🔩 Moisture sensor failure Repair Guide for Whirlpool WED7500GW
💡 Don’t panic! Moisture sensor failure on your Whirlpool WED7500GW dryer is a common issue that many DIY enthusiasts successfully repair. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step with detailed explanations to help you diagnose and fix the problem safely and effectively. 🎉 You’ve got this!
🔧 Required Tools & Parts
- Moisture sensor bars
📝 Pro Tip: Gather all your tools and parts before starting. This saves time and prevents frustration mid-repair. Most of these parts can be found online or at appliance parts stores. Make sure you have the correct model number when ordering parts! ✔️ Double-check compatibility before purchasing.
⚠️ Safety First!
⚠️ Always disconnect power before working on your dryer. Electrical safety is non-negotiable. If you’re working with gas dryers, also shut off the gas supply. If you’re unsure about any step, consult a professional technician. Your safety is more important than saving a few dollars! ⚠️ When in doubt, call a pro!
✔️ Step-by-Step Repair Instructions
🔌
🔧 Step 1: Unplug dryer and remove front panel
- Locate the power cord at the back of the dryer where it exits the rear panel, approximately 6 inches from the floor.
- Grasp the plug (not the cord) and pull straight out from the wall outlet with firm pressure.
- Move the power cord to the top of the dryer so it stays out of your work area.
- Open the dryer door fully.
- Insert a 3/16-inch flat-head putty knife into the seam between the top panel and front panel, approximately 2 inches from the right front corner.
- Push the putty knife in about 1 inch until you feel it contact a spring clip.
- Twist the putty knife handle upward to release the clip—you’ll hear a click.
- Repeat steps 5-7 on the left side, 2 inches from the left front corner.
- Lift the top panel up from the front, tilting it back on its rear hinges until it rests against the wall.
- Locate 2 Phillips-head screws on the inside upper corners of the front panel, one on each side where the front panel meets the side panels.
- Remove both screws using a Phillips #2 screwdriver, turning counterclockwise.
- Identify the door switch wire connector—a white plastic connector with 2 wires located on the right side of the front panel opening, approximately 8 inches down from the top.
- Press the locking tab on the wire connector and pull the two halves apart.
- Lift the front panel up approximately 1 inch to clear the support tabs at the bottom.
- Tilt the top of the panel toward you and lift it completely away from the dryer cabinet.
- Set the front panel aside in a safe location where it won’t be damaged.
🔍
🛠️ Step 2: Locate moisture sensor bars
- Open the dryer door fully and look into the drum interior.
- Direct your flashlight or room lighting toward the bottom front section of the drum, just below the door opening.
- Identify two parallel metal bars mounted horizontally on the drum’s inner surface, positioned approximately 3-4 inches from the bottom of the drum opening.
- Look for the sensor bars’ distinctive appearance: two smooth, stainless steel strips, each approximately 4-5 inches long and 1/4 inch wide, running parallel to each other with approximately 1 inch of space between them.
- Trace the sensor bars horizontally across the drum – they span from approximately 2 inches left of center to 2 inches right of center of the door opening.
- Notice that the sensor bars are mounted flush with the drum’s plastic or porcelain-coated interior surface, appearing as raised metal strips.
- Run your finger across the bars to confirm their metallic surface – they should feel smooth and cool to the touch, unlike the surrounding drum material.
- Look at the left end of the sensor bars where they disappear into the drum wall – this is where the wiring connects on the exterior side of the drum (you’ll access this connection in later steps).
- Check the bars for any visible debris, lint buildup, or residue that appears as a white film or brown discoloration – this confirms you’ve found the correct components, as sensor bars commonly accumulate fabric softener residue.
- Verify you’re looking at the moisture sensors and not other drum components by confirming: two bars only, metallic finish, horizontal orientation, located in the front lower drum section directly below the lint filter housing area.
🧹
⚙️ Step 3: Clean bars thoroughly
- Fill a bucket or large sink basin with 1 gallon of hot water (120-140°F).
- Add 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap and 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the water, then mix with your hand for 10 seconds.
- Place both moisture sensor bars into the cleaning solution, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Let the bars soak for 15 minutes to loosen residue and mineral deposits.
