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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code F:28

Moisture sensor strip is open (appears ONLY in Diagnostic Test Mode).

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Moisture sensor strip is open (appears ONLY in Diagnostic Test Mode).

First step from the service manual

See TEST #5, page 11.

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

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What F:28 means on a Maytag dryer

The F:28 error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the moisture sensor strip circuit is open. 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, typically near the lint filter housing. These bars detect residual moisture in clothing by measuring electrical conductivity between them as clothes tumble and make contact. When the circuit between the sensor bars is open, the control board receives no signal and registers the fault.

An open circuit in the moisture sensor strip can result from several conditions. The sensor bars themselves may be coated with a buildup of fabric softener residue or dryer sheet film, which acts as an insulator and interrupts the circuit. Physical damage to the sensor bars, such as cracks or corrosion, can also break the circuit. Wiring between the sensor strips and the control board may be broken, disconnected, or have a damaged connector.

Diagnosis should begin with TEST #5 as referenced in the dryer's service documentation. This test will help isolate whether the fault lies in the sensor bars themselves, the wiring harness, or the main control board. Technicians should inspect the sensor bars for visible contamination or damage, check wiring continuity, and verify connector integrity before replacing any components.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F:28

  1. 01

    Contaminated sensor bars

    Wiring / connection

    A buildup of fabric softener, dryer sheet residue, or mineral deposits on the metal sensor bars can insulate them and interrupt the circuit. Inspect the bars visually for a waxy or filmy coating and clean them with a soft cloth and rubbing alcohol.

  2. 02

    Broken or disconnected wiring

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring harness running from the sensor bars to the control board may have a broken wire, a loose connector, or a damaged terminal. Check continuity along the full length of the circuit and reseat any connectors.

  3. 03

    Damaged moisture sensor strip

    Part replacement

    Physical damage such as cracks, corrosion, or a broken sensor bar will create an open circuit. If the bars are visibly cracked or corroded, the sensor assembly will need to be replaced.

  4. 04

    Faulty wiring connector at control board

    Wiring / connection

    The connector that ties the sensor circuit into the main control board may be loose or have a damaged pin. Inspect the connector carefully and check for any bent or corroded terminals.

  5. 05

    Failed main control board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor bars and all associated wiring test correctly, the main control board itself may have a fault preventing it from reading the moisture sensor circuit. This is the least likely cause and should be confirmed last.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F:28

What does F:28 mean on a Maytag dryer?
F:28 indicates that the moisture sensor strip circuit is open, meaning the control board is not receiving a signal from the sensor bars inside the drum. This code only appears during the dryer's Diagnostic Test Mode, not during a standard drying cycle. The moisture sensor system is responsible for detecting how wet clothes are so the dryer can automatically end the cycle at the right time. Diagnosis begins with TEST #5 to isolate the specific point of failure.
Will resetting my Maytag dryer clear the F:28 error code?
Resetting the dryer will clear the code from the display, but it will return the next time Diagnostic Test Mode is run if the underlying problem has not been corrected. Because F:28 only appears during diagnostics, a reset will not address the root cause. The sensor bars, wiring, and connectors should be inspected and repaired before relying on the dryer's automatic drying cycles.
How do I fix an F:28 error on a Maytag dryer?
Start by cleaning the two metal sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol to remove any fabric softener or dryer sheet buildup, as this is the most common cause. If cleaning does not resolve the issue, inspect the wiring harness from the sensor bars to the control board for breaks, loose connectors, or damaged terminals. If the sensor bars are visibly cracked or corroded, replacing the moisture sensor strip assembly is the next step. Persistent faults after those checks may point to a control board issue.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer if it shows an F:28 code?
The dryer will typically still run with a faulty moisture sensor, but it will not be able to automatically detect when clothes are dry. This means timed dry cycles can still be used, but automatic moisture-sensing cycles may run too long or too short. There is no immediate safety hazard from the sensor fault itself, but running the dryer unattended for extended periods on timed cycles is generally not recommended.
How much does it cost to repair an F:28 error on a Maytag dryer?
If the fix is simply cleaning the sensor bars, there is no parts cost and minimal time involved. Replacing a moisture sensor strip assembly typically costs between $20 and $60 for the part. If a control board replacement is needed, parts alone can range from $100 to $250 or more, with additional labor costs if a technician is hired.

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