensor or its wiring shorts, the resistance falls to near zero and the unit cannot trust the reading. It then shows ERROR 073 / SHORT TEMP INPUT SENSOR, which the Selecta II manual lists as E 03. The manual gives no separate steps in this table and refers the reader to the Selecta II service manual. The code is about the dryer program unit only, not the Compass washer controls on other Wascomat models.
Affected models and control systems
The dryer program unit (Selecta II) of Wascomat washer-dryers WD4130 and WD4240. It does not apply to general Compass washer-extractors.
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
- ERROR 073 / SHORT TEMP INPUT SENSOR appears on the dryer display
- The dryer will not heat or stops early
- The dryer cycle ends without drying the load
- The code returns when the dryer is started again
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error 073 / short temp input sensor on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A sensor wire pinched against the duct or frame so the conductors touch
- Lint and moisture in the sensor connector that create a conductive path
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the dryer off at the disconnect and let it cool.
- Clean the lint filter and check that the air path is clear.
- Restart a short drying program and see whether the code returns.
- Do not remove panels. Note the model, the code and whether the load dried, and call us.
How a technician diagnoses error 073 / short temp input sensor
- Read the code and confirm it is E 03 in the Selecta II table.
- Follow the Selecta II service manual for the sensor circuit.
- Measure the inlet thermistor resistance at room temperature and compare it with the expected value.
- Inspect the sensor wiring for a short between conductors or to ground.
- Check the sensor connector for lint or moisture.
- Replace the thermistor or wiring only after the measurement shows the short.
- The sensor sits in the heated air path of the dryer, which stays hot and carries lint.
- Wiring checks happen next to heating elements and mains power.
- The Selecta II service manual covers the exact steps, and we follow it.
How error 073 / short temp input sensor differs from similar codes
This code belongs to the Selecta II dryer unit. Code 87 OPEN CIRCUIT INPUT SENSOR is the opposite condition on the same inlet thermistor.
Technical reference
- Maker documentation
- Wascomat owner support
- Edition
- 438 9228-61/EN, 2011.08.25
- Models / control
- Compass Control dryer unit (DLCU dryer program unit)
- Section
- Troubleshooting, Error codes from DRYER PROGRAM UNIT, 'Only for WD4130, WD4240' (manual pp. 110, 138-139)
- 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 Wascomat washer error codes
Is code 73 a washer problem?
No. It comes from the dryer program unit of the WD4130 and WD4240.
What does a shorted sensor do?
The program unit cannot read the inlet air temperature reliably, so it stops the dryer.
Is it the same as code 74?
No. Code 74 is the same kind of short on the outlet sensor.
Need help with Wascomat error 073 / short temp input sensor?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.