Are you referring to a topload SmartLoad or AeroSmart dryer? Which specific model number? There is a diagnostic test to confirm the sensor bars are responding.

Yes, both bars must be exposed through the grill. Tumbling clothes must touch the bars to register moisture. There's a separate (white) wire connected to each bar behind the grill. Damp clothes touching the bars completes a low-voltage electric across them, though the two wires to the control board to register moisture. No moisture registration = dry clothes, machine shuts off.

There also should be a green ground wire clipped to the bottom edge of the machine's FRONT panel,

I don't know the exact model number but yes it's the top load dryer.

Is there a way you can post what the sensor should look like? I don't see any parts coming out of the grill. Al I see are two metal clips when you remove the grill cover. One of the strips is uncovered and the other strip seems to be clipped into a plastic cap/cover.

We messed with these when we were diagnosing things and I have no idea what they should look like. Again, nothing hanging out of the grill.

Sensor bars protruding through the grill below the lint bucket.

Bucket and grill removed. A separate white wire is connected to a terminal on each bar. Right-side wire in the picture is on the upper bar, left-side wire on the lower bar.

One bar unclipped from the mounting bracket. One wire connects to one terminal on each bar. Doesn't really matter which terminal on the bars, but opposite ends are normally connected to keep the wires separated behind the grill.