F29 Moderate Moderate DIY

Whirlpool Dryer F29 — Moisture Sensor Short

Whirlpool Dryer · Error code F29

What F29 Means

The moisture sensor circuit is shorted — the control sees zero resistance across the two sensor strips even with no laundry present. Auto-dry cycles will not work correctly.

Symptoms

  • F29 on display
  • Auto-Dry cycle ends within a minute of starting
  • Wet clothes never dry on sensor cycles
  • Beeping at end of a too-short cycle

Common Causes

1
Excess fabric softener buildup

A conductive film of dryer-sheet residue or softener across the two sensor strips creates a short.

2
Wires touching

The two sensor wires are pinched together behind the drum front.

3
Failed sensor harness

Internal short in the harness assembly.

How to Fix It

  1. Open the dryer door and locate the two metal strips inside the drum near the lint screen opening.
  2. Wipe both strips thoroughly with rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth — this fixes a high percentage of F29 cases.
  3. Reduce or eliminate dryer sheets for several cycles.
  4. If the code returns, unplug the dryer and access the sensor harness from the front panel.
  5. Inspect for two wires that have rubbed through insulation and are touching; repair or replace the harness.
  6. Measure across the sensor strips with the harness disconnected — should read open (OL); a low or 0 reading confirms a short.

More Whirlpool Dryer Codes

AF AF — Airflow Restriction E1 E1 — Inlet thermistor open circuit E2 E2 — Inlet thermistor shorted Err Err — Door Not Fully Closed F01 F01 — Main electronic control board failure F02 F02 — User Interface / Keypad Failure

All Whirlpool codes → All dryer codes →

Verified against manufacturer documentation: atoz1.com

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