How to Troubleshoot a Maytag Dryer With No Heat

When your clothes are not getting dry in your Maytag dryer, several things could be wrong. When you know how to troubleshoot a Maytag dryer with no heat, you can quickly determine what part is at fault. You will need a volt-ohm meter to test the timer, thermostat and heating element.

Things You'll Need

• Putty knife
• Phillips-head screwdriver
• Needle-nose pliers
• Volt-ohm meter
• Nut driver set

Instructions

Test the Maytag Timer

1. Unplug the power cord of the Maytag dryer from the wall electrical outlet. Move the dryer away from the wall so that you have room to work behind the unit.

2. Disconnect the front of the control console from the dryer top by sliding the blade of a putty knife between the console and the dryer top. The control console is secured by a spring clip at each end. Lift up on the control console as you slide the putty knife blade under it to release the front of the console.

3. Lift the control console up and pull the rear tabs clear of the top panel. Flip the control console over to access the back panel. Remove the back panel of the control console by removing the six securing screws with a Phillips-head screwdriver.

4. Use needle-nose pliers to remove the two wires connected to the timer terminals. Pull the wires off by the metal leads, not by pulling on the actual wire.

5. Set the scale on your volt-ohm meter to the RX1 setting to test the ohms of the Maytag timer. Touch one probe of the volt-ohm meter to each terminal on the timer. You should receive a reading of between 2,000 ohms and 3,000 ohms. Any other reading indicates a faulty timer.

Test the Maytag Thermostat

1. Go to the back of the Maytag dryer and remove the duct work from the dryer exhaust port. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to loosen the clamp that secures the duct work and pull off the duct work. Use a nut driver to remove the securing screws that hold the back panel to the dryer. Remove the back panel and set it to the side.

2. Locate the thermostat on the side of the heating element can. The heating element can on the Maytag is the long can on the right side of the dryer. The thermostat is toward the top left side of the heating element can. Remove the two wires connected to the thermostat terminals.

3. Use your volt-ohm meter set to the RX1 scale to test the thermostat for continuity. Touch one probe to one thermostat terminal and touch the other probe to the second thermostat terminal. You should receive a reading of zero. If you get any other reading the thermostat is faulty.

Test Maytag Heating Element

1. Remove the wires from the lower thermistor that is on the lower left side of the heating element can. There is a heating terminal block directly below the thermistor. Remove the wires from the heating terminal block.

2. Use a nut driver to remove the lower screw on each side of the heating element can. Pull up on the lower portion and pull down to remove the heating element from the heating element can.

3. Set the scale to RX1 on your volt-ohm meter to test the heating element for continuity. Touch one probe to each of the heating block terminals. If you receive any other reading than zero, the heating element is faulty.

Tips & Warnings

• Always disconnect the appliance from the power source before attempting repairs.

References

• PartSelect.com: How to Test a Dryer's Timer Motor
• PartSelect.com: How to Test a Dryer's Thermostat
• PartSelect.com: How to Test a Dryer's Heating Element