LG Dryer – Sensor – NO HEAT – Model DLE7177WM

I have a “no heat” issue with my LG model DLE7177WM electric dryer. I already checked all of the thermostats, the thermistor, etc. and only found one bad part – the moisture sensor or “semi-conductor” LG P/N 6501EL2001A. I have searched high and low for this part. It was discontinued by LG a couple of years ago and cannot be found anywhere! So what can I do (short of throwing this nice dryer away). Is there a work-around? Maybe another component that could replace this “semiconductor”? Or perhaps this component could be opened up and repaired?
Please advise. Thanks!