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How to Replace a Maytag Dryer Sensor

Kenneth Crawford

The Maytag dryer moisture sensors control the amount of time it takes to dry clothes. When the dryer takes too long or does not dry the clothes the moisture sensor may need to be replaced. Most older model Maytags use a moisture sensor located on the back of the drum.

They only require two screws to be removed and then replace with a new sensor.

The late model Maytag dryer moisture sensors require some disassembly of the dryer cabinet. You can still replace a Maytag dryer moisture sensor on these models and save money. The average handyperson can accomplish this with a few hand tools.

Warning

Always disconnect appliance from their power source before attempting repairs.

  1. Unplug the Maytag dryer power cord from the electrical wall outlet. Pull the dryer about 3 feet away from the wall to give yourself room to work behind the dryer. Use a 10mm nut driver to remove the two screws on the rear of the Maytag dryer that secure the top panel to the rear panel. Slide the top panel towards the back wall and remove the top panel from the dryer.

  2. Go to the front of the Maytag dryer and remove the two screws that secure the cover of the heater board with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Disconnect the black and white wire connectors by pulling them off of the board with your fingers. Remove the four screws that attach the console to the dryer. Rotate the console down to disconnect it from the washer and set it on top of the dryer drum.

  3. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the four screws at the top of the front panel that secure the panel to the dryer. Open the Maytag dryer door and remove the two screws on the lower inside door lip. Close the dryer door and grab the front panel on each side. Carefully lift up the front panel and disengage the panel from the bottom tabs. Set the front panel out of your way.

  4. Disconnect the moisture sensor wiring harness from the moisture sensor. The moisture sensor is on the front bulkhead. Remove the sensor attachment by removing the securing screw with a Phillips-head screwdriver. Take the defective sensor to an appliance repair store and purchase a replacement. Set the new Maytag dryer sensor into the front bulkhead and secure it with the retaining screw. Reconnect the wiring harness to the sensor.

  5. Set the front panel back into the lower tabs and loosely secure the top of the front panel to the dryer using the four retaining screws. Open the dryer door and replace the two retaining screws inside the door lip. Close the dryer door and tighten the four retaining screws on the top of the front panel.

  6. Set the control console back into position and secure it with the four retaining screws. Reconnect the black and white wire harnesses to the heater board and replace the heater board cover. Slide the top panel onto the dryer and secure it with the two rear retaining screws. Slide the Maytag dryer back against the wall and plug the dryer into the wall outlet.

The Drip Cap

  • The Maytag dryer moisture sensors control the amount of time it takes to dry clothes.
  • They only require two screws to be removed and then replace with a new sensor.
  • The late model Maytag dryer moisture sensors require some disassembly of the dryer cabinet.
  • Slide the top panel towards the back wall and remove the top panel from the dryer.
  • Open the Maytag dryer door and remove the two screws on the lower inside door lip.
  • Reconnect the wiring harness to the sensor.
  • Reconnect the black and white wire harnesses to the heater board and replace the heater board cover.