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Maytag 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 open circuit

The most common cause of the F28 error on a Maytag dryer is sensor bars coated with fabric softener film (~40% of cases); start with: clean the sensor bars.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$45 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $130–$260 Save $130+ by doing it yourself
Maytag Dryer error code F28 on the display panel
How the F28 code appears on a Maytag dryer display

What Does Error Code F28 Mean on a Maytag Dryer?

Moisture sensor open circuit.

F28 fires when the control board reads an open circuit across the two moisture sensor bars inside the drum, meaning no conductive path is detected as damp clothing tumbles past. Without that resistance signal, sensor-dry cycles can't judge dryness, so they run too long or shut off early. Unlike thermistor codes (F22/F23) that flag temperature-sensing faults, F28 points specifically to the moisture-sensor bars, their harness, or a break in the wiring back to the board.

Models affected: Maytag sensor-dry dryers built on the Whirlpool platform, including models like MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW, plus similar top-load and front-load units with moisture-sensor bars
What owners report: Owners commonly report this after loads dry unevenly or cycles end while clothes are still damp, and heavy fabric-softener or dryer-sheet use tends to build an insulating film on the bars. Many find a quick scrub of the metal strips with rubbing alcohol clears the code before any parts are needed.

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
    Sensor bars coated with fabric softener film 40% of cases
  2. 2
    Broken wire between sensor bars and board 35% of cases
  3. 3
    Failed moisture sensor assembly 25% of cases

How to Fix Maytag 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

    Scrub the two metal strips inside the drum (usually below the door or on the lint screen housing) with rubbing alcohol to strip residue.

  2. 2

    Check the connections

    Unplug the dryer and inspect the sensor harness from the bars to the control — connectors work loose where the bulkhead vibrates.

  3. 3

    Replace the sensor assembly

    If cleaning and reseating don't restore sensing, swap the bar assembly.

    🔩 Moisture sensor assembly ($20–$45)
    ⚠️ Unplug the dryer before removing the front panel.

How to Reset Error Code F28

Clean the bars, unplug for 60 seconds, and run a sensor-dry cycle with a medium load to verify it ends when clothes are actually dry.

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

Full Maytag dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

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When to Call a Professional

If timed cycles work but sensor cycles still misbehave after a new sensor, the control board's sensing circuit is suspect.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $130–$260

Related Error Codes

F22
Outlet thermistor (temperature sensor) failure
⚠ Medium Severity
F23
Exhaust thermistor short circuit
⚠ Medium Severity
F01
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
Kenmore logo
Kenmore Dryer F28
Moisture sensor fault

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More Maytag Dryer Error Codes

F06 Drive motor failure — drum not turning AF Restricted airflow — blocked vent (safety shutdown) E1 Thermistor open circuit — temperature sensor failure E2 Thermistor short circuit — temperature sensor failure F24 Inlet thermistor failure — temperature sensor fault F26 Drive motor failure — drum not turning

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Maytag Dryer when error F28 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the 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 Maytag Dryer? +
Across reported Maytag dryer repairs, the most frequent is sensor bars coated with fabric softener film (40% of cases), broken wire between sensor bars and board (35%), then failed moisture sensor assembly (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 sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the sensor bars, then check the connections — 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 Maytag Dryer error F28? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$45 in parts, versus $130–$260 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $130. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Maytag Dryer models show error F28? +
F28 is documented on Maytag sensor-dry dryers built on the Whirlpool platform, including models like MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW, plus similar top-load and front-load units with moisture-sensor bars. 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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