Some time ago, dryers were only required to provide a continuous flow of heat to the clothes for the entire length of time that the timer was running. To date, the units operate more efficiently due to progressive design components in the form of humidity sensors.
In simple terms, these parts constantly check how wet the clothes are in the dryer. As soon as sufficient drying occurs, the sensor will indicate that an immediate stop is required.
This does help save money, at least in the long run, but the dryer’s moisture sensor is not without its problems. The main difficulties, in this case, are associated with closing the dryer, even if the clothes have not had time to dry, continuing to function after it has dried, or fixing in the detection mode.
This article will discuss the most common difficulties and options for overcoming them.
What is a dryer moisture sensor and how does it work?
If you take into account the name of this element, it focuses on how to regulate the degree of humidity directly within the dehumidifier. So, when laying wet garments inside, it indicates to the dryer that it is necessary to transfer heat directly for drying. When complete drying is detected, it signals the need to turn off the power and complete the cycle. Like most elements, it can break down periodically, for this reason, the drying unit is not able to fully function.
Where to find the component?
To do this in practice is not difficult, traditionally the system is represented by two metal-based rods, which are located within the drum itself. And some manufacturers put it in the same housing as the lint filter, so be sure to look there.
If your search attempts are unsuccessful, you should definitely refer to the user manual and find a diagram that shows the location. You should not worry if it has been lost, since the digital analog can be located on the official website of the manufacturer for the purpose of further downloading.
How does the system work?
It was previously noted that it includes 2 metal-based rods. When wet clothes touch the bar, a certain resistance is created, it tells the dryer that it needs to continue working, or that it is time to finish it. But as the clothes lose moisture, this parameter becomes more and more, and the system stops drying altogether. In the case when there is a minimum of moisture in the drum, the timer decreases and eventually stops when the sensor detects the fact that everything is dry.
By what signs can a malfunction be determined?
Problems with the sensor can manifest themselves in different ways, only the most common symptoms will be discussed below.
Continuation of work after completion of drying
This symptom of a malfunction in practice is considered the most common. If the clothes have already dried, but the system continues to work, you need to stop the machine in manual mode and take a closer look at it. Possible problems can be described as follows:
- short circuit directly in the rods;
- formation of deposits directly on the slats.
The sensor detects moisture when an electrical circuit is formed due to wet clothing. If the dryer continues to function even with dry clothes, this may mean something else. Most often, this is a short circuit of the sensor bars, that is, the sensor still tells the dryer to run endlessly, because it thinks that there is moisture inside. If this is true, the sensor needs to be replaced.
Before the issue can be resolved, an inspection must be carried out. This requires touching the sensor with your fingers to detect the presence or absence of wax deposits. Sometimes the excess left from the softener simply accumulates around and over time forms a special build-up that completes the circuit, regardless of the degree of wetness or dryness of the clothes. If this is indeed the case, wipe the sensors with a cloth using a small amount of water. You can also use rubbing alcohol to get rid of wax deposits or other types of dirt.
Jump timer up to one minute with wet clothes
Sometimes the reverse situation can also be felt. Even if the clothes suddenly did not have time to dry, the drying timer jumps to another time, which is not enough. This is a clear sign that the system is still working, but there are inaccuracies in its functioning. To put it simply, the dryer knows that the clothes are wet, but cannot determine how much.
Of course, this may indicate a malfunction of the humidity sensor, but most likely it is dirty, or there is a weakening in its connection. As in the situation with the previous symptom that we considered earlier, here it is worth cleaning the dirty humidity sensor by wiping it thoroughly. If there is no medical alcohol, it will be enough just to take a small amount of soap. If there is no effect, you can simply remove the unit and inspect its wiring. Probably, this approach will solve the problem permanently. If not, then you can replace the entire mechanism.
Switching off the dryer after a few minutes of operation
Sometimes this cycle does not start at all, instead it turns off after a certain number of minutes, even if the inside is full of damp clothes. There is no problem here, in fact, a vent hole that has been blocked can play a role, as can a broken door. If this is not the case, the humidity sensor is probably broken.
Sometimes the dryer refuses to start the drying cycle at all and turns off some time after the start of work. But if its ventilation hole is clean and the door is functioning normally, it may be the humidity sensor.
In simple terms, if it does not detect wet clothes, the dryer will simply turn off, as the system will think that this approach will prevent energy loss and overheating of the entire machine. This circumstance may be due to a defective sensor or something excessive contamination. You also need to make sure that the dryer is on a level surface, otherwise the sensor will not be able to come into contact with wet clothes and will think that the dryer is completely empty.
Dryer stuck on sensing
Specifically for the humidity sensor, this problem is unique. Let’s say you are booting up and turning on the device, and the screen says that sensor mode is in effect. This state of affairs is quite normal, but it is only a problem when it is discovered that the dryer is stuck in Sensing mode and cannot proceed directly to drying. Devices are able to move into this position in order to understand what is the load inside, and what is the level of moisture. So, if the system freezes, this clearly indicates a problem and the inability to start a drying cycle.
The main problem may be related to the humidity sensor, as in the situation with the previous phenomena, it is necessary to check the system and clean it, and also see how it works correctly. If not, then it may not be in the external interface with the sensor, but with what it is connected to from behind. Of the options – a controller or a printed circuit board. If this is true, it will be more difficult to find and fix the malfunction.
Is it worth it to bypass the device?
No, you definitely shouldn’t do this. The only time you can really “sin” is to fix a dryer problem. Even in such a situation, only a professional with the appropriate knowledge and skills should act.
Firstly, the dryer is a device that is capable of generating a large amount of heat.
Secondly, the main purpose of the sensor is to help the dryer decide how much to use when loading.
Otherwise, the risk of a large number of risks is high:
- the system can continue to work even after the clothes are dry, consuming a lot of electricity and, as a result, money;
- In more extreme cases, heat can cause a fire.
How to be – turn to professionals or act independently?
In the vastness of the network you can find a lot of useful information about self-repair of the system, most often this is not just text, but full-fledged videos. In addition, it will not be difficult to find the required spare parts in the vastness of the network and order them directly to your home. But, perhaps, before the desired result is achieved, you will have to go through a lot of trial and error. In simple terms, you will save some time and successfully master needlework skills.
But there is also a lot of value in going to a professional, because they have a decent level of qualifications and a full-fledged set of skills. Trial and error is not required here, because a professional knows what and how to do in order to avoid all sorts of problems and achieve the desired result in the shortest possible time.