FixByModel
F28 / F29

Maytag F28 / F29: Moisture sensor failure

F28 and F29 indicate the moisture-sensing system has failed. The dryer uses two metal sensor bars in the drum to detect how wet the clothes are; when that reading is invalid, automatic cycles cannot end correctly.

May need a technician

By the FixByModel editorial team · Verified 2026-09 · Researched against manufacturer support & repair references (below)

Most likely causes

  1. Faulty or dirty moisture sensor bars in the drum
  2. Loose, broken, or corroded wiring to the moisture sensor
  3. Fabric-softener or dryer-sheet residue coating the sensor strips
  4. Harness or connector fault between the sensor and control board
  5. Faulty main control board
Before you start — unplug the dryer, and on a gas model shut off the gas supply. Let it cool first — the drum, heater and exhaust can be hot. If a step involves the heating element, wiring, or opening the cabinet and you're unsure, stop and call a qualified technician.

Step-by-step fix

1Power-cycleUnplug the dryer or switch off the breaker for about 10 minutes, then restore power and retest.
2Clean the sensor barsWipe the two metal moisture strips inside the drum with a little rubbing alcohol to remove softener film.
3Cut the powerIf the code persists, unplug the dryer before accessing the wiring.
4Check the wiringInspect the moisture-sensor harness and connectors for loose, broken, or corroded contacts.
5Test and replaceTest the sensor and wiring with a multimeter; replace the moisture sensor if the wiring checks out but the fault remains.

Still showing F28 / F29?

If you’ve worked through every step and F28 / F29 keeps returning, an internal part likely needs testing and replacement. That’s a job for a qualified appliance technician, who can measure the suspect part against the service-manual spec before replacing it.

Which models this applies to

Maytag dryers. Older Maytag Bravos and Cabrio-platform dryers with F## fault codes and drum moisture-sensor bars.

FAQ

What does Maytag F28 / F29 mean?

Moisture sensor failure. F28 and F29 indicate the moisture-sensing system has failed. The dryer uses two metal sensor bars in the drum to detect how wet the clothes are; when that reading is invalid, automatic cycles cannot end correctly.

What causes Maytag F28 / F29?

The most likely cause is faulty or dirty moisture sensor bars in the drum. Other causes include Loose, broken, or corroded wiring to the moisture sensor; Fabric-softener or dryer-sheet residue coating the sensor strips; Harness or connector fault between the sensor and control board; Faulty main control board.

Can I fix Maytag F28 / F29 myself?

Some checks are DIY, but this code often points to an internal component, so it may need a qualified technician.