Maytag Dryer: not spinning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dryer not spinning? You may hear the motor hum, but the drum remains stationary. This common issue can be caused by a broken drive belt, faulty idler pulley, or other internal components. Understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and get your dryer back to working order.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Common causes include drive belt, idler, and motor issues typical to Maytag dryers.
  • Check model-specific belt and pulley part numbers when ordering parts.

Possible Causes

Broken or worn drive belt

How to Identify: Drum does not turn freely when motor runs; visible belt wear or break when accessing inside. Often most common cause per repair sources.

Part: Drive belt

Faulty idler pulley

How to Identify: Unusual noises when starting; pulley does not spin freely when inspected; belt tension issues.

Part: Idler pulley

Drive motor failure

How to Identify: No sound from motor when started; motor hums but does not turn; multimeter test shows no continuity.

Part: Drive motor

Faulty door switch or interlock

How to Identify: Dryer won’t start spinning unless door forced closed; sometimes lights or indicators behave oddly.

Part: Door switch

DIY Solutions

Inspect and replace drive belt

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, socket set, replacement belt
  1. Unplug dryer and access drum area by removing front/back panel.
  2. Locate drive belt around drum and motor; inspect for wear or break.
  3. Remove old belt and install new one ensuring correct routing.
  4. Reassemble panels and test dryer spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before servicing

Check and swap idler pulley

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver set, socket set, replacement idler pulley
  1. Unplug dryer and remove access panels.
  2. Locate idler pulley and inspect for smooth spin/failure.
  3. Remove and replace the pulley with a compatible part.
  4. Reassemble and test for proper drum rotation.
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be off

Test door switch continuity

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: multimeter
  1. Unplug dryer and access door switch.
  2. Use multimeter to test continuity when door closed.
  3. Replace switch if no continuity present.
  4. Reassemble and test dryer start/spin.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure unplugged before electrical testing

Professional Repairs

Replace drive motor assembly

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

Internal component diagnosis and repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $500

When to Call a Professional

Uncertain diagnosis after DIY checks
Motor failure or complex internal components suspected
Electrical issues beyond simple parts replacement

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow blockages and overheating that strain motor
    Frequency: after every use
  • Inspect drum belt and pulleys: Wear-related failures leading to no spin
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer not spinning?
The dryer may have a broken drive belt, a faulty idler pulley, or issues with the drive motor or door switch.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer not spinning myself?
Check the drive belt for wear, inspect the idler pulley, and test the door switch for continuity.
How much does it cost to fix not spinning?
Professional repairs can range from $150 to $500 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not spinning?
If DIY fixes don't resolve the issue or if the problem involves complex internal components.

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

  • Faulty motor or motor components (3 mentions)
  • Broken belt (2 mentions)
  • Drum binding due to misalignment (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the motor due to a faulty centrifugal switch.

    Success rate: 14.0%

  2. Realign the front panel to eliminate binding.

    Success rate: 14.0%

  3. Check and replace broken belt or main control board.

    Success rate: 14.0%

  4. Replace motor pulley if stripped.

    Success rate: 14.0%
Analysis based on 6 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag Dryer Drum Not Spinning
  2. Maytag dryer not spinning but will spin with a push
  3. Maytag Dryer repair HELP
  4. Maytag Dryer Not Spinning - Already Replaced Belt and Idler ...
  5. Troubleshooting a Maytag Dryer
  6. Maytag dryer drum doesn't spin, makes motor squeaking sound

Community Discussions

not spinning but will spin with a push

Replace the motor due to a faulty centrifugal switch.

DIY View on Reddit →

drum stopped turning, squeak developed, doesn't spin with wet clothes

Realigned the front panel to eliminate binding.

DIY View on Reddit →

drum doesn't spin, makes motor squeaking sound

The motor pulley is likely stripped and requires motor replacement.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

drum stopped turning

Possible broken belt or main control board issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

burning smell and shut off

Check the heater coils for grounding issues and test for continuity.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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