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Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F28

Reviewed by the ApplianceErrors Editorial Team · Verified against manufacturer service documentation · Last verified: June 10, 2026
⚠ Medium Severity 🔧 Easy DIY

Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor

The most common cause of the F28 error on a Whirlpool dryer is sensor bars coated with fabric softener residue (~60% of cases); start with: clean sensor bars.

💰 DIY cost: $0–$60 👨‍🔧 Pro cost: $100–$220 Save $100+ by doing it yourself
Whirlpool Dryer error code F28 on the display panel
How the F28 code appears on a Whirlpool dryer display

What Does Error Code F28 Mean on a Whirlpool Dryer?

Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor.

F28 fires when the control board reads an invalid or out-of-range signal from the primary moisture sensor — the two metal bars inside the drum front that measure electrical resistance across damp clothing. When residue, corrosion, damaged wiring, or a broken connection prevents a valid reading, the board flags the primary sensor. It differs from F29, which points to the secondary sensor circuit, and from broader control-side faults; F28 is specific to the primary bar's continuity and signal path.

Models affected: Whirlpool electric and gas dryers with electronic auto-dry moisture sensing, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW
What owners report: Owners commonly report F28 appearing alongside loads that stop while still damp or over-dry, often traced to fabric softener or dryer-sheet buildup coating the bars. A quick wipe of the two metal strips with rubbing alcohol frequently clears it, and heavy softener users tend to see it recur if the bars aren't cleaned periodically.

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 residue 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Sensor bar corrosion or physical damage 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring to sensor bars damaged 15% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool 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 sensor bars

    The bars are two metal strips inside the front of the drum. Clean with rubbing alcohol.

    🔩 Rubbing alcohol
  2. 2

    Test sensor bars

    Check continuity between bars — should vary with moisture.

    🔩 Multimeter
  3. 3

    Replace sensor bar assembly

    If bars are physically damaged or corroded.

    🔩 Whirlpool moisture sensor ($25–$60)

How to Reset Error Code F28

After cleaning, run Auto-Dry cycle to test.

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

Full Whirlpool dryer reset guide → Enter diagnostic mode →

Did this guide fix your appliance?

When to Call a Professional

If cleaning doesn't fix F28, sensor assembly replacement is needed.

Average professional repair cost for this issue: $100–$220

Related Error Codes

F29
Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor
⚠ Medium Severity
F31
Exhaust thermistor failure
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

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

Maytag logo
Maytag Washing Machine F28
Serial communication error — control boards not communicating
Kenmore logo
Kenmore Dryer F28
Moisture sensor fault
Maytag logo
Maytag Dryer F28
Moisture sensor open circuit

Find Replacement Parts

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

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

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

More Whirlpool Dryer Error Codes

F01 Main control board failure F22 Outlet thermistor failure F30 Restricted airflow — vent blockage F26 Drive motor failure L2 Low or missing voltage on one leg of 240V supply AF Restricted airflow — vent partially blocked

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep using my Whirlpool 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 Whirlpool Dryer? +
Across reported Whirlpool dryer repairs, the most frequent is sensor bars coated with fabric softener residue (60% of cases), sensor bar corrosion or physical damage (25%), then wiring to sensor bars damaged (15%). 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 sensor bars, then test sensor bars — 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 Whirlpool Dryer error F28? +
A DIY repair typically runs $0–$60 in parts, versus $100–$220 for a professional service call, so handling it yourself saves around $100. Expect the work to take about 10–20 minutes.
Which Whirlpool Dryer models show error F28? +
F28 is documented on Whirlpool electric and gas dryers with electronic auto-dry moisture sensing, including models such as WED4815EW, WED5620HW, WED6620HW, and WGD4815EW. 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 10, 2026.

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