Maytag · Dryer Moderate

F29 — Moisture Sensor Shorted

The control sees the moisture sensor strips reading a very low resistance — a shorted condition. (The open-circuit condition on this sensor is the separate code F28.) Auto-sensing cycles can't determine load dryness.

Keep using it?
Yes, with caution
DIY difficulty
Easy

How to fix it

  1. Unplug the dryer and remove the front panel/toe kick to access the moisture sensor strips (usually on the front bulkhead).
  2. Clean the sensor strips with rubbing alcohol — built-up lint, minerals, or dryer-sheet residue is the most common cause of a shorted reading.
  3. Inspect the wiring from the sensor strips to the ACU for chafed insulation touching bare metal.
  4. Measure sensor resistance with the strips clean and isolated — a very low reading indicates a failed sensor; replace it.
  5. Repair any wiring found shorting to ground.
  6. Reassemble and run an auto-dry cycle to verify.

Why it happens

Typical signs: F29 displayed · Auto cycles run for the minimum time only, or end very early · Clothes may come out wet because the control thinks the load is already dry · Sensing light behaves abnormally

  • Shorted moisture sensor strips Metal sensor bars bridged by lint, mineral buildup, or fabric-softener residue create a low-resistance short.
  • Damaged sensor wiring touching bare metal Chafed insulation lets the sensor wire contact the cabinet or drum, shorting the circuit.
  • Moisture or corrosion at the sensor connector Condensation shorts the push-on terminals.
  • ACU sensing input failed Rare.

Parts you may need

If diagnosis points to a failed part, these are the common replacements. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Maytag dryer moisture sensor Common replacement
    Amazon →

More Maytag dryer codes

AF AF — Airflow Restricted E1 E1 — Thermistor Open Circuit (Generic) E2 E2 — Thermistor Shorted F01 F01 — Main Control Board Fault F02 F02 — Keypad / User Interface Stuck Key F22 F22 — Outlet Thermistor Fault

All Maytag codes → All dryer codes →

Frequently asked questions

What does the F29 code mean on a Maytag dryer?

The control sees the moisture sensor strips reading a very low resistance — a shorted condition. (The open-circuit condition on this sensor is the separate code F28.) Auto-sensing cycles can't determine load dryness.

What causes the F29 code on a Maytag dryer?

Shorted moisture sensor strips: Metal sensor bars bridged by lint, mineral buildup, or fabric-softener residue create a low-resistance short. Damaged sensor wiring touching bare metal: Chafed insulation lets the sensor wire contact the cabinet or drum, shorting the circuit. Moisture or corrosion at the sensor connector: Condensation shorts the push-on terminals.

Is it safe to keep using a Maytag dryer with a F29 error?

Yes, with caution. This is rated a moderate-severity fault.

How do I fix F29 on a Maytag dryer?

Unplug the dryer and remove the front panel/toe kick to access the moisture sensor strips (usually on the front bulkhead). Clean the sensor strips with rubbing alcohol — built-up lint, minerals, or dryer-sheet residue is the most common cause of a shorted reading. Inspect the wiring from the sensor strips to the ACU for chafed insulation touching bare metal.

Always unplug an appliance before servicing it. This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for a qualified technician.