Try running the dryer in time mode. This will take it out of sensor mode. If the dryer stays on, reconnect the sensor bars and you're good to go.
Good luck.
That's a great idea.
If I remember correctly the old (not Whirlpool made) Maytag dryers had a wire that would go to the sensor that was located in the front of the dryer.
You would have to unplug this wire when removing the front of the dryer to work on it. If you forgot to plug the wire back in the dryer would run for only a short time too before turning off.
Anyway I think krazytech already found the problem and has it fixed, right?