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Maytag Dryer Error Code F29

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: July 19, 2026
✓ Low Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Moisture sensor failure — auto-dry not working

The most common cause of the F29 error on a Maytag dryer is softener residue on sensor bars (~50% of cases); start with: clean the sensor bars.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$50 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $120–$250 Save $120+ by doing it yourself
Maytag Dryer error code F29 on the display panel
How the F29 code appears on a Maytag dryer display

What Does Error Code F29 Mean on a Maytag Dryer?

Moisture sensor failure — auto-dry not working.

The control board reads resistance across two metal moisture sensor strips inside the drum; as wet clothes tumble across them, the changing conductivity tells the board how dry the load is. F29 fires when those readings stay implausible or stuck — usually because fabric-softener or dryer-sheet film insulates the bars, so the board never sees the expected signal. Unlike F30 (a related sensor circuit fault), F29 points specifically to an unusable moisture reading that leaves auto-dry unable to end the cycle correctly.

Models affected: Maytag auto-dry dryers with in-drum moisture sensor bars, including models such as MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW
What owners report: Owners commonly report F29 showing up after heavy use of liquid softener or dryer sheets, with loads finishing damp or running long. A quick wipe of the drum sensor strips with rubbing alcohol often clears it, and switching to timed dry is a reliable stopgap while sorting the cause.

What Causes Error Code F29?

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

  1. 1
    Softener residue on sensor bars 50% of cases
  2. 2
    Moisture sensor wiring fault 30% of cases
  3. 3
    Control board sensor input fault 20% of cases

How to Fix Maytag Dryer Error Code F29

🔧 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 metal moisture sensor strips inside the drum with a little rubbing alcohol.

  2. 2

    Use timed dry as a workaround

    Auto-dry depends on the sensor; timed dry bypasses it.

  3. 3

    Check sensor wiring / replace sensor

    If cleaning does not help, inspect the wiring or replace the sensor.

    🔩 Maytag dryer moisture sensor ($20–$50)
    ⚠️ Unplug before servicing.

How to Reset Error Code F29

Clean the moisture sensor bars and restart on auto-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 →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If cleaned and F29 persists, the moisture sensor or control board input has failed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $120–$250

Related Error Codes

F30
Restricted airflow / moisture sensor — stored airflow fault
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

Error code F29 appears on these other brands too. See every brand that shows F29 →

Whirlpool logo
Whirlpool Dryer F29
Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor

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

F01 Electronic control board failure F22 Outlet thermistor (temperature sensor) failure 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Maytag Dryer when error F29 appears? +
Usually yes — F29 is a low-severity sensor notice that rarely stops the dryer from working, but clearing the underlying cause prevents it from escalating.
What most commonly causes F29 on a Maytag Dryer? +
Across reported Maytag dryer repairs, the most frequent is softener residue on sensor bars (50% of cases), moisture sensor wiring fault (30%), then control board sensor input fault (20%). Check them in that order before replacing any parts.
F29 keeps coming back after a reset — what should I check next? +
A reset only clears the stored F29 fault; if it returns, the sensor problem is still present. Move on to the physical checks — clean the sensor bars, then use timed dry as a workaround — 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 F29? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$50 in parts, versus $120–$250 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $120. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Maytag Dryer models show error F29? +
F29 is documented on Maytag auto-dry dryers with in-drum moisture sensor bars, including models such as MEDC465HW, MED7230HW, and MED4500MW. 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: July 19, 2026.

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