How to Replace the Moisture Sensor on a Whirlpool Dryer

Tools

• For this job, you’ll need a putty knife, nut driver with magnetic cover and needle nose pliers. You may also want a small flathead screwdriver to assist in loosening certain parts. You’ll need to stop this job halfway through and take the old sensor to your local repair shop to get a replacement.

Safety

• Unplug the dryer from the power before starting any work on it. If the dryer is hard-wired to the wall, then disconnect the dryer’s breaker. You’ll be working with the electrical components, so you don’t want to get shocked. Additionally, the interior panels can be sharp, so it's a good idea to wear work gloves if you’ve never serviced your dryer and are unsure of the internal surfaces.

Disassembly

• Slide the putty knife under the two front latches holding the top down. You'll find the latches on opposite ends of the top front panel. Once the latches click, gently open the top and rest it against the wall. Remove the nuts on the inside of the door with your nut driver. Disconnect the door switch, and gently pull the front panel out and up.

Replacing the Sensor

• Locate the sensor just under the drying tunnel and disconnect its terminal points. The sensor will be right under the basket and have a circuit connected to it. The sensor itself is a long piece of metal. Push the end back through the dryer using the needle nose pliers until it comes loose enough to grip. Pull the old sensor loose and take it to an appliance parts store to purchase a replacement. To put in the new sensor, put the small tab in first and then the long tab. Click it into place, reconnect the terminal ends and reverse the rest of the steps to reassemble the dryer.