Maytag Dryer F27 Error: Moisture sensor fault
What Does Maytag Dryer Error Code F27 Mean? F27 indicates a moisture sensor fault on Maytag Bravos XL and Centennial dryers. Maytag MEDB and MEDX series dryers use two metal sensing strips inside the drum to measure the electrical conductivity of laundry — wet fabric conducts electricity; dry fabric does not. The control board reads […]
Quick Assessment
Answer to continue safely
Is it safe to keep using?
Maybe. The dryer can operate on timed cycles without a functional moisture sensor, but auto-dry cycles will be unreliable. Using timed mode is acceptable short-term while scheduling repair.
Can I reset the code?
Yes. Cleaning the sensor bars often clears F27 without any board reset. If the sensor has physically failed, replacement resolves the code without additional reset steps.
When to stop immediately?
Stop if you notice: F27 persists after thorough sensor bar cleaning, Sensor strips are physically broken or missing.
Symptoms You May Notice
Auto-dry cycles over-dry or under-dry laundry
Loads that should exit the dryer damp-dry come out bone dry, or conversely remain damp, because the moisture sensor is feeding incorrect data to the control board.
F27 displayed at cycle start or end
The control shows F27 when the moisture sensor circuit reads out of the expected resistance range, indicating a failed sensor or dirty sensor bars.
Dryer runs for the full maximum time on auto cycles
Without a reliable moisture reading the board cannot end the cycle early. The dryer runs to the timed maximum even on light loads.
Auto-dry time varies wildly
One load dries in 20 minutes while an identical load takes over an hour on the same setting.
Possible Causes
Dirty or coated moisture sensor bars
The two metal sensor strips inside the drum have a film of fabric softener residue or dryer sheet wax. This insulating coating prevents the sensor from reading laundry conductivity accurately and is the most common cause of F27.
DIY PossibleFailed moisture sensor assembly
One or both sensor strips have physically failed — broken, corroded, or detached. This requires replacement of the sensor assembly.
Requires ProfessionalWiring harness fault at the sensor connector
The connector or wiring between the moisture sensor and the control board has a break or corrosion, presenting an open or shorted signal to the board.
Requires ProfessionalSafe Checks You Can Do
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1
Clean the moisture sensor bars
Open the dryer door and locate the two horizontal metal strips inside the drum on the front bulkhead (typically below the door opening on Maytag Bravos XL models). Using a cotton cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl 70%), wipe each strip firmly several times. Allow to dry completely before running a cycle.
If you use dryer sheets regularly, clean the sensor bars every 1–2 months. Dryer sheet wax is the single most common cause of sensor coating on Maytag Bravos dryers.
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2
Run a test load after cleaning
Run a small load of damp towels on the Auto-Dry Normal setting. If the cycle terminates before the maximum time and clothes are dry, the sensor cleaning resolved the issue. If F27 returns, the sensor assembly or wiring needs professional inspection.
A load of 4–6 damp bath towels is the standard test load for moisture sensor verification on Maytag Bravos models.
When to Call a Professional
Contact a qualified technician if:
- Moisture sensor assembly replacement
- Wiring harness inspection at sensor connector
- Control board sensor input diagnosis if sensor tests good
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