Maytag Dryer: not working

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dryer not working? This common issue may manifest as a failure to start or run a cycle, with no motor action, drum movement, or response when you press the start button. Understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Many models include Control Lock and Wrinkle Shield features that can prevent starting if engaged

Possible Causes

Dryer door not fully closed or faulty door switch

How to Identify: Dryer does not start and there is no sound; door may feel loose or not latch securely

Part: Door latch / Door switch

Control Lock or incorrect setting engaged

How to Identify: Control Lock or child lock light illuminated; selected cycle delaying start (e.g., Wrinkle Shield

Part: Control panel settings

No power or electrical supply issue

How to Identify: Dryer shows no lights, and household outlet or breakers are off/tripped

Part: Power cord, circuit breaker, outlet

Faulty start switch

How to Identify: Dryer does not start despite correct settings and power; multimeter shows lack of continuity on start switch

Part: Start push button/switch

Faulty drive motor

How to Identify: Motor hums but drum doesn’t turn when attempting start

Part: Drive motor

Defective control board

How to Identify: No response from dryer after checking all simpler causes and power supply

Part: Electronic control board

DIY Solutions

Ensure door is securely closed and free of obstructions

Easy 2 minutes
  1. Open the dryer door and check for clothing or objects caught on the edge.
  2. Close the door firmly until it latches, then attempt to start the dryer.
⚠️ Safety First: No internal access required

Disable Control Lock and verify settings

Easy 1–2 minutes
  1. Look for Control Lock or child lock indicator lights on the control panel.
  2. Press and hold the designated Control Lock button (often Cycle Signal) for 3 seconds to disable it.
  3. Select a normal dry cycle and press Start firmly for 2–5 seconds.

Reset circuit breaker and check power supply

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Locate your home’s breaker panel.
  2. Check if the dryer’s circuit breaker has tripped; if so switch it off and then back on.
  3. Try plugging the dryer into another compatible outlet if safe to do so.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure hands are dry and avoid touching live electrical panels directly

Test start switch with multimeter

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, Multimeter
  1. Unplug the dryer from the power source.
  2. Remove the dryer’s control panel to access the start switch.
  3. Disconnect the switch and use a multimeter to test for continuity.
  4. Replace the switch if it lacks continuity and reassemble.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure dryer is unplugged before opening panels

Professional Repairs

Replace drive motor

Estimated Cost: $150 - $300

Control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $200 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Dryer shows signs of electrical failure beyond simple breaker reset
Burnt smell or smoke when attempting to start
Drive motor humming but not turning drum after basic checks

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean lint filter: Airflow restrictions that can contribute to overheating and related shutdown issues
    Frequency: After every use
  • Inspect vent hose: Vent obstructions that may lead to overheating and thermal fuse failure
    Frequency: Every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dryer not working?
Common causes include a faulty door switch, control lock engagement, or power supply issues.
How do I fix Maytag Dryer not working myself?
Check door closure, disable control lock, reset the circuit breaker or test the start switch.
How much does it cost to fix not working?
Professional repairs like replacing the drive motor can cost between $150 - $300.
When should I call a technician for not working?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if multiple components may be faulty, it's time to consult a pro.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Broken motor or motor pulley (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace broken pulley and belt using a parts kit

    Success rate: 50.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. 15 year old Maytag dryer
  2. Dryer repair ... weird part.

Community Discussions

quit working; pulley-type thing that drives the belt was broken

A parts kit found on Amazon can fix the dryer, but no warranty is offered.

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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