
Here’s how to test a Whirlpool dryer moisture sensor:
- Make sure the dryer is on the “auto-dry” setting.
- Place several dry articles of clothing in the dryer and start a drying cycle.
- The dryer should operate for just a few minutes before turning off.
- Remove the dry clothing and place several damp items in the dryer before starting another drying cycle.
- The dryer should continue to operate until the clothes are dry.
How do I know if my moisture sensor is working properly?
When dry clothes are placed in a dryer on a moisture sensor setting, your dryer will run for a few minutes then shut off if the sensor is functioning properly. However, you will also need to run the opposite test.
How does a whirlpool dryer detect moisture?
Modern Whirlpool dryers utilize conductive moisture sensors, consisting of two metal bars on a mounted plate that detect a load’s conductivity. Water conducts electricity well, so damp clothes create a small electrical spark that the sensors detect, signaling the dryer to continue.
What happens if the moisture sensor on a dryer does not work?
However, if the moisture sensor no longer works then your clothing may not get dry or the dryer may run indefinitely as it fails to receive the proper signals to stop. However, these are two rather broad and common symptoms. So, if you think it is your moisture sensor that is malfunctioning, here is how you can test it.
How often should I test my dryer moisture sensor?
It is a good practice to test the dryer moisture sensor periodically. There are two types of moisture-detecting sensors for dryers. Once you understand how they work you will understand how to test each one.

How do you clean the moisture sensor on a Whirlpool dryer?
0:272:27Whirlpool/Kenmore Electric Dryer Moisture Sensor #279366 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd rotate the top up remove the mounting screws and pull the lint housing out disconnect the wireMoreAnd rotate the top up remove the mounting screws and pull the lint housing out disconnect the wire attached to the lower terminal of the old moisture sensor use pliers to untwist the upper terminal.
How do you test dryer moisture sensor?
To test your moisture sensor, run your dryer with a few pieces of completely dry cloth. This will see that your dryer will run for about five minutes at most before it shuts off. You will also need to run a test to check the opposite function.
Will my dryer work without the moisture sensor?
Using a moisture sensor, it senses when your clothing is dry enough and ends the cycle instead of just running on a set timed cycle. However, if the moisture sensor no longer works then your clothing may not get dry or the dryer may run indefinitely as it fails to receive the proper signals to stop.
Where is the sensor located on a Whirlpool dryer?
Locate your moisture sensor Look inside the dryer drum for two metal strips, about four inches long and side-by-side. It could be just behind the plastic housing that holds your lint filter. Or it could be on the back wall of the dryer drum.
How do you reset a sensor on a dryer?
Resetting your dryer is easy. Unplug it (or turn off power at the circuit breaker), wait some time for the electrical charge to clear out of the dryer (usually 1 to 5 minutes at most), and then power it up again. That's it.
How do you reset a Whirlpool dryer?
If your Whirlpool dryer displays a "PF" error code, indicating a recent power failure, the dryer will need to be reset and restarted. This is done by pressing "Start" for a few seconds to restart the dryer. If the dryer does not restart automatically, select a new cycle and any options then press "Start" to begin.
Why is my dryer running but not drying?
If your clothes dryer feels really hot, but your clothes take forever to dry, the vent may be clogged. A clogged vent traps the excess hot air inside the dryer's drum, but the low circulation of air keeps clothes from getting dry. Make sure you're always cleaning off the lint screen before you run the dryer.
Why does my Whirlpool dryer keep saying sensing?
All Whirlpool Duet dryers have sensor strips in the drum. As your load of laundry tumbles in the drum, it makes contact with the sensor strips so that the dryer can end the cycle when your laundry is dry. If the dryer is not level, the sensing does not work properly, and your drying cycle will end early.
How do you clean a moisture sensor?
0:021:05Clean the moisture sensor on your Samsung dryer so it doesn't shut off ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing a soft cloth. With water and a drop of mild soap wipe the sensor bars. Clean these are the twoMoreUsing a soft cloth. With water and a drop of mild soap wipe the sensor bars. Clean these are the two curved metal bars inside the drum usually near the lint filter housing.
How do I reset my Whirlpool sensor?
Rotate your dial until you have the following three lights illuminated: RINSE, WASH, and STOP. Then turn off your washer and unplug it for ten seconds. When you turn it back on it should be reset. You can run a test load without any clothing to ensure that the reset worked.
How do I fix my Whirlpool sensing?
First, try to cut off power to the machine for a few minutes (about 3-5 minutes) then reconnect it to power and see if it will behave. Quick Tip: Every so often, leaving the washer unplugged for longer (you can even leave it unplugged for 15-20 minutes) does the magic.
How do you run a diagnostic on a Whirlpool dryer?
1:522:51Whirlpool, Maytag & Kenmore Dryer - Using Diagnostic Mode - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTest we hit our second button once the start button will flash. We hit that. And it goes through andMoreTest we hit our second button once the start button will flash. We hit that. And it goes through and it checks our l1 voltage l2 voltage and heater voltage and then also tells us what our airflow is.
How do you test a moisture meter?
Using a Moisture Content Standard to Verify Pin Moisture Meter AccuracyPlace the meter's pins on the moisture content standard's metal contacts.Turn on the meter.Check the reading & compare to value given in instructions (different standards may be calibrated for different values).
How do you fix a moisture sensor in a dryer?
Instructions: how to clean your dryer's moisture sensorLocate your dryer's moisture sensor. ... Take your fine sandpaper and scrub the moisture sensor. ... Take your dry rag and polish up the moisture sensor. ... Test your dryer to be sure it's working properly.
How do I test the sensor on my Samsung dryer?
The sensor bars can be also tested in diagnostic mode. Place a slightly damp cloth in the dryer, start a normal cycle then press the Temp + Signal buttons for 3 seconds. When there are wet items being dried, data will add up (from 0 to 1200 and repeating) as the wet clothes touch the sensor bars.
How does a dryer moisture sensor work?
As wet clothes tumble over them, the moisture creates a quick electrical current that passes through the bars. Once the clothes dry and lose their moisture, this current becomes weaker. Then, the moisture sensors no longer detect any current and they signal the dryer to turn off automatically.