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Whirlpool Dryer Error Code F29

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

Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor

The most common cause of the F29 error on a Whirlpool dryer is sensor coated with fabric softener (~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 F29 on the display panel
How the F29 code appears on a Whirlpool dryer display

What Does Error Code F29 Mean on a Whirlpool Dryer?

Moisture sensor bar failure — secondary sensor.

F29 fires when the control board reads the resistance across the secondary moisture sensor bars and gets an implausible or out-of-range value, so auto-dry cycles lose their reference for wetness and either shut off with damp loads or run excessively long. Fabric softener and dryer-sheet residue insulating the metal bars is the usual trigger. It differs from F28, which flags the primary sensor, and from F31, a broader sensor-circuit fault.

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 this appearing after frequent use of dryer sheets or liquid softener, and note that loads finishing damp is often the first clue. A quick wipe of both bar sets with rubbing alcohol reportedly clears it in many cases before any part is needed.

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
    Sensor coated with fabric softener 60% of cases
  2. 2
    Sensor failure 25% of cases
  3. 3
    Wiring issue 15% of cases

How to Fix Whirlpool 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 sensor bars

    Clean both sets of sensor bars with rubbing alcohol.

  2. 2

    Replace sensor assembly

    If cleaning doesn't resolve.

    🔩 Whirlpool moisture sensor ($25–$60)

How to Reset Error Code F29

After cleaning, run Auto-Dry cycle.

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

Sensor bar cleaning resolves F29 in most cases.

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

Related Error Codes

F28
Moisture sensor bar failure — primary sensor
⚠ Medium Severity
F31
Exhaust thermistor failure
⚠ Medium Severity

Same Code on Other Brands

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

Maytag logo
Maytag Dryer F29
Moisture sensor failure — auto-dry not working

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 F29 appears? +
You often can for a cycle or two, but the sensor issue behind F29 will keep interrupting normal operation until it is fixed. Plan the repair rather than ignoring the code.
What most commonly causes F29 on a Whirlpool Dryer? +
Across reported Whirlpool dryer repairs, the most frequent is sensor coated with fabric softener (60% of cases), sensor failure (25%), then wiring issue (15%). 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 sensor bars, then replace sensor assembly — 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 F29? +
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 F29? +
F29 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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