F28
Maytag Dryer
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
Error F28 means your Maytag dryer's moisture sensor circuit is open — the control board is getting no signal from the sensor strips inside the drum. This is usually caused by corroded or coated sensor bars, a broken wire in the sensor harness, or a failed moisture sensor assembly. Cleaning the sensor bars with rubbing alcohol resolves the problem in many cases.
Affected Models
- MEDB835DW
- MEDC465HW
- MED5430MW
- MEDB765FW
- MED6630HC
Common Causes
- Moisture sensor strips are coated with dryer sheet residue or fabric softener film, blocking the electrical signal
- Sensor strip wiring harness is broken or has a loose connector
- Moisture sensor assembly has failed internally
- Control board is not reading the sensor signal correctly
- Dryer is being run with very small, completely dry loads that the sensor cannot detect
How to Fix It
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Power-cycle the dryer by unplugging it for 1 minute, then plug it back in and run a cycle with a damp load to see if F28 clears.
If the sensor bars are just mildly coated, a wet load may make enough contact to pass the signal temporarily, confirming the fix needed is a cleaning.
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Open the dryer door and look for the two thin metal sensor bars on the inside front of the drum, usually just below the door opening. They look like two parallel metal strips about 2 inches long.
These are the bars that clothes brush against as they tumble — they measure electrical conductivity (wet clothes conduct, dry clothes do not).
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Dampen a cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70% or higher) and scrub both sensor bars firmly until they are shiny metal.
Dryer sheet residue builds up an insulating film on the bars over time. This is the single most common cause of F28 and often fixes it completely.
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Allow the sensor bars to dry fully (2–3 minutes), then run a test cycle with a damp towel. The dryer should now detect moisture and dry normally.
Avoid using dryer sheets going forward, or use them less frequently, to prevent the residue from building up again.
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If F28 returns after cleaning, trace the sensor wiring harness from the bars back toward the control board. Look for a connector that has pulled loose or a wire that has been pinched or broken by the drum.
The harness typically runs behind the front panel — you will need to remove the top and front panels to access it.
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Test the sensor harness with a multimeter set to continuity. If the harness has no break but F28 still appears, replace the moisture sensor assembly.
Replacement moisture sensor assemblies for Maytag dryers cost $15–$30 and attach with one or two screws.
When to Call a Professional
If cleaning the sensor strips does not resolve F28, use a multimeter to check continuity on the sensor wiring harness from the strips back to the control board connector. A broken wire in the harness will require splicing or harness replacement — a job for someone comfortable with appliance wiring. If the harness is intact and the sensor strips look clean but F28 persists, the control board's moisture sensor input circuit may have failed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my Maytag dryer still dry clothes with error F28 showing?
Yes, but it may run for too long or stop too early because it cannot sense when clothes are dry. With F28 active, the dryer falls back to timed drying rather than moisture-sensing drying.
How often should I clean my Maytag dryer's moisture sensor bars?
Clean them every 1–2 months if you use dryer sheets regularly. Rubbing alcohol and a cloth takes less than a minute and prevents F28 from recurring.
How much does it cost to fix Maytag dryer error F28?
If cleaning the sensor bars fixes it, the cost is zero. A replacement moisture sensor assembly costs $15–$30 as a DIY repair, or $100–$160 with a technician.