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Kenmore Dryer Error Code F28

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 11, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Moisture sensor fault

The most common cause of the F28 error on a Kenmore dryer is coated/dirty moisture sensor bars (~40% of cases); start with: clean the sensor bars.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$50 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $130–$240 Save $130+ by doing it yourself
Kenmore Dryer error code F28 on the display panel
How the F28 code appears on a Kenmore dryer display

What Does Error Code F28 Mean on a Kenmore Dryer?

Moisture sensor fault.

F28 fires when the control board reads an out-of-range or open condition on the moisture sensor circuit during an auto-dry cycle. The two metal sensor bars on the lint-screen housing normally complete a circuit through damp fabric; when dryer-sheet film insulates the bars, the sensor fails, or the harness breaks, the board sees no valid resistance change and flags the fault. Unlike thermistor or heater codes that track temperature, F28 specifically concerns dampness sensing, so timed-dry cycles often still run normally.

Models affected: Kenmore 110 Series dryers on the Whirlpool control platform, plus other Whirlpool-built Kenmore models using electronic auto-dry moisture sensing
What owners report: Owners commonly report F28 appearing after loads that come out wet or cycles ending far too early, especially on machines used with lots of dryer sheets or fabric softener. A wipe of the sensor bars with rubbing alcohol is the quick win many report clears it. Timed-dry cycles working while auto-dry fails is a frequent tell.

What Causes Error Code F28?

Here are the most common causes in order of frequency. Start with the most likely cause before moving to the next:

  1. 1
    Coated/dirty moisture sensor bars 40% of cases
  2. 2
    Failed moisture sensor 35% of cases
  3. 3
    Broken wiring to sensor 25% of cases

How to Fix Kenmore Dryer Error Code F28

🔧 Easy DIY Est. time: 10–20 min
⚡ Safety first: Unplug the appliance before opening any panels or touching internal components.
  1. 1

    Clean the sensor bars

    Wipe the two metal strips inside the drum with rubbing alcohol — dryer sheet residue insulates them.

  2. 2

    Check sensor wiring

    Unplug the dryer and verify the harness from the sensor to the control is intact and seated.

    ⚠️ Unplug first.
  3. 3

    Replace the moisture sensor

    If cleaning and wiring checks don't help, replace the sensor assembly.

    🔩 Kenmore dryer moisture sensor ($20–$50)

How to Reset Error Code F28

Clean the sensor bars, unplug for 5 minutes, and run an auto-dry cycle.

Note: If the error returns after resetting, the underlying issue has not been resolved. Work through the fix steps above.

Symptom guide: Dryer not drying →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If a new sensor still throws F28, the main control board needs diagnosis.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $130–$240

Related Error Codes

F01
Main electronic control board failure
⚠ High Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F28 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F28 →

Whirlpool logo
Whirlpool Dryer F28
Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor
Maytag logo
Maytag Washing Machine F28
Serial communication error — control boards not communicating
Maytag logo
Maytag Dryer F28
Moisture sensor open circuit

Find Replacement Parts

Use these links to find the exact replacement parts for your Kenmore Dryer:

🔩
Search PartSelect
Kenmore Dryer repair parts
🔧
Search RepairClinic
Step-by-step video guides

External links — ApplianceErrors.com is not affiliated with these retailers.

More Kenmore Dryer Error Codes

F02 Keypad / user interface stuck button fault F22 Outlet thermistor failure — reading open F23 Outlet thermistor failure — reading shorted F70 Communication failure between control boards PF Power failure during the cycle AF Restricted airflow detected

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Kenmore Dryer when error F28 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the moisture sensor issue behind F28 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes F28 on a Kenmore Dryer? +
Across reported Kenmore dryer repairs, the most frequent is coated/dirty moisture sensor bars (40% of cases), failed moisture sensor (35%), then broken wiring to sensor (25%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F28 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F28 fault; if it returns, the moisture sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the sensor bars, then check sensor wiring — since the code will reappear until the root cause is resolved. This is a beginner-friendly job needing only basic hand tools.
How much does it cost to fix Kenmore Dryer error F28? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$50 in parts, versus $130–$240 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $130. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Kenmore Dryer models show error F28? +
F28 is documented on Kenmore 110 Series dryers on the Whirlpool control platform, plus other Whirlpool-built Kenmore models using electronic auto-dry moisture sensing. Other units sharing the same control platform can display it too, so the fixes here generally transfer across the series.

Sources & References

Content verified against manufacturer service documentation. Last verified: June 11, 2026.

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