Maytag Dryer: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dryer refusing to start? This issue may manifest as no motor run, no drum spin, or unresponsive controls, even when power is supplied. Common causes include an improperly held start button, a door not fully closed, a blown thermal fuse, or even a faulty start switch. Troubleshooting these components can help restore your dryer's functionality.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Start button requires firm press/hold and control lock feature may prevent starting
  • Control Lock must be disabled for dryer to start on certain models

Possible Causes

Start button not held properly or control settings preventing start

How to Identify: Dryer fails to start even though power is present, settings may be incorrect, control lock or delayed start features active.

Part: Start button / control panel

Door not fully closed or door switch failure

How to Identify: Dryer won’t start unless door fully latched; pressing door firmly or testing door switch continuity can reveal issues.

Part: Door latch / door switch

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dryer has power but won’t start; multimeter shows no continuity through thermal fuse.

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty start switch

How to Identify: No click or response when pressing start button; multimeter continuity test fails.

Part: Start switch

Drive motor failure

How to Identify: Dryer may hum but won’t spin; motor doesn’t engage; tests show motor fault.

Part: Drive motor

Control board / electronic control failure

How to Identify: All basic causes ruled out; control panel unresponsive, diagnostics may show errors.

Part: Control board

DIY Solutions

Check and correctly use start button and control settings

Easy <5 minutes
  1. Ensure dryer is powered and settings are properly selected
  2. Press and hold the Start button firmly for 2–5 seconds
  3. Disable Control Lock feature if active (hold appropriate button as per manual)
  4. Select an appropriate cycle such as Timed Dry or Automatic Dry
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hands are dry when touching control panel

Ensure dryer door is fully closed and test door switch

Moderate 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Unplug dryer from power
  2. Open and close the dryer door, ensuring the latch clicks
  3. Locate the door switch near door frame
  4. Use multimeter to test for continuity with door closed
  5. Replace door switch if no continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal components

Check power supply, circuit breakers, and fuses

Moderate 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter
  1. Verify dryer is plugged into outlet
  2. Check home breaker panel for tripped breakers and reset
  3. Test outlet voltage with multimeter (240V for electric models)
  4. Check dryer’s thermal fuse for continuity
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is disconnected when testing internal fuses

Replace blown thermal fuse

Advanced 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter, Replacement thermal fuse
  1. Unplug dryer
  2. Remove access panels to locate thermal fuse
  3. Test fuse with multimeter
  4. Replace fuse if open circuit
  5. Reassemble and test dryer
⚠️ Safety First: Thermal fuses indicate prior overheating; inspect venting for blockages

Professional Repairs

Replace start switch or control board

Estimated Cost: $50 - $300

Drive motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400

When to Call a Professional

If internal component tests (fuse/switch/motor) are inconclusive
When access to internal parts is unsafe or tools unavailable
If control board failure is suspected

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Overheating and thermal fuse blowouts
    Frequency: After every load
  • Inspect vent and ductwork: Vent blockages leading to overheating and component failure
    Frequency: Annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer not starting?
Common causes include a faulty start button, door not closed, or a blown thermal fuse.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer not starting myself?
Check the start button, ensure the door is closed, and verify the power supply.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repairs can range from $50 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If basic troubleshooting fails or if issues like motor failure are suspected.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

59%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Thermal fuse failure (7 mentions)
  • Motor issues (4 mentions)
  • Control board malfunction (3 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the thermal fuse

    Success rate: 16.0%

  2. Check and possibly replace the motor

    Success rate: 8.0%

  3. Reconnect unsoldered contact on the circuit board

    Success rate: 4.0%
Analysis based on 17 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag dryer stopped working after I put in sopping wet load...
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  10. Maytag Dryer Won't Start But Turns On...what step to try nex...
  11. Replaced Motor Pulley and Belt and Dryer won't start
  12. Maytag dryer sometimes won't start
  13. Maytag DE7500 dryer won't start hot and seems to have no hi ...
  14. Maytag Maxima dryer won't start (Model MED5100DW0)
  15. Maytag Centennial Dryer STIIL Wont Start even with new Fuses...
  16. Old Maytag dryer - Drum won't roll
  17. Maytag dryer help

Community Discussions

drawing power but not starting, humming sound, drum not spinning, faint burning odor

The motor was the problem and was replaced.

DIY View on Reddit →

The start switch buzzes when I try to start the dryer, but nothing spins.

The timer switch was faulty and not sending power to the motor.

DIY View on Reddit →

dryer won't start

Reconnected unsoldered contact on the circuit board.

DIY View on Reddit →

won't start

Replaced the thermal fuse, and the dryer works fine now.

DIY View on Reddit →

stopped working — it lights up when plugged in but won’t start or spin

Replace the thermal fuse and possibly the high-limit thermostat due to overheating from lint build-up.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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