Whirlpool Dryer Moisture Sensor Work

If your Whirlpool dryer leaves clothes damp, you may have a defective moisture sensor. A common symptom of a failed sensor is a Whirlpool dryer not drying all the way. The dryer moisture sensor is designed to detect the moisture level in the dryer and adjust the dry cycle time accordingly. If the moisture sensor is broken, the dryer will be spinning its wheels.

Whirlpool Dryer Moisture Sensor – How Does it Work?

A moisture sensor makes sure your clothes are dried sufficiently but keeps them from being overdried as well. It’s the critical part that gives clothes that “just right” level of dryness we’ve come to expect from a quality dryer.

How Do Moisture Sensors in a Dryer Work?

So how do moisture sensors in a dryer work? There are a few ways the dryer moisture sensor can function. The least effective is to connect to a thermostat, where the heat will eventually reach the thermostat which, in turn, will terminate the dry cycle.

Another method is for the sensor to have little prongs inside the dryer that “feel” the weight of the clothes, and as the clothes dry and become lighter, the prongs disconnect, stopping the dry cycle. This method is more reliable than the thermostat, but still not fool-proof.

The most efficient method is for the dryer to have a conductive sensor, which detects the electrical resistance present in the dryer. Water is a good conductor of electricity, so as the clothes dry, the sensor activates the cooling setting to complete the dry cycle.

Image from Kitchen Decor

How to Test a Whirlpool Dryer Moisture Sensor

Looking to fix the problem? You need to know how to test a Whirlpool dryer moisture sensor. You can perform a sensor test simply by running a wet load through the dryer and checking it frequently to determine exactly when the clothes are dry enough. If the dryer is still running after the clothes are dry, you should replace the sensor.

Replacing a Whirlpool Dryer Moisture Sensor

Replacing a Whirlpool moisture sensor requires a screwdriver, putty knife or similar flat tool, and some patience. You can follow this video tutorial here to replace the sensor. Refer to your owner’s manual to identify the correct sensor needed, or contact Tampa Appliance Parts for assistance.