Wiktor Wise
Electric clothes dryers are relatively simple machines to repair, and many breakdowns can be fixed by following a few simple steps. Before attempting to repair your dryer, it is important to identify the problem. Common issues include unusual noises, clothes remaining wet after a dry cycle, and unexpected stops during the cycle. In many cases, the fix can be as simple as cleaning out lint or ensuring that the dryer is plugged in. However, more complex issues may require disassembly of the dryer cabinet to access internal parts. Basic tools such as screwdrivers may be needed, and for more complex diagnoses, a multimeter can be used to test for issues with power supply or continuity.
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What You'll Learn
Check if the dryer is plugged in
Before attempting to repair an electric clothes dryer, it is important to check if the appliance is receiving electricity. A leading cause of appliance breakdowns is unplugged cords.
To check if your dryer is plugged in, start by locating the power cord. The power cord is usually found behind the dryer. If the dryer is pushed up against the wall, you may need to pull it out to access the power cord. Once you have located the power cord, follow it to the plug and ensure that it is properly plugged into the electrical outlet. If the plug has been bumped loose, simply plugging it back in may solve the problem. Plugs can be knocked loose by animals, fallen objects, or they may work their way loose over time due to the motion of the dryer.
If the dryer is plugged in but still won't turn on, there may be an issue with the power outlet. Check your central home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. You may be able to resolve this issue by replacing the fuse or turning the breaker back on. It may also be helpful to check the voltage in the outlet with a voltage meter.
If your dryer is receiving power but is still not functioning properly, there may be an issue with the heating element, thermal fuse, radiant sensor, or igniter. You can test these components for continuity and replace them if necessary.
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Test the heating element
Before testing the heating element, ensure the dryer is unplugged and disconnected from the power supply. If your dryer runs on gas, turn off the gas valve to prevent potential leaks.
The heating element in an electric dryer is usually located in the back of the dryer, inside the heater ducts. You will need to remove the back service panel to access it. Once you have located the heating element, remove the screws attaching it to the dryer and slide out the panel. You should see three red wires, also known as leads, attached to the bottom left of the panel.
To test the heating element for continuity, you can use a multimeter or a volt-ohm-milliammeter (VOM). First, set the multimeter to 200 ohms of resistance. Then, attach the black and red multimeter probes to the leads on the heating coils. If you are using a VOM, set it to the RX1 scale and clip one probe to each terminal. The meter should read about 12 ohms.
If the heating element does not show continuity, it needs to be replaced.
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Check the lint filter
Lint is the fluffy coating on clothes that comes loose during a drying cycle. The warm air inside the dryer picks up lint from the tumbling clothes. The air then passes through the lint trap's mesh filter as it exits the machine through the dryer vent. This prevents the lint and fluff from clogging the exhaust hose. However, the lint trap can get blocked by lint, increasing drying time.
To check the lint filter, first locate the lint trap. If the lint screen is on top of the dryer, you can remove it by pulling it towards you. If the lint screen is in the front of the dryer, open the door and pull the lint screen straight up. Do not use water to remove the lint from the lint screen. Instead, pull the lint from the screen with your fingers and dispose of it.
You can also use a vacuum crevice tool to carefully clean the inside of the lint trap to further ensure proper airflow and efficient drying. Over time, fabric softeners and laundry detergents can cause build-up on the lint screen. Inspect your lint screen for residue approximately every 6 months. If your lint screen has residue on it, you can clean it by wetting a nylon brush with hot water and liquid detergent. Scrub both sides of the lint screen. Keeping your lint trap clear after every load and cleaning out your dryer vent at least once every two years can help keep your appliance performing at its best.
If your dryer’s lint trap or filter is broken, you can purchase genuine replacement parts directly from Maytag.
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Replace the thermal fuse
A thermal fuse is a safety component that trips when the air flowing through the drum overheats, shutting off the dryer to prevent overheating and fires. When the thermal fuse blows, the display lights stay on, but the dryer won't heat up or start.
- Unplug the dryer and ensure it is disconnected from its power source.
- Remove the back panel of the dryer.
- Disconnect the wires from the thermal fuse.
- Remove the mounting screw and pull the fuse off the blower housing.
- Position the new fuse and secure it with the mounting screw.
- Push the wires onto the connection spades on top of the new thermal fuse.
- Reattach the back panel, lining up the mounting screw holes and tightening the screws.
- Plug the dryer back into the power source.
To prevent the thermal fuse from blowing again, clean the inside of the flexible vent hose and the air duct with a duct cleaning brush and vacuum the area.
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Check the door switch
If your electric clothes dryer is not working, the first thing to check is whether it is plugged in. This may seem obvious, but plugs can get bumped loose by animals or objects falling behind the dryer. If the dryer is plugged in, the next step is to check your central home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped. If the fuse has blown, you may be able to replace it. If the circuit breaker has tripped, you may be able to turn it back on.
Once you have checked the electrical box, the next step is to check the door switch. The door switch is a safety feature that prevents the dryer from operating unless the door is properly closed. To test the door switch, you will need to use a meter to check for continuity. With the switch open, there should be no continuity (the door is open). When you press the switch, you should get continuity (the door is closed). If you do not get continuity when the switch is pressed, the switch may be faulty and need to be replaced.
If your dryer has a wiring diagram, you can use this to help locate the door switch. The door switch harness will have two metal pins. When the switch is not closed, you should have resistance between the two pins. When you close the switch, the resistance should drop to zero so the dryer knows the door is closed.
If the door switch appears to be functioning correctly, the next step is to check the thermal fuse. The thermal fuse is a safety device that will blow if the dryer overheats. To test the thermal fuse, use a multimeter to check for continuity. If the thermal fuse has blown, it will need to be replaced.
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Frequently asked questions
Check if your dryer is plugged in. Plugs can get loose and this may be the reason why your dryer is not starting. If it is plugged in, check your home electrical box to see if a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped.
Stop the drying cycle and check inside the dryer. Ensure that all buckles on clothing are fastened, zippers are zipped, and there are no loose items such as coins, phones, or keys. If the dryer is still noisy or vibrating, it may be off-balance and need to be levelled.
The dryer might be clogged with lint, preventing airflow. Clean the lint filter and vacuum inside the dryer to remove any lint build-up. If the issue persists, check the thermal fuse and the heating element.