- Remove one bar from the solution and hold it horizontally over the bucket.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to wipe along the entire length of the bar, applying moderate pressure with back-and-forth strokes for 30 seconds.
- For stubborn buildup on the bar surface, dip a toothbrush in the cleaning solution and scrub the affected areas using circular motions for 20-30 seconds.
- Pay special attention to the metal contact points at each end of the bar where white or gray mineral deposits typically accumulate—scrub these areas with the toothbrush until all visible residue is removed.
- Rinse the bar under running tap water for 15 seconds, rotating it to ensure all soap residue washes away.
- Inspect the bar under good lighting—the metal surface should appear shiny with no white film, crusty deposits, or fabric softener residue visible.
- If any buildup remains, repeat steps 6-9 on the affected areas.
- Dry the bar completely using a clean, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel.
- Repeat steps 5-12 for the second moisture sensor bar.
- Set both cleaned and dried bars on a clean towel on your work surface, positioning them parallel to each other with at least 6 inches of separation.
- Visually confirm both bars have a uniform metallic shine along their entire length with no residue present before proceeding to the next step.
🧪
🔩 Step 4: Test resistance changes with dampness
- Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting at the 20K range or auto-ranging mode if available.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the two wire terminals on the moisture sensor bars you accessed in the previous step – polarity doesn’t matter for resistance testing.
- Record the initial resistance reading on dry sensor bars, which should display between 10,000 ohms (10K) and infinite resistance (typically showing “OL” for overload on the meter).
- Fill a spray bottle with clean tap water.
- Spray 3-4 pumps of water directly onto the sensor bars while keeping the multimeter probes in contact with the terminals.
- Watch the multimeter display as moisture contacts the sensor bars – you should see the resistance drop immediately to between 50 ohms and 500 ohms.
- Spray additional water if the reading doesn’t change, ensuring water makes contact across both sensor bars simultaneously.
- Wipe the sensor bars dry with a clean cloth, pressing the probes back against the terminals.
- Observe the resistance reading climb back up toward 10,000 ohms or higher as the bars dry.
- Repeat steps 5-9 two more times to verify consistent resistance changes – each cycle should show the same pattern of high resistance when dry (above 10,000 ohms) and low resistance when wet (50-500 ohms).
âś…
đź“‹ Step 5: If no response, replace sensor
- Order replacement moisture sensor assembly (Whirlpool part number W10467289 or equivalent) which includes two sensor strips and wire connectors.
- Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet to cut all electrical power.
- Open the dryer door and locate the two vertical metal sensor strips mounted inside the drum on the right side, approximately 3 inches from the front edge and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Remove the existing sensor strips by unscrewing the single 1/4-inch hex head screw at the top of each strip using a 1/4-inch nut driver or socket.
- Pull each sensor strip forward and out of the drum, allowing the wires to feed through the small holes in the drum’s rear wall.
- Access the wire connections by removing the dryer’s top panel: insert a putty knife 3 inches from each front corner, push in 1 inch, then lift up to release the spring clips.
- Locate the white plastic wire connector attached to the sensor wires, positioned on the right side of the drum housing approximately 8 inches back from the front edge.
- Squeeze the locking tab on the connector and pull straight apart to disconnect.
- Feed the new sensor strip wires through the drum holes from inside, leaving 2 inches of wire visible on the back side.
- Position each sensor strip flush against the drum interior and align the mounting holes.
- Insert and tighten the 1/4-inch hex head screws until the strips are firmly mounted but do not overtighten—stop when the strip no longer moves.
- Connect the new wire harness to the matching connector on the dryer’s main harness—the connector will click audibly when properly seated.
- Lower the top panel and push down firmly until both front corners click into place.
- Plug the dryer back into the outlet and run a test cycle to verify the sensor now detects moisture correctly.
âś…
âś… Step 6: Install new moisture sensor
- Locate the two metal sensor bars (part number W10384698) – these are 4-inch long strips that mount to the inside of the dryer drum on the back wall, positioned horizontally about 8 inches up from the bottom and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Position the lower sensor bar first, aligning its mounting holes with the existing threaded holes in the drum’s back wall – the bar sits with its curved edge facing down.
