Maytag Dryer Error Code F:29

F:29 indicates that the moisture sensor strip circuit has shorted. This code appears only during Diagnostic Test Mode, not during a regular drying cycle. The moisture sensor is the component inside the drum that detects how wet your laundry is, and a short in this circuit means the control board is reading an unintended electrical path. Diagnosis should begin with TEST #5 to isolate where the fault is located.

Because F:29 only appears in Diagnostic Test Mode and not during normal operation, your dryer may still run cycles. However, a shorted moisture sensor means the dryer may not accurately detect when clothes are dry, which can lead to over-drying, wasted energy, or excessive heat. It is best to address the fault before continuing regular use.

Repair costs depend on the cause. Cleaning the sensor bars costs nothing beyond a little rubbing alcohol. Replacing the moisture sensor strip typically runs between $20 and $60 for the part, with additional labor if a technician is hired. A wiring harness repair or control board replacement can push total costs higher, generally ranging from $150 to $350 or more depending on parts and local labor rates.

Some causes of F:29 are DIY-friendly. Cleaning the sensor bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol to remove fabric softener residue is a straightforward first step that requires no tools or parts. Checking for foreign objects between the bars is also simple. However, if the issue involves wiring or a failed sensor strip, those repairs require disassembly and some electrical testing knowledge.

A power reset will not permanently resolve F:29 if the underlying short still exists in the sensor circuit. The code will return the next time a diagnostic test is run because the fault condition in the wiring or sensor hardware has not been corrected. The root cause must be identified and repaired to clear the code reliably.