Wascomat Washer-Dryer Error Code 88: Open Circuit Output Sens.
Code 88 on the Selecta II dryer program unit means the outlet thermistor, or its wiring, is open. This is E 18 in the Selecta II manual. A technician should check the sensor and its wiring.
Medium: the dryer cannot follow the outlet temperature and stops.
What does Wascomat error 088 / open circuit output sens. mean?
The outlet thermistor in the Wascomat WD4130 and WD4240 measures the temperature of the air leaving the drum, which helps the Selecta II program unit judge the drying progress. When the thermistor or its wiring is open, the unit reads no usable resistance. It then shows ERROR 088 / OPEN CIRCUIT OUTPUT SENS., listed as E 18 in the Selecta II manual, and stops the program because it cannot follow the drying. The manual gives no further steps and refers the reader to the Selecta II service manual. Opens often happen at connectors and bends in the harness, where heat and vibration wear on wires over time. This code is the open-circuit twin of code 74, which reports a short on the same outlet sensor.
Affected models and control systems
The dryer program unit (Selecta II) of Wascomat washer-dryers WD4130 and WD4240 only.
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 088 / OPEN CIRCUIT OUTPUT SENS. Appears on the dryer display
- The dryer stops soon after starting
- Loads come out damp because the cycle did not finish
- The code repeats on every attempt
Possible causes
Likely causes — what usually sits behind error 088 / open circuit output sens. on this control. A technician confirms which one it is before any part is replaced.
- A harness wire near the exhaust side that has cracked from heat and vibration
- Lint and moisture in the outlet sensor connector
Safe checks before calling for service
- Switch the dryer off and let it cool completely.
- Clean the lint filter and clear any lint from the air outlet that you can reach safely.
- Restart a short program to see whether the code returns.
- Note the code and the program, and call us without opening any panel.
How a technician diagnoses error 088 / open circuit output sens.
- Read the code and confirm it is E 18 in the Selecta II table.
- Follow the Selecta II service manual for the outlet sensor circuit.
- Measure the outlet thermistor resistance and look for an open reading.
- Inspect the harness and connector for a break or corrosion.
- Check continuity from the sensor plug to the program unit.
- Replace the thermistor or repair the harness after the test.
- The outlet sensor sits in a hot, linty exhaust path.
- Continuity checks involve disconnecting plugs near mains wiring.
- Matching the reading to the expected sensor values takes the right meter.
How error 088 / open circuit output sens. differs from similar codes
Code 88 is the open-circuit counterpart of code 74 on the outlet thermistor, and the outlet version of code 87.
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 88 about the washer?
No. It belongs to the Selecta II dryer program unit of the WD4130 and WD4240.
Is it different from code 74?
Yes. Code 74 is a short on the outlet sensor, while code 88 is an open circuit.
Can I clear it myself?
Cleaning lint is fine, but a broken wire or failed sensor needs a technician.
Need help with Wascomat error 088 / open circuit output sens.?
A technician confirms the cause on site and gives you the price in writing before any work starts.