F29
Whirlpool Moisture Sensor Shorted

Dryer displays F29 and may run but not sense dryness correctly

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Safety Warning

This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.

If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.

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Possible Causes

Moisture sensor bars shorted together by debris, Wires to sensor shorted, Metal object bridging sensor bars, Failed control board sensor circuit

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety First: Unplug the dryer before cleaning or accessing internal parts.

  • Inspect inside drum: Look at the moisture sensor bars on the front bulkhead. Remove any metal objects, lint clumps, or foreign material bridging the bars.
  • Clean sensor bars: Thoroughly clean the bars with rubbing alcohol and a non-abrasive cloth to remove residue that can cause false readings.
  • Access wiring: Remove the front or lower panel to inspect the sensor wiring. Look for bare wires touching each other or the cabinet.
  • Continuity test: Disconnect the sensor harness and check resistance between the two sensor wires. A dead short (0 ohms) with nothing touching the bars indicates a wiring or control issue.
  • Repair wiring: Separate and insulate any shorted wires. Replace damaged harness sections as needed.
  • Replace sensor or control: If the bars and wiring are good but F29 persists, the main control board's sensor circuit may be defective and require replacement.
  • Reassemble and test: Reinstall panels, restore power, and run a sensor dry cycle to verify correct operation.
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Repair Difficulty

Medium 3/5

Required Part

Moisture Sensor Bars
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