Checking the Power Source
The first thing to check when your Maytag dryer won’t heat is the power source. This might seem obvious, but it’s essential to confirm that the unit is receiving power before moving on to other potential problems. To check the power source, start by ensuring that the dryer is correctly plugged into the outlet and that the outlet is functional. You can do this by plugging in another appliance that you know works correctly or by using a circuit tester.
If your dryer is not plugged into the outlet correctly, disconnect it and plug it back in securely. Double-check that you’re plugging it into the correct outlet for your specific model of Maytag dryer. If the outlet isn’t working, check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse. Reset the circuit breaker or replace the fuse if needed.
If the outlet and the power source are both working correctly, you may need to check the power cord. Over time, the wires inside the cord can become damaged or frayed, which can cause the dryer to stop receiving power. To check the power cord, first, disconnect the dryer from the outlet. Then, carefully inspect the power cord from the point where it enters the dryer. Look for any signs of damage, including frayed wires, cuts, or nicks in the coating. If you notice any damage, replace the power cord before proceeding.
Finally, if all of the other potential power source problems are ruled out, check the power supply itself. This may require the help of an electrician because you will need to test the voltage of the incoming power supply to ensure that it’s sufficient to power the dryer. Additionally, if there are any issues with the wiring inside the wall, the electrician will need to repair them.
Inspecting the Thermostat
Another reason why your Maytag dryer may not be heating up could be due to a faulty thermostat. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the dryer. Over time, it can become damaged or worn out, and as a result, it won’t function properly. To inspect the thermostat, you’ll need to take the dryer apart and locate the component. The location of the thermostat may vary depending on your dryer’s model and make, so it’s best to refer to your owner’s manual. Once you’ve found it, you can use a multimeter to test its continuity.
To do this, first, unplug the dryer from the power source. Then, remove the back panel or front panel of the dryer. You should be able to access the thermostat from here. Check for any signs of damage or corrosion on the thermostat. If there are visible signs of damage, then you’ll need to replace it. You can order a replacement thermostat from your local appliance parts store or online. Once you have the new thermostat, remove the old one and install the new one in its place.
Now, to test the thermostat’s continuity, you’ll need to use a multimeter. Set the multimeter to the “ohms” function and touch the probes to the thermostat’s terminals. If the multimeter gives a reading of “0,” then the thermostat is working properly. If it gives a reading of “infinity” or doesn’t give any reading at all, then the thermostat is faulty and will need to be replaced.
It’s important to note that not all Maytag dryers use the same thermostat. Some models may have multiple thermostats, while others may only have one. Additionally, the thermostats may have different temperature ranges, so it’s important to replace them with the correct parts. If you’re unsure about how to replace the thermostat or which part to order, it’s best to consult with a professional or refer to your owner’s manual for guidance.
Overall, inspecting the thermostat is an important step when trying to diagnose a Maytag dryer that won’t heat up. By checking for signs of damage and testing its continuity, you can determine whether or not the thermostat is functioning properly. If it’s not, then replacing the faulty component can help the dryer to heat up properly again.
Testing the Heating Element
If your Maytag dryer is running but not providing heat, the heating element may be the problem. You can check if it is damaged or burnt out by testing it with a multi-meter. To get started, you will need to follow the steps mentioned below:
Contents
Step 1: Safety First
Before attempting to test the heating element, it is essential to ensure your safety. You must unplug your Maytag dryer from its power supply or turn off the circuit breaker or fuse attached to the dryer. Turn off the gas valve as well if your dryer is gas-powered. You need to also wear protective gloves and goggles while testing the heating element to avoid any electrical shocks.
Step 2: Locate the Heating Element
You will find the heating element towards the back of your Maytag dryer, behind the dryer drum. You need to carefully remove the back or top panel of the dryer, depending on the model, to access the heating element. The heating element will look like a long coiled wire and is usually made up of nickel-chrome or a combination of metals.
Step 3: Test the Heating Element with a Multi-Meter
Now that you have accessed the heating element, you can test it with the help of a multi-meter. Set the multi-meter to the continuity test mode, and touch the probes to either end of the heating element. A reading on your multi-meter screen above zero shows that the heating element is working fine. If the reading displays zero, it means that there is no continuity, which indicates that the heating element is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 4: Additional Checks
If the heating element tests good but your Maytag dryer still doesn’t provide heat, there could be another issue causing the problem. You can also check the following parts for faults or damage:
- The High-Limit Thermostat
- The Cycling Thermostat
- The Thermal Cut-Off Fuse
If any of the above components are not functioning correctly, they will need to be replaced. It is best to contact a professional technician to help diagnose and fix any issues with these parts since they require a more detailed level of electrical knowledge as well as specialized equipment.