- Thread in the left mounting screw by hand using a 1/4-inch hex nut driver, but don’t tighten yet.
- Insert the right mounting screw the same way, then tighten both screws to finger-tight plus one-quarter turn – approximately 8-10 inch-pounds if using a torque screwdriver.
- Position the upper sensor bar 2 inches above the lower bar, maintaining parallel alignment with the lower bar.
- Install both mounting screws for the upper bar using the same technique as step 4.
- Route the white wire connector attached to the sensor bars toward the right side of the drum opening where it exits near the lint filter housing.
- Locate the matching white female connector coming from the control board – it hangs approximately 3 inches inside the front panel opening on the right side.
- Push the two white connectors together until you hear and feel a distinct click – the connector measures approximately 1 inch wide and has a locking tab on top.
- Tug gently on both sides of the connection to verify it’s locked – there should be no separation.
- Test sensor continuity by setting a multimeter to ohms and touching one probe to each sensor bar – you should read infinite resistance when dry and dropping resistance (below 500k ohms) when you wet your finger and touch both bars simultaneously.
🧪
🔍 Step 7: Test moisture detection
- Plug the dryer power cord back into the 240-volt wall outlet.
- Open the dryer door and locate the two metal moisture sensor bars mounted on the inside of the drum, positioned horizontally at the 2 o’clock position when facing the drum opening, approximately 8 inches from the front edge.
- Take a clean, damp washcloth and wring it out so it’s noticeably wet but not dripping.
- Press the washcloth firmly against both metal sensor bars simultaneously, covering at least 3 inches of each bar’s length.
- Close the dryer door while holding the damp cloth against the sensors from inside (reach in and hold it in place).
- Press the “Sensor Dry” button on the control panel, then select “Normal” dry level.
- Press the “Start” button and listen for the dryer to begin the cycle.
- Open the door within 10 seconds—the dryer should stop immediately and display remaining time on the LED screen showing between 20-40 minutes (indicates sensors detected moisture).
- Remove the damp cloth and close the door empty.
- Press “Start” again—the dryer should run for 2-3 minutes then automatically shut off with a completion tone (indicates sensors detected no moisture and ended the cycle early).
- Run a final test with 2-3 completely dry towels: press “Sensor Dry,” select “Normal,” and start the cycle.
- The dryer should run for approximately 3-8 minutes, then shut off automatically with the “Cycle Complete” indicator lit on the control panel.
- If all three tests pass (wet cloth detection, empty drum shutdown, dry load shutdown), moisture sensing is functioning correctly and your repair is complete.
- If the dryer runs continuously beyond 10 minutes on the empty or dry load test, recheck the wire harness connection at the moisture sensor terminal block (top right inside the drum housing) by unplugging power and reseating the white 2-wire connector.
đź›’ Recommended Products
🛠️ Step 2: Locate moisture sensor bars
- Open the dryer door fully and look into the drum interior.
- Direct your flashlight or room lighting toward the bottom front section of the drum, just below the door opening.
- Identify two parallel metal bars mounted horizontally on the drum’s inner surface, positioned approximately 3-4 inches from the bottom of the drum opening.
- Look for the sensor bars’ distinctive appearance: two smooth, stainless steel strips, each approximately 4-5 inches long and 1/4 inch wide, running parallel to each other with approximately 1 inch of space between them.
- Trace the sensor bars horizontally across the drum – they span from approximately 2 inches left of center to 2 inches right of center of the door opening.
- Notice that the sensor bars are mounted flush with the drum’s plastic or porcelain-coated interior surface, appearing as raised metal strips.
- Run your finger across the bars to confirm their metallic surface – they should feel smooth and cool to the touch, unlike the surrounding drum material.
- Look at the left end of the sensor bars where they disappear into the drum wall – this is where the wiring connects on the exterior side of the drum (you’ll access this connection in later steps).
- Check the bars for any visible debris, lint buildup, or residue that appears as a white film or brown discoloration – this confirms you’ve found the correct components, as sensor bars commonly accumulate fabric softener residue.
- Verify you’re looking at the moisture sensors and not other drum components by confirming: two bars only, metallic finish, horizontal orientation, located in the front lower drum section directly below the lint filter housing area.
