What F3 E2 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX) Means
F3 E2 on the Whirlpool-built VMAX dryer reports the moisture sensor as failed. Those are the two metal strips inside the drum that judge dryness by how well damp laundry conducts between them, and the first published check is for a metal object bridging them.
Common Causes of F3 E2 (110 / Whirlpool-built VMAX)
- A metal item bridging the two moisture sensor bars
- Fabric softener film coating the bars and insulating them
- A broken wire behind the sensor strip
🔧 One Safe Check You Can Try
With the dryer off, look inside the drum for the two metal bars near the lint screen opening and check nothing metallic is lodged across them — a bra underwire or a hairgrip does it perfectly.
⚠ Why You Shouldn't Go Further Than That
- Cleaning the bars with an abrasive scours the surface and makes the coating problem worse next time.
- The sensor wiring runs behind the drum front, which means dismantling around a heat source on a machine that should be isolated first.
- On gas models, shut the gas off at the appliance valve before any panel work begins.
Opening a panel to inspect or repair something yourself doesn't automatically cancel your manufacturer's warranty — but it can risk accidental damage, and some manufacturers do have specific service conditions. Check your product's warranty terms, or ask us, before deciding.