Step 5: Reassemble and Test
After testing and replacing any faulty components, reassemble your Maytag dryer’s back panel or top cover you removed earlier. Turn on the power supply or the circuit breaker and test your dryer for heat. If the heating element was the problem, your dryer should provide heat as usual.
In conclusion, testing your Maytag dryer’s heating element will save you both time and money compared to taking it to a service center. Before you start testing or fixing any part inside the dryer, it is essential to ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to do so safely. If in doubt or confused, always seek a professional’s assistance to avoid any damage to your dryer.
Examining the Thermal Fuse
The thermal fuse is a safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating. If the dryer overheats, the thermal fuse blows and cuts off the power to the heating element. This prevents the dryer from catching fire. If your Maytag dryer isn’t heating, the thermal fuse may have blown. To examine the thermal fuse, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the Dryer from the Power Outlet: This is the first step to ensure your safety and prevent electrical shock. Turn off the dryer and unplug it from the power outlet.
- Locate the Thermal Fuse: The thermal fuse is usually located on the blower housing or exhaust duct. Refer to the user manual or search online to locate it in your Maytag dryer model.
- Access the Thermal Fuse: Depending on the model of your Maytag dryer, you may need to remove the back panel or front dryer panel to access the thermal fuse. Refer to your user manual or search for a repair guide on how to access the thermal fuse in your model.
- Check the Thermal Fuse: Once you have accessed the thermal fuse, use a multimeter to check its continuity. Set your multimeter to the ohm setting and touch the two probes to the thermal fuse’s terminals. If the multimeter reads zero or no continuity, the thermal fuse has blown and needs replacing. If the multimeter reads continuity, the thermal fuse is not the problem.
- Replace the Thermal Fuse: If the thermal fuse has blown, you need to replace it. Purchase a new thermal fuse that matches your Maytag dryer’s model and install it following the manufacturer’s instructions. After replacing the thermal fuse, assemble the dryer parts back to their original position and plug it back into the power outlet. Turn on the dryer and check if it’s heating.
Examining the thermal fuse proves very useful in fixing a Maytag dryer that won’t heat. Carrying out this task requires familiarity with electrical systems, so exercise due caution whenever dealing with home appliances, especially those with electrical components.
Checking the Cycling Thermostat
If you’ve already checked and ruled out the other parts of your Maytag dryer that could cause it to not heat, it’s possible that the problem lies with the cycling thermostat. This thermostat is located on the blower housing and is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the dryer. It is designed to turn off the heating element when the dryer reaches the desired temperature and turn it back on when the temperature drops below a certain threshold. If the cycling thermostat is faulty, the dryer may not heat up at all or may overheat.
To check the cycling thermostat, you will need a multimeter, a tool that measures electrical resistance and voltage. Start by unplugging your dryer and accessing the thermostat. You may need to remove the back panel or the front panel and drum to get to it. Once you’ve located the thermostat, disconnect the wires that are connected to it. Use your multimeter to check the resistance of the thermostat by setting it to the lowest range of ohms and touching the probes to the terminals of the thermostat. If the reading is zero or infinity, the thermostat is bad and needs to be replaced.
If the resistance is within the range specified in your dryer’s manual, you will need to check the voltage across the thermostat. Set your multimeter to the highest range of volts and touch one probe to the terminal on the thermostat that is connected to the heating element and the other probe to the terminal that is connected to the control board. Make sure your dryer is plugged in and turned on, and then run a cycle. You should see voltage across the thermostat when the dryer is running and no voltage when the dryer is not running. If the voltage is present even when the dryer is not running, the cycling thermostat is faulty and needs to be replaced.
If you have confirmed that the cycling thermostat is bad, you can order a replacement part and install it using the reverse process of removing it. Make sure to unplug your dryer and discharge the capacitor before working on it to avoid any electrical shock. When you’ve replaced the cycling thermostat, plug in your dryer and test it to see if it’s heating up properly.
Checking and replacing the cycling thermostat in your Maytag dryer is relatively easy to do and can save you the cost of a technician’s visit. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to identify whether the cycling thermostat is the culprit of the problem and replace it accordingly. Remember to always exercise caution and safety when working on any electrical appliance, and if you’re unsure about any step, seek the help of a professional.