🧹
⚙️ Step 3: Clean bars thoroughly
- Fill a bucket or large sink basin with 1 gallon of hot water (120-140°F).
- Add 2 tablespoons of liquid dish soap and 1/4 cup of white vinegar to the water, then mix with your hand for 10 seconds.
- Place both moisture sensor bars into the cleaning solution, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Let the bars soak for 15 minutes to loosen residue and mineral deposits.
- Remove one bar from the solution and hold it horizontally over the bucket.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth to wipe along the entire length of the bar, applying moderate pressure with back-and-forth strokes for 30 seconds.
- For stubborn buildup on the bar surface, dip a toothbrush in the cleaning solution and scrub the affected areas using circular motions for 20-30 seconds.
- Pay special attention to the metal contact points at each end of the bar where white or gray mineral deposits typically accumulate—scrub these areas with the toothbrush until all visible residue is removed.
- Rinse the bar under running tap water for 15 seconds, rotating it to ensure all soap residue washes away.
- Inspect the bar under good lighting—the metal surface should appear shiny with no white film, crusty deposits, or fabric softener residue visible.
- If any buildup remains, repeat steps 6-9 on the affected areas.
- Dry the bar completely using a clean, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel.
- Repeat steps 5-12 for the second moisture sensor bar.
- Set both cleaned and dried bars on a clean towel on your work surface, positioning them parallel to each other with at least 6 inches of separation.
- Visually confirm both bars have a uniform metallic shine along their entire length with no residue present before proceeding to the next step.
🧪
🔩 Step 4: Test resistance changes with dampness
- Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting at the 20K range or auto-ranging mode if available.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the two wire terminals on the moisture sensor bars you accessed in the previous step – polarity doesn’t matter for resistance testing.
- Record the initial resistance reading on dry sensor bars, which should display between 10,000 ohms (10K) and infinite resistance (typically showing “OL” for overload on the meter).
- Fill a spray bottle with clean tap water.
- Spray 3-4 pumps of water directly onto the sensor bars while keeping the multimeter probes in contact with the terminals.
- Watch the multimeter display as moisture contacts the sensor bars – you should see the resistance drop immediately to between 50 ohms and 500 ohms.
- Spray additional water if the reading doesn’t change, ensuring water makes contact across both sensor bars simultaneously.
- Wipe the sensor bars dry with a clean cloth, pressing the probes back against the terminals.
- Observe the resistance reading climb back up toward 10,000 ohms or higher as the bars dry.
- Repeat steps 5-9 two more times to verify consistent resistance changes – each cycle should show the same pattern of high resistance when dry (above 10,000 ohms) and low resistance when wet (50-500 ohms).
âś…
đź“‹ Step 5: If no response, replace sensor
- Order replacement moisture sensor assembly (Whirlpool part number W10467289 or equivalent) which includes two sensor strips and wire connectors.
- Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet to cut all electrical power.
- Open the dryer door and locate the two vertical metal sensor strips mounted inside the drum on the right side, approximately 3 inches from the front edge and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Remove the existing sensor strips by unscrewing the single 1/4-inch hex head screw at the top of each strip using a 1/4-inch nut driver or socket.
- Pull each sensor strip forward and out of the drum, allowing the wires to feed through the small holes in the drum’s rear wall.
- Access the wire connections by removing the dryer’s top panel: insert a putty knife 3 inches from each front corner, push in 1 inch, then lift up to release the spring clips.
- Locate the white plastic wire connector attached to the sensor wires, positioned on the right side of the drum housing approximately 8 inches back from the front edge.
- Squeeze the locking tab on the connector and pull straight apart to disconnect.
- Feed the new sensor strip wires through the drum holes from inside, leaving 2 inches of wire visible on the back side.
- Position each sensor strip flush against the drum interior and align the mounting holes.
- Insert and tighten the 1/4-inch hex head screws until the strips are firmly mounted but do not overtighten—stop when the strip no longer moves.
- Connect the new wire harness to the matching connector on the dryer’s main harness—the connector will click audibly when properly seated.
- Lower the top panel and push down firmly until both front corners click into place.
- Plug the dryer back into the outlet and run a test cycle to verify the sensor now detects moisture correctly.
