Maytag Dryer: not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Maytag dryer is running but not heating, it can leave your clothes damp and frustratingly unclean. Common causes include a blown thermal fuse, a faulty heating element, or blocked airflow. Understanding these issues can help you troubleshoot effectively and restore your dryer to optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official guidance emphasizes venting and airflow issues and proper cycle selection as initial checks before internal component inspection.

Possible Causes

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: No continuity when tested with a multimeter; dryer runs but no heat.

Part: Thermal fuse

Burnt heating element (electric models)

How to Identify: Visible break/damage or no continuity on multimeter test.

Part: Heating element

Faulty gas burner/igniter (gas models)

How to Identify: Igniter glows but gas does not ignite; multimeter shows no continuity in solenoid coils.

Part: Igniter / Gas valve solenoid

Faulty thermostat or high-limit thermostat

How to Identify: Multimeter shows open circuit after heat is applied; dryer overheats or shuts off early.

Part: Thermostat / high-limit thermostat

Restricted airflow/vent blockage

How to Identify: Poor airflow out of vent, long drying times, heat feels weak; lint buildup seen.

Part: Dryer vent / lint screen

Incorrect heat/cycle setting

How to Identify: Dryer set to “Air Fluff” or “No Heat” cycle; changing to heated cycle results in heat.

Part: Control settings

DIY Solutions

Clean lint filter and venting

Easy 10–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver if needed for vent access
  1. Remove and clean lint filter.
  2. Disconnect vent hose and clear lint/debris.
  3. Check external vent hood for blockages and ensure airflow is clear.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before disconnecting vent hose.

Check and replace thermal fuse

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdriver, replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer and access back panel.
  2. Locate thermal fuse (near blower housing).
  3. Use multimeter to test for continuity; if open, remove and replace fuse.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer for heat.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before working inside dryer; thermal fuses are one‑time devices.

Test and replace heating element (electric dryers)

Advanced 60–120 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers, nut drivers, replacement element
  1. Unplug and open dryer access panel.
  2. Locate heating element housing.
  3. Test element for continuity and if faulty, remove and replace the assembly.
  4. Reconnect and test dryer for heat.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off; heating elements may have sharp edges.

Verify heat/cycle settings

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check dryer settings to ensure a heated drying cycle is selected.
  2. Run a test cycle to confirm heat generation.

Professional Repairs

Replace gas igniter or gas valve solenoid

Estimated Cost: $100–$250

Thermostat or cycling thermostat replacement

Estimated Cost: $80–$150

Control board diagnosis/repair

Estimated Cost: $200–$400

When to Call a Professional

Signs of gas leak or smell of gas
Repeated thermal fuse blowouts after vent cleaning
Electrical testing beyond safe DIY scope
Uncertain diagnosis after basic checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean the lint filter: Airflow restriction and overheating issues
    Frequency: After every load
  • Inspect dryer vent system: Restricted airflow and thermal fuse failures
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer not heating?
Common causes include a blown thermal fuse, burnt heating element, faulty gas burner, or restricted airflow.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer not heating myself?
You can clean the lint filter, check the thermal fuse, and verify heat settings. For advanced issues, test the heating element.
How much does it cost to fix not heating?
Professional repair costs range from $80 to $400 depending on the issue, such as replacing the thermostat or control board.
When should I call a technician for not heating?
If DIY solutions do not resolve the issue or if the problem involves complex repairs, it's best to consult a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Heating element failure (6 mentions)
  • Thermal fuse blown (5 mentions)
  • Faulty thermostat (4 mentions)
  • Gas valve coils issue (3 mentions)
  • Timer malfunction (3 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the heating element

    Success rate: 19.0%

  2. Replace the thermal fuse

    Success rate: 16.0%

  3. Check and replace faulty thermostat

    Success rate: 13.0%

  4. Inspect and replace gas valve coils

    Success rate: 10.0%

  5. Repair or replace the timer

    Success rate: 10.0%
Analysis based on 28 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

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Community Discussions

no heat

Replaced corroded terminal on heating element.

DIY View on Reddit →

not heating

Bypassed the high temp sensor and restored heat.

DIY View on Reddit →

No heat, intermittent rattling when running

Gas valve coils are likely the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

wasn't heating during cycles

Replace the broken heating element and check for leaks and worn gaskets.

DIY View on Reddit →

dryer runs but is not producing heat

Check the igniter for continuity and ensure it glows; suspect gas valve coils if igniter glows but no flame.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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