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Error code reference

Maytag 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, 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:29 means on a Maytag dryer

The F:29 error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the moisture sensor strip circuit has shorted. This code is exclusive to Diagnostic Test Mode, meaning it will not appear 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 the laundry as it tumbles. When clothes are wet, they conduct electricity between the bars; as they dry, conductivity drops. The dryer's control board reads this signal to determine remaining moisture levels 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. This can result from a buildup of residue on the sensor bars creating a false conductive path, damaged wiring with insulation worn away causing conductors to contact each other, or a failed sensor strip where the component itself has developed an internal short. Physical damage to the sensor bars from foreign objects in the drum is another possibility.

Diagnosing this fault requires following TEST #5 as outlined in the technical reference for this model. This test isolates the moisture sensor circuit and helps determine whether the short originates at the sensor bars themselves, in the wiring harness between the sensor and the control board, or within the control board. Technicians should inspect the sensor bars for visible contamination or corrosion, check wiring continuity and insulation integrity, and verify connector seating before condemning any individual component.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F:29

  1. 01

    Residue buildup on sensor bars

    Wiring / connection

    Fabric softener sheets and dryer sheet coatings can leave a conductive film on the metal sensor bars, causing a false short reading. Inspect the bars inside the drum for discoloration or waxy buildup and clean them with rubbing alcohol.

  2. 02

    Shorted or damaged wiring harness

    Part replacement

    The wiring between the moisture sensor bars and the control board can develop worn insulation, pinched conductors, or melted sections from heat exposure, creating a short circuit. Inspect the full length of the harness for visible damage.

  3. 03

    Failed moisture sensor strip

    Part replacement

    The sensor strip component itself can develop an internal short due to age, physical damage, or moisture intrusion. If cleaning the bars and inspecting wiring does not resolve the fault, the sensor strip should be tested and replaced.

  4. 04

    Foreign object contact with sensor bars

    Wiring / connection

    Small metal items like coins, zippers, or wire from undergarments can bridge the two sensor bars and create a persistent short. Check the drum interior for any lodged objects near or between the sensor bars.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board

    Part replacement

    If the sensor bars, wiring, and connections all test correctly, the control board's sensor input circuit may have failed internally. This is less common but should be considered after all other components have been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F:29

What does F:29 mean on a Maytag dryer?
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.
Can I fix the F:29 error myself on a Maytag dryer?
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.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer when it shows the F:29 code?
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.
Will resetting my Maytag dryer clear the F:29 error code?
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.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag dryer with an F:29 error?
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.

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