âś…
âś… Step 6: Install new moisture sensor
- Locate the two metal sensor bars (part number W10384698) – these are 4-inch long strips that mount to the inside of the dryer drum on the back wall, positioned horizontally about 8 inches up from the bottom and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Position the lower sensor bar first, aligning its mounting holes with the existing threaded holes in the drum’s back wall – the bar sits with its curved edge facing down.
- Thread in the left mounting screw by hand using a 1/4-inch hex nut driver, but don’t tighten yet.
- Insert the right mounting screw the same way, then tighten both screws to finger-tight plus one-quarter turn – approximately 8-10 inch-pounds if using a torque screwdriver.
- Position the upper sensor bar 2 inches above the lower bar, maintaining parallel alignment with the lower bar.
- Install both mounting screws for the upper bar using the same technique as step 4.
- Route the white wire connector attached to the sensor bars toward the right side of the drum opening where it exits near the lint filter housing.
- Locate the matching white female connector coming from the control board – it hangs approximately 3 inches inside the front panel opening on the right side.
- Push the two white connectors together until you hear and feel a distinct click – the connector measures approximately 1 inch wide and has a locking tab on top.
- Tug gently on both sides of the connection to verify it’s locked – there should be no separation.
- Test sensor continuity by setting a multimeter to ohms and touching one probe to each sensor bar – you should read infinite resistance when dry and dropping resistance (below 500k ohms) when you wet your finger and touch both bars simultaneously.
🧪
🔍 Step 7: Test moisture detection
- Plug the dryer power cord back into the 240-volt wall outlet.
- Open the dryer door and locate the two metal moisture sensor bars mounted on the inside of the drum, positioned horizontally at the 2 o’clock position when facing the drum opening, approximately 8 inches from the front edge.
- Take a clean, damp washcloth and wring it out so it’s noticeably wet but not dripping.
- Press the washcloth firmly against both metal sensor bars simultaneously, covering at least 3 inches of each bar’s length.
- Close the dryer door while holding the damp cloth against the sensors from inside (reach in and hold it in place).
- Press the “Sensor Dry” button on the control panel, then select “Normal” dry level.
- Press the “Start” button and listen for the dryer to begin the cycle.
- Open the door within 10 seconds—the dryer should stop immediately and display remaining time on the LED screen showing between 20-40 minutes (indicates sensors detected moisture).
- Remove the damp cloth and close the door empty.
- Press “Start” again—the dryer should run for 2-3 minutes then automatically shut off with a completion tone (indicates sensors detected no moisture and ended the cycle early).
- Run a final test with 2-3 completely dry towels: press “Sensor Dry,” select “Normal,” and start the cycle.
- The dryer should run for approximately 3-8 minutes, then shut off automatically with the “Cycle Complete” indicator lit on the control panel.
- If all three tests pass (wet cloth detection, empty drum shutdown, dry load shutdown), moisture sensing is functioning correctly and your repair is complete.
- If the dryer runs continuously beyond 10 minutes on the empty or dry load test, recheck the wire harness connection at the moisture sensor terminal block (top right inside the drum housing) by unplugging power and reseating the white 2-wire connector.
đź›’ Recommended Products
🔩 Step 4: Test resistance changes with dampness
- Set your multimeter to the ohms (Ω) setting at the 20K range or auto-ranging mode if available.
- Touch the multimeter probes to the two wire terminals on the moisture sensor bars you accessed in the previous step – polarity doesn’t matter for resistance testing.
- Record the initial resistance reading on dry sensor bars, which should display between 10,000 ohms (10K) and infinite resistance (typically showing “OL” for overload on the meter).
- Fill a spray bottle with clean tap water.
- Spray 3-4 pumps of water directly onto the sensor bars while keeping the multimeter probes in contact with the terminals.
- Watch the multimeter display as moisture contacts the sensor bars – you should see the resistance drop immediately to between 50 ohms and 500 ohms.
- Spray additional water if the reading doesn’t change, ensuring water makes contact across both sensor bars simultaneously.
- Wipe the sensor bars dry with a clean cloth, pressing the probes back against the terminals.
- Observe the resistance reading climb back up toward 10,000 ohms or higher as the bars dry.
