Whirlpool · Dryer
Whirlpool Dryer F29 Error Code
Moisture sensor shorted or low resistance
What this error means
F29 is the short-circuit counterpart to F28 on Whirlpool dryers. The moisture sensor circuit reads abnormally low resistance, often from contamination or a wiring short at the drum bulkhead.
How F29 is detected
Heating faults such as F29 appear when the Whirlpool dryer control energizes the bake element, broil element, gas valve, or drying heater but does not detect expected temperature rise within the monitoring window. On Whirlpool WED5620HW, Whirlpool WED5100HC, and similar variants, open heating elements, failed igniters on gas dryers and ranges, or welded heater relays on the control board produce similar symptoms.
Water or metal object bridging the two sensor bars should be ruled out first. power off and inspect the drum for wet items or metal leaving a film on the bars. On electric ovens and dryers, test element continuity when cool; on gas appliances verify the ignitor glows for at least 15 seconds before the valve opens. Repeated F29 after confirming heat at the exhaust or oven cavity indicates a sensor or board issue rather than a simple element replacement.
Common causes
- Water or metal object bridging the two sensor bars
- Shorted harness wire inside the drum front panel
- Corroded sensor terminals creating a constant low-resistance path
- Control board moisture sensor input failure
Step-by-step fixes
- 1Power off and inspect the drum for wet items or metal leaving a film on the bars
- 2Clean both sensor strips until the metal shines evenly
- 3Disconnect the sensor harness and measure bar-to-bar resistance—it should be high when dry
- 4Replace the moisture sensor assembly if resistance stays near zero with dry bars
When to call a technician
If new sensor bars test open when dry but F29 persists, the main control board input is likely faulty.
Affected models
- Whirlpool WED5620HW
- Whirlpool WED5100HC
- Whirlpool WGD5620HW
Prevention & maintenance
- Preheat the oven only as directed and avoid foil lining the bottom—blocked airflow causes heat faults related to F29.
- Record when F29 appears in the cycle and whether it clears after a 60-second power reset on your Whirlpool dryer—that detail speeds diagnosis if you call service.
- Keep the model and serial number from the rating plate when ordering parts for F29; Whirlpool uses multiple revisions with different harness lengths and board firmware.
- Photograph wiring connector orientation before disconnecting any component while troubleshooting F29; reversed plugs on pumps and valves cause immediate repeat faults.