Maytag Dryer: not spinning and not heating

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Maytag dryer not spinning and not heating? This common problem leaves your clothes wet and the drum motionless. Potential causes include a faulty drive motor, broken drive belt, blown thermal fuse, or heating element failure. Understanding these issues can help you resolve them effectively.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag drive motor centrifugal switch can cut both motor and heat circuits causing combined no spin & no heat.
  • Gas models may have specific gas valve solenoid and igniter configurations that fail and require full set replacement.

Possible Causes

Drive motor failure or centrifugal switch fault

How to Identify: Dryer does not spin, may hum and not rotate; no heat due to motor’s centrifugal switch not closing heat circuit. Multimeter test shows no continuity or motor does not start.

Part: Drive motor

Broken or worn drive belt (secondary cause for no spin) coupled with unrelated heating fault

How to Identify: Drum doesn’t spin but can be rotated manually; usually heat may still work but combined with a separate heating fuse or element fault creates both issues.

Part: Drive belt

Blown thermal fuse affecting heat circuit

How to Identify: Dryer does not heat at all; fuse shows no continuity; often accompanied by overheating history or airflow blockage.

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty heating element (electric models)

How to Identify: No heat output; multimeter shows open circuit on heating element; often with thermal fuse intact.

Part: Heating element

Gas ignition components failure (gas models)

How to Identify: Electric motor may run/spin but no heat; gas igniter doesn’t glow or solenoids fail to open; multimeter tests show no continuity.

Part: Igniter or gas valve solenoid

DIY Solutions

Check and replace the thermal fuse

Moderate 30–45 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter, screwdrivers
  1. Unplug dryer and access blower housing or heating assembly.
  2. Locate the thermal fuse and test it with a multimeter for continuity.
  3. If open, remove and replace with exact part.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer heat function.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug appliance before service.

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 45–90 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdrivers, socket set
  1. Unplug dryer and remove access panels.
  2. Check belt for breaks or wear.
  3. Remove old belt and install new one ensuring proper routing.
  4. Reassemble and test for drum spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power.

Professional Repairs

Drive motor (with centrifugal switch) replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

Heating element or igniter replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

When to Call a Professional

Motor hums but no spin or heat persists after DIY checks
Gas dryer ignition parts suspected
Electrical diagnostics beyond simple continuity checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint screen and venting: Overheating, thermal fuse blow
    Frequency: every load clean, vent annually
  • Inspect drive belt and rollers: Drum spin failures
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer not spinning and not heating?
Common causes include drive motor failure, broken drive belt, blown thermal fuse, or faulty heating elements.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer not spinning and not heating myself?
Check the thermal fuse and drive belt. Replace them if faulty to restore functionality.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning and not heating?
Professional repairs range from $150 to $350 for the drive motor and $100 to $300 for heating elements.
When should I call a technician for not spinning and not heating?
If DIY fixes don't work or if you're unsure, it's best to contact a technician due to the complexity of potential issues.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty door switch preventing operation
  • Defective thermal fuse cutting off power
  • Malfunctioning drive belt or motor failure

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the door switch for continuity. If defective, replace it. Ensure the dryer door is fully closed during operation.

  2. Inspect the thermal fuse for continuity using a multimeter. If blown, replace the thermal fuse located on the blower housing.

  3. Examine the drive belt for wear or damage. If broken, replace the belt and check the motor for proper function.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag frontload dryer model MEDB765FW0 will power on, but n...

Community Discussions

will power on, but not spin or heat

The belt was ripped apart and replaced by a repairman.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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