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Error code reference

Amana Dryer Error Code F:29

Moisture sensor strip has shorted (appears ONLY in Diagnostic Test Mode).

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Moisture sensor strip has shorted (appears ONLY in Diagnostic Test Mode).

First step from the service manual

See TEST #5.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What F:29 means on a Amana dryer

The F:29 error code on an Amana dryer indicates that the moisture sensor strip circuit has shorted. This code appears exclusively during Diagnostic Test Mode, meaning it will not display during a normal drying cycle. The moisture sensor system consists of two metal sensor bars located inside the drum that measure the electrical conductivity of fabrics as they tumble. When clothes are wet, they conduct electricity between the bars, and as they dry, conductivity drops. The dryer's control board reads this signal to determine remaining dryness level and adjust cycle time accordingly.

A short in the moisture sensor strip circuit means the control board is detecting an unintended low-resistance path between the sensor bars or in the wiring connected to them. Under normal dry conditions, the resistance between the sensor strips should be very high. A short pulls that resistance down to near zero, causing the control board to log F:29. This can result in the dryer behaving as though clothes are perpetually dry, cutting cycles short, or triggering the fault during the diagnostic sequence.

Diagnosis should begin with TEST #5 as directed by the service procedure. This test will walk through checking the sensor strips themselves for physical damage or residue buildup, verifying the wiring harness continuity and integrity, and confirming control board response. Technicians should inspect the sensor bar surfaces for carbon tracking, detergent coating, or physical contact between the two strips that could create a false short reading.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F:29

  1. 01

    Contaminated or coated sensor strips

    Wiring / connection

    Dryer sheet residue, fabric softener buildup, or detergent film on the metal sensor bars can create a conductive bridge between the strips, mimicking a short circuit. Cleaning the bars with rubbing alcohol often resolves this.

  2. 02

    Damaged or pinched wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring connecting the sensor strips to the control board can become pinched, frayed, or shorted against the dryer chassis or drum components. Visually inspect the harness for any signs of abrasion, melting, or crushing.

  3. 03

    Failed moisture sensor strip assembly

    Part replacement

    The sensor bar assembly itself can crack, warp, or develop internal shorting due to heat stress or physical impact from items in the drum. If cleaning does not resolve the fault, the sensor assembly likely needs replacement.

  4. 04

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor strips and wiring test correctly with no short present, the control board may be misreading the sensor circuit due to a failed input component on the board itself. This is a less common cause but should be evaluated after ruling out the sensor and harness.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F:29

What does F:29 mean on a Amana dryer?
The F:29 code on an Amana dryer means the moisture sensor strip circuit has detected a short. This code only appears when the dryer is run through its Diagnostic Test Mode, not during normal operation. The moisture sensor is responsible for detecting how wet your clothes are so the dryer can adjust cycle time automatically. A short in this circuit can cause inaccurate drying results or cycle issues.
Can I fix the F:29 error myself on an Amana dryer?
In some cases, yes. Start by cleaning the two metal sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol to remove any residue or buildup that could be causing a false short reading. If the error persists after cleaning, further diagnosis per TEST #5 is required, which involves checking wiring and component resistance values. Wiring repairs or part replacements may require a technician if you are not comfortable working with electrical components.
Is it safe to use my Amana dryer when it shows F:29?
The F:29 code only appears in Diagnostic Test Mode and not during a standard drying cycle. However, if the underlying sensor fault is present, the dryer may not accurately sense when clothes are dry, which could lead to over-drying or under-drying. It is best to address the fault before relying on automatic dryness-sensing cycles.
Will resetting my Amana dryer clear the F:29 code?
Resetting the dryer by unplugging it may temporarily clear the fault from the display, but the code will return when Diagnostic Test Mode is run again if the underlying short is still present. A reset does not repair the sensor, wiring, or any other component causing the short circuit. The root cause must be identified and corrected for the code to stay cleared.
How much does it cost to repair an Amana dryer with the F:29 error?
Repair costs vary depending on the cause. Cleaning the sensor strips yourself costs nothing beyond a small amount of rubbing alcohol. If the sensor strip assembly needs replacement, parts typically range from $15 to $50 depending on the model. A wiring harness repair or control board replacement can bring total repair costs to anywhere from $100 to $300 or more when including labor.

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