Update for the curious...
I didn't get the opportunity to do any detailed troubleshooting... however, I did unplug the probe while in "sensor test"... it showed "closed".
I shut down the machine and restarted so that it would start up without recognizing the probe was attached and then checked the state in "sensor test"... it showed "closed".
As I reached inside, when my hand came within about 1/4" from the wires (not the plug connection), the indication changed to "open"! :confused:
I did not have time to pursue this further... but the indication is consistent... every time I put my hand near the wires, the indication changes to "open".
Once I am finished with my Christmas projects and can dig into this further, I'll pull the connecting wires out and inspect... as well as look for grounding issues.
Are there any other avenues anyone can suggest as a "next step"?
Thanks,
Steve