- Repeat steps 5-9 two more times to verify consistent resistance changes – each cycle should show the same pattern of high resistance when dry (above 10,000 ohms) and low resistance when wet (50-500 ohms).
âś…
đź“‹ Step 5: If no response, replace sensor
- Order replacement moisture sensor assembly (Whirlpool part number W10467289 or equivalent) which includes two sensor strips and wire connectors.
- Unplug the dryer from the wall outlet to cut all electrical power.
- Open the dryer door and locate the two vertical metal sensor strips mounted inside the drum on the right side, approximately 3 inches from the front edge and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Remove the existing sensor strips by unscrewing the single 1/4-inch hex head screw at the top of each strip using a 1/4-inch nut driver or socket.
- Pull each sensor strip forward and out of the drum, allowing the wires to feed through the small holes in the drum’s rear wall.
- Access the wire connections by removing the dryer’s top panel: insert a putty knife 3 inches from each front corner, push in 1 inch, then lift up to release the spring clips.
- Locate the white plastic wire connector attached to the sensor wires, positioned on the right side of the drum housing approximately 8 inches back from the front edge.
- Squeeze the locking tab on the connector and pull straight apart to disconnect.
- Feed the new sensor strip wires through the drum holes from inside, leaving 2 inches of wire visible on the back side.
- Position each sensor strip flush against the drum interior and align the mounting holes.
- Insert and tighten the 1/4-inch hex head screws until the strips are firmly mounted but do not overtighten—stop when the strip no longer moves.
- Connect the new wire harness to the matching connector on the dryer’s main harness—the connector will click audibly when properly seated.
- Lower the top panel and push down firmly until both front corners click into place.
- Plug the dryer back into the outlet and run a test cycle to verify the sensor now detects moisture correctly.
âś…
âś… Step 6: Install new moisture sensor
- Locate the two metal sensor bars (part number W10384698) – these are 4-inch long strips that mount to the inside of the dryer drum on the back wall, positioned horizontally about 8 inches up from the bottom and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Position the lower sensor bar first, aligning its mounting holes with the existing threaded holes in the drum’s back wall – the bar sits with its curved edge facing down.
- Thread in the left mounting screw by hand using a 1/4-inch hex nut driver, but don’t tighten yet.
- Insert the right mounting screw the same way, then tighten both screws to finger-tight plus one-quarter turn – approximately 8-10 inch-pounds if using a torque screwdriver.
- Position the upper sensor bar 2 inches above the lower bar, maintaining parallel alignment with the lower bar.
- Install both mounting screws for the upper bar using the same technique as step 4.
- Route the white wire connector attached to the sensor bars toward the right side of the drum opening where it exits near the lint filter housing.
- Locate the matching white female connector coming from the control board – it hangs approximately 3 inches inside the front panel opening on the right side.
- Push the two white connectors together until you hear and feel a distinct click – the connector measures approximately 1 inch wide and has a locking tab on top.
- Tug gently on both sides of the connection to verify it’s locked – there should be no separation.
- Test sensor continuity by setting a multimeter to ohms and touching one probe to each sensor bar – you should read infinite resistance when dry and dropping resistance (below 500k ohms) when you wet your finger and touch both bars simultaneously.
🧪
🔍 Step 7: Test moisture detection
- Plug the dryer power cord back into the 240-volt wall outlet.
- Open the dryer door and locate the two metal moisture sensor bars mounted on the inside of the drum, positioned horizontally at the 2 o’clock position when facing the drum opening, approximately 8 inches from the front edge.
- Take a clean, damp washcloth and wring it out so it’s noticeably wet but not dripping.
- Press the washcloth firmly against both metal sensor bars simultaneously, covering at least 3 inches of each bar’s length.
- Close the dryer door while holding the damp cloth against the sensors from inside (reach in and hold it in place).
- Press the “Sensor Dry” button on the control panel, then select “Normal” dry level.
- Press the “Start” button and listen for the dryer to begin the cycle.
- Open the door within 10 seconds—the dryer should stop immediately and display remaining time on the LED screen showing between 20-40 minutes (indicates sensors detected moisture).
- Remove the damp cloth and close the door empty.
