How to Replace a Dryer Moisture Sensor

Some dryers contain a dryer moisture sensor that controls how long the dryer runs by sensing the moisture in your clothing. If your dryer has such a sensor, but your clothes are not drying fully, the sensor may not be working properly and will need to be replaced. Replacing a dryer moisture sensor is a straightforward process if you follow these simple steps.

Step 1 - Unplug and Move the Dryer

Before working with any electrical appliance, it is important to unplug it to avoid electric shock hazards. Do so first thing with your dryer. In addition, you will need plenty of space behind the dryer to work, so make sure to pull it away from the wall so that you will have enough room to work.

Step 2 - Remove Top Panel

On the back of the dryer, the top panel is secured to the rear panel with two nuts. Use a nut driver to remove these nuts. Then slide the top panel off the dryer and set it aside.

Step 3 - Move Control Console Out of the Way

The control console is held to the heater board on the front of the dryer with two screws and a wiring harness. Undo the screws with your screwdriver. Then unplug the wiring harness. Finally, four screws connect the control console to the dryer. Unscrew these and gently lift the console and place it onto the drum. You needn't remove any more of the wires. Make sure to place all screws in a safe place and don't lose any.

Step 4 - Remove Front Panel

The front panel is held to the dryer by 6 screws. Four of these screws are on the top of the dryer. The other two are inside the dryer at the bottom of the door lip. Unscrew these and place them with the other screws. You will need to open the dryer door to access the two on the bottom. With the door closed, gently lift the front panel up and remove it from the dryer. Place it out of the way with the top panel.

Step 5 - Remove Dryer Moisture Sensor

You can locate the dryer moisture sensor on the front bulkhead of the dryer. It will be attached to the dryer by a single screw attaching it to the drum and a wiring harness. Start by unplugging the wire harness. Then undo the single screw and place it with the others. Pull the dryer moisture sensor out of the dryer and set it aside.

Step 6 - Replace Dryer Moisture Sensor

Screw the new dryer moisture sensor onto the drum and reattach the wiring harness.

Step 7 - Reattach Front Panel

Slide the front panel back into place. With the dryer door open, screw back in the two screws in the door lip. Then reattach the four screws on top.

Step 8 - Put Control Console Back in Place

Move the control console back into place where you found it. Return the four screws attaching the console to the dryer. Plug the wiring harness back in and screw in the final two screws.

Step 9 - Reattach Top Panel

From behind the dryer, slide the top panel back into place and secure it to the rear panel with the two nuts.

Step 10 - Move Dryer Back into Place

Slide the dryer back against the wall. Don't forget to plug it in. There! That's it. Your clothes should once again dry properly.