Amana dryer F3E6: moisture sensor open
F3E6 means the moisture sensor strip circuit reads as open. It is shown only in the service diagnostic menu.
What F3E6 means
- Brand
- Amana
- Appliance
- Electric dryer, Gas dryer
- Code
- F3E6
- Documented meaning
- Moisture sensor open
- Applies to
- 9 Amana models on 5 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
What the dryer is detecting
The control passes a small signal between the metal sensor strips in the drum. An open circuit that never changes, even with wet clothes, sets F3E6 in the service diagnostics.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented An open moisture sensor strip or a broken wire to it.
- Possible A loose connection at the sensor or the main control.
Safe checks you can make
- Wipe the two metal moisture-sensing strips inside the drum (usually near the lint screen opening) with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol to remove fabric-softener film.
- On many models this code is stored only for the service diagnostic menu, so the dryer may still run normally; if you see it, note it for the technician.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Runs the moisture sensor test in the service diagnostics.
- Inspects sensor wiring and connections.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Dryer moisture sensor bar repair | $180–$310 | Light |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. The dryer normally still runs. Automatic cycles may run long; timed dry works as a workaround.
Amana models documented with this code
And 1 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Amana platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a dryer. Most F3E6 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 12–14-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need F3E6 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.