Maytag (dryer) repair question.... works but no heat

[dlctcg]

1. Can it be tested with a VOM for continuity? (if so, everything so far, checks out)
2. AS A TEST, could I jump across the two terminals and if the dryer gets warm, verify my issue (and then fix it).... but if it stays cold, rule it out?


It seems to me so far that it can be one of several things and I'm trying to figure out how to narrow it down. So far, everything I've tested for continuity checks out. I don't want to replace parts needlessly... (but admit they're not terribly expensive so might be worth changing out a couple cheap parts first) Sure beats a new dryer when this one otherwise, works perfectly well.

You can test the for continuity with a VOM, but make sure you disconnect the wires from the sensors before testing. (really should unplug the dryer also)

As PuffyC mentioned the Thermal Fuse seem to be one of the more common culprit on the Maytag's... so Maytag's have to of them...

 

[ning]

Hit up this forum: Applianceblog Repair Forums
Expert appliance repair people will guide you through the repair, and even link their associated retail site's items. You're free to look elsewhere for the items, of course

 

[California]

...
2. AS A TEST, could I jump across the two terminals and if the dryer gets warm, verify my issue (and then fix it).... but if it stays cold, rule it out?

It's been a while but as I remember that was the project where the leads to the sensor had female spade connectors so I put a 20 amp automotive blade fuse in place of the sensor - and this restored the dryer to normal function. (I didn't leave the temporary fuse in there!) I've used this technique to temporarily replace the flue sensor in a space heater, too. It's just another diagnostic tool. That sensor may not be the problem.

 

[the old grind]

The coils won't be switched by/from the timer w/o a relay in-between the two components. That and the heat sensor are the two things I'd vet first. Any $10 VOM is enough to do continuity and voltage checks with Ohm and ACv scales accordingly. Be sure to switch ranges for each. Also be sure as said that both legs & Gd of your 220v are secure. Only the coils use that voltage, everything else in there is 110v. (you knew that)

 

[jerrybob]

I have fixed our dryer and washer several times....I use PartSelect.....put in your model.....decribe problem...they will tell you most likely part......seem to have fair pricing.....they even have video of most repairs......

www.PartSelect.com

 

[Blue Mule]

When our Maytag dryer went out it was the heating element. That was the only issue we had with the dryer, but the Maytag washer was a different story. Total pile of garbage. Repaired it 3 times in 6 years and finally sold the pair for almost nothing to a friend and bought some Samsung appliances.

Guy at the appliance parts shop told me that there were only 2 or 3 companies making ALL the brands on the market, and that Maytag wasn't anything like it used to be. Typical of the world today...

 

[Richard]

Well, I might be screwed. I'll cut to the chase.

After checking/probing a couple things, (and admit I had NOT thought about double checking power) I went to the beginning.

Long story short:

1. I've got power at the breaker (pulled out, checked for tight wires, continuity through the breaker and then after reinstalled, repowered and checked each leg and they both are 120 volts)

2. Go to the outlet again, now that I'm confirmed at the breaker and the outlet STILL only has power on one side. Hmmm...

3. Turned power off, pulled outlet out and checked for continuity and outlet checks fine.... turned power back on (wires exposed) and tested each wire in the box. ONE wire is 120 and the other wire is dead.

4. I've got to conclude that I must have a broken wire between the two. FORTUNATELY this is in the basement where I have drywall. (upper floors are solid logs so would be more difficult to find a break)


One thing I noticed while in the main panel (power off) was.....I had a critter. He/she (or would it be a "Hir/Zim"??? Gotta be pronoun proper nowdays!!)

When I saw this I figured it was fried....but that didn't seem to be the case. He was stuck. The wires next to him are still covered. Looks like he gnawed at the sheathing a bit before he transformed into his higher being.

It DID however, kick start my head to think (fear) that maybe he or another has gotten to the wire for the dryer that's in the wall/ceiling.

I DO know I do NOT like that prospect.

OMG, I just realized.... I have a big roll of 8-3 in the garage. I can scab that together to see if everything works if I totally bypass the current wires.

(not that I like 220 8-3 laying about.... but for diagnostic purposes I think it will give final conclusion to it being the wire or not)

 

[ponytug]

Nice detective work.

Good luck with the wire tracing! Do you have a fox and hound type tracer? It might make finding the break easier.

I have critters around here, too. You have my nightmare scenario as the wires here are routed...who knows where. Replacing any of them would be a big undertaking, as very few circuits are accessible. ("Oh, the wires are in that wall? Kiss two rooms of wallpaper goodbye, along with the trim...") If more than a circuit or two goes, I'm resigned to pulling the entire outside of the house off, rewiring, reinsulating, adding insulation, and new sheathing. Yuck.

All the best,

Peter

 

[California]

... the Maytag washer was a different story. Total pile of garbage. Repaired it 3 times in 6 years and finally sold the pair for almost nothing

Guy at the appliance parts shop told me that ... Maytag wasn't anything like it used to be.

My Dad owned a little Maytag stock years ago so he followed their circumstances. He sold it about 1998 after news that Maytag's re-design then was a failure and they were sure to have huge warranty costs in the future. Sounds like he was right.

 

[TractorGuy]

My Dad owned a little Maytag stock years ago so he followed their circumstances. He sold it about 1998 after news that Maytag's re-design then was a failure and they were sure to have huge warranty costs in the future. Sounds like he was right.

Maytag's top of the line Neptune washers put them out of business. They sold a bunch and they had problems with mildew forming behind the door gaskets. I think Whirlpool bought them and Amana out. I bought ALL NEW Maytag appliances in 2005 not knowing any of this. I figured Maytag didn't make anything but the washer and dryer but to my surprise none of the "Maytag" appliances I bought were actually Maytag design or built. The washer turned out to be an Amana and it died 6 months out of warranty. The next thing to go was the refrigerator.

My daughter is still using the dryer and I still have the dishwasher and range but the oven doesn't work. The range has a failed control board which isn't available and would cost almost as much as a new range.

One thing to mention to you folks that have thermal fuse problems is you need to check your exhaust duct and keep the lint filters cleaned. I also read somewhere that the lint filters, although looking clean, would build up a film from dryer sheets and need to be washed periodically with soap and water.