KitchenAid Dryer F28 Error: Moisture Sensor Fail
What Does KitchenAid Dryer Error Code F28 Mean? F28 on a KitchenAid dryer indicates the moisture sensor is reading an invalid signal. The moisture sensor consists of two metal strips on the front bulkhead inside the drum opening. The control board measures conductivity between the strips as wet clothes tumble against them — wet clothes […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Yes. The dryer is safe on Timed Dry cycles. Only Auto Dry programs are affected by F28, and the dryer otherwise functions normally.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Cleaning the sensor bars clears moisture-sensor F28 when residue was the cause. Hardware failures do not clear with reset.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: F28 appears on Timed Dry cycles as well as Auto Dry, Visible damage to the sensor bars.
Symptoms You May Notice
Auto Dry cycles end immediately with F28
Selecting an Auto Dry cycle produces F28 within seconds of starting. Timed Dry cycles may continue to work normally because they do not depend on the moisture sensor.
Previous Auto Dry cycles ended too early
Before F28 latched, Auto Dry cycles were finishing with clothes still damp because the sensor was misreading the conductivity across the bars.
Fabric softener sheet residue visible
The moisture sensor bars (two thin metal strips on the front bulkhead inside the drum) have a cloudy film from fabric softener sheet deposits.
Possible Causes
Fabric softener residue on sensor bars
Fabric softener sheets leave a waxy residue on the two metal sensor strips inside the drum. The residue insulates the bars and prevents them from reading correctly even with wet clothes.
DIY PossibleSensor bars physically damaged
The metal strips have been scratched, bent, or broken by sharp items in the drum (zippers, metal buttons, broken springs). Damaged sensors cannot read correctly.
Requires ProfessionalSensor wiring broken at the bulkhead
The wire connections to the sensor bars have broken at the back of the bulkhead, either from corrosion or from flex fatigue.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
-
1
Clean the moisture sensor bars
Open the dryer door and find the two thin metal strips on the front bulkhead just inside the drum opening. Wipe them with a soft cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to remove fabric softener residue. Dry thoroughly.
This single cleaning resolves the majority of F28 faults. Make it monthly maintenance if you use fabric softener sheets.
-
2
Use Timed Dry in the meantime
Until service is completed, use Timed Dry cycles that do not depend on the moisture sensor. Set appropriate times for load size and fabric type.
Timed Dry is less energy-efficient than Auto Dry but works fine for all normal laundry loads. Over-drying can be avoided by checking clothes partway through.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Moisture sensor assembly replacement clears the fault
- Sensor bar wiring tests open at the connector
- Replacement does not resolve — points at control board input
Need Professional Help?
Find qualified technicians in your area for proper diagnostics and repair.
Dryer Repair Service Schedule Appointment