- Press “Start” again—the dryer should run for 2-3 minutes then automatically shut off with a completion tone (indicates sensors detected no moisture and ended the cycle early).
- Run a final test with 2-3 completely dry towels: press “Sensor Dry,” select “Normal,” and start the cycle.
- The dryer should run for approximately 3-8 minutes, then shut off automatically with the “Cycle Complete” indicator lit on the control panel.
- If all three tests pass (wet cloth detection, empty drum shutdown, dry load shutdown), moisture sensing is functioning correctly and your repair is complete.
- If the dryer runs continuously beyond 10 minutes on the empty or dry load test, recheck the wire harness connection at the moisture sensor terminal block (top right inside the drum housing) by unplugging power and reseating the white 2-wire connector.
đź›’ Recommended Products
âś… Step 6: Install new moisture sensor
- Locate the two metal sensor bars (part number W10384698) – these are 4-inch long strips that mount to the inside of the dryer drum on the back wall, positioned horizontally about 8 inches up from the bottom and spaced 2 inches apart.
- Position the lower sensor bar first, aligning its mounting holes with the existing threaded holes in the drum’s back wall – the bar sits with its curved edge facing down.
- Thread in the left mounting screw by hand using a 1/4-inch hex nut driver, but don’t tighten yet.
- Insert the right mounting screw the same way, then tighten both screws to finger-tight plus one-quarter turn – approximately 8-10 inch-pounds if using a torque screwdriver.
- Position the upper sensor bar 2 inches above the lower bar, maintaining parallel alignment with the lower bar.
- Install both mounting screws for the upper bar using the same technique as step 4.
- Route the white wire connector attached to the sensor bars toward the right side of the drum opening where it exits near the lint filter housing.
- Locate the matching white female connector coming from the control board – it hangs approximately 3 inches inside the front panel opening on the right side.
- Push the two white connectors together until you hear and feel a distinct click – the connector measures approximately 1 inch wide and has a locking tab on top.
- Tug gently on both sides of the connection to verify it’s locked – there should be no separation.
- Test sensor continuity by setting a multimeter to ohms and touching one probe to each sensor bar – you should read infinite resistance when dry and dropping resistance (below 500k ohms) when you wet your finger and touch both bars simultaneously.
🧪
🔍 Step 7: Test moisture detection
- Plug the dryer power cord back into the 240-volt wall outlet.
- Open the dryer door and locate the two metal moisture sensor bars mounted on the inside of the drum, positioned horizontally at the 2 o’clock position when facing the drum opening, approximately 8 inches from the front edge.
- Take a clean, damp washcloth and wring it out so it’s noticeably wet but not dripping.
- Press the washcloth firmly against both metal sensor bars simultaneously, covering at least 3 inches of each bar’s length.
- Close the dryer door while holding the damp cloth against the sensors from inside (reach in and hold it in place).
- Press the “Sensor Dry” button on the control panel, then select “Normal” dry level.
- Press the “Start” button and listen for the dryer to begin the cycle.
- Open the door within 10 seconds—the dryer should stop immediately and display remaining time on the LED screen showing between 20-40 minutes (indicates sensors detected moisture).
- Remove the damp cloth and close the door empty.
- Press “Start” again—the dryer should run for 2-3 minutes then automatically shut off with a completion tone (indicates sensors detected no moisture and ended the cycle early).
- Run a final test with 2-3 completely dry towels: press “Sensor Dry,” select “Normal,” and start the cycle.
- The dryer should run for approximately 3-8 minutes, then shut off automatically with the “Cycle Complete” indicator lit on the control panel.
- If all three tests pass (wet cloth detection, empty drum shutdown, dry load shutdown), moisture sensing is functioning correctly and your repair is complete.
- If the dryer runs continuously beyond 10 minutes on the empty or dry load test, recheck the wire harness connection at the moisture sensor terminal block (top right inside the drum housing) by unplugging power and reseating the white 2-wire connector.
đź›’ Recommended Products
Here are the recommended products for this repair:
- (2 Pack) Rayhoor 6500EL3001A Dryer Moisture Sensor Bar Replacement Part Fit for LG Kenmore – Replaces PD00001914, 1268224, AP4445128, EAP3529161
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