F33
KitchenAid Dryer
Severity:What Does This Error Mean?
F33 means the moisture sensor bars have failed open — no conductivity between them even when the drum contains wet laundry. The control board cannot read the dryness level and either stops the auto-dry cycle or defaults to maximum time. Worn, corroded, or physically damaged sensor bars are the typical cause.
Affected Models
- KitchenAid Front-Control Dryer
- KitchenAid KHED Series
- KitchenAid YKEDB Series
- KitchenAid Artisan Series Dryer
Common Causes
- Moisture sensor bars are worn through or corroded and no longer make contact with laundry
- A wire in the sensor bar wiring harness has broken, disconnecting the sensor from the control board
- Sensor bar connector has come loose from the control board
- Sensor bars are coated with thick insulating residue that blocks conductivity entirely
- Control board port receiving the sensor signal has failed
How to Fix It
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Inspect the sensor bars visually. Look for corrosion, deep scratches, or wear through the metal surface.
Worn-through sensor bars cannot be repaired — the sensor assembly must be replaced. Visible green or white discoloration indicates corrosion.
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Try cleaning the bars with rubbing alcohol and a cloth to remove any thick insulating residue.
A very heavy coating of residue can block conductivity entirely, simulating an open sensor. Cleaning sometimes resolves F33 without parts replacement.
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Check the sensor bar wiring harness connector at the control board. Disconnect and firmly reconnect it.
A loose connector reads as open circuit — the same signal as physically failed sensor bars.
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If cleaning and connector checks do not clear F33, have a technician replace the moisture sensor.
The sensor is a low-cost part accessible from inside the drum, and replacement is typically a straightforward repair.
When to Call a Professional
F33 almost always requires replacing the moisture sensor assembly or its wiring harness. A technician can access the sensor from inside the drum and replace it in one visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the dryer still dry clothes if F33 appears?
Auto-dry cycles will not work correctly — the dryer may run for its maximum time or stop early without reaching target dryness. Timed-dry cycles typically still function, as they do not rely on the moisture sensor.
How much does a moisture sensor replacement cost?
A replacement moisture sensor assembly for a KitchenAid dryer typically costs $20 to $60 for the part. With technician labor, the total repair usually runs $80 to $160.
Is F33 the opposite of F32?
Yes. F32 is a shorted sensor — conductivity too high, reads wet even when dry. F33 is an open sensor — conductivity zero, reads dry even when wet. Both interfere with auto-dry cycles but in opposite ways.