Kenmore · Dryer
Kenmore Dryer F04 Error Code
Moisture sensor open
What this error means
F04 indicates the moisture sensor circuit is open. Auto-dry cycles on Kenmore dryers rely on the two metal strips inside the front bulkhead to detect dampness and end the cycle.
How F04 is detected
When F04 appears on a Kenmore dryer, the control board has confirmed that water did not leave the machine within the programmed drain window. On Kenmore 110.65132410, Kenmore 110.67822600, and similar variants, the drain pump runs for a fixed interval—often three to seven minutes on washers and dishwashers—while a pressure switch or turbidity sensor verifies the tub or sump is empty. If water remains, the cycle stops to prevent spin with a full tub or overflow on the next fill.
Most F04 calls are resolved without parts: clean the two metal moisture bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol. Restricted drain paths mimic pump failure because the impeller spins against a blocked hose or filter. Document whether the pump hums audibly during the drain step; a humming pump with no water movement points to a clogged filter or kinked hose, while silence may indicate a failed pump motor or loose wiring at the harness.
After clearing blockages, run a short cycle and listen at the drain hose for steady water flow. If F04 returns on the next load with a clean filter and straight hose, measure resistance at the pump motor connector per the service manual for your model before ordering a replacement pump assembly.
Common causes
- Sensor wire unplugged behind the front panel
- Coating of fabric softener insulating the bars
- Corroded sensor terminals from years of use
- Open circuit in the sensor harness
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Clean the two metal moisture bars inside the drum with rubbing alcohol
- 2Remove front bulkhead access and verify the sensor harness is plugged in
- 3Inspect for broken wires where the door harness flexes
- 4Run Sensor Dry on a small damp load as a functional test
When to call a technician
Persistent F04 with clean bars and seated wiring needs moisture sensor harness or board service.
Affected models
- Kenmore 110.65132410
- Kenmore 110.67822600
- Kenmore 110.60932990
Prevention & maintenance
- Clean drain filters and hose terminations monthly on high-use dryers to prevent F04 from lint and food debris buildup.
- Record when F04 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Kenmore dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F04; Kenmore uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F04; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.