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  1. Repair
  2. Maytag
  3. Maytag Dryer
  4. Dryer not starting

Maytag dryer not starting

Common reasons your Maytag dryer is not starting

The most common reasons your Maytag dryer is not starting are a faulty thermal fuse, failed door switch or a broken drum belt.

  • 56%

    56% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 13%

    13% of the time it's the
    Door Switch

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Drum Belt

  • 20%

    20% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag dryer

    Thermal Fuse Replacement

    A faulty or blown thermal fuse can keep the dryer from starting. The thermal fuse is a safety device mounted on the blower housing that trips when the dryer overheats. The thermal fuse in most electric dryers prevents the motor from running. In some gas dryers, a blown thermal fuse will also prevent the motor from running. A clogged exhaust vent system often causes the dryer to overheat and the thermal fuse to blow. When the dryer won’t run, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer. The technician will replace the thermal fuse if it’s blown.


    Door Switch Replacement

    If your dryer is not starting, a failed door switch could be causing the problem. The door switch detects when the dryer door is shut. A failed door switch won’t sense whether the door is closed properly. The dryer won’t start even through the door is closed when the door switch is bad. Have a Sears Home Services Technician check your dryer when it won’t start. The technician will replace the door switch if it is defective.

    Drum Belt Replacement

    When your dryer won’t start a cycle, a broken drum belt could be causing the problem. The drum belt wraps around the dryer drum and connects to the drive motor pulley. The drive motor rotates the belt to spin the drum. Over time, the drum belt becomes worn and can break. A switch on the idler pulley prevents the motor from starting when it senses that the drive belt is broken. When the dryer won’t start, have a Sears Home Services Technician check your dryer and replace the drum belt if it’s broken.

    What to expect when you experience a Maytag dryer not starting issue

    How is the not starting problem fixed?

    Correcting most not starting problems usually involves replacing the thermal fuse, door switch or drum belt. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

    Sears Home Services recommendations for a dryer that is not starting

    When the dryer is not starting it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Maytag dryer repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of dryer failures.

    What to look out for with a dryer not starting diagnosis

    Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your dryer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

    Maytag Dryer Not Starting but has Power

    When your Maytag dryer is not starting but has power, check the dryer door to make sure it is fully shut. Press in firmly on the door to shut if fully. If the dryer won’t start with the door fully shut, test the door switch by opening the dryer door and pressing in on the door switch to see if the drum light turns off. If the drum light stays on, the door switch is likely bad. Have a dryer service technician verify the failure and replace the door switch if necessary.

    If the door switch is okay and you have an electric dryer, a blown thermal fuse could be preventing the drive motor from starting. A number of other problems can prevent a gas or electric Maytag dryer from starting including:

    • Faulty push-to-start switch.
    • Bad drive motor.
    • Failed operating thermostat.
    • Defective timer.
    • Wiring failure.

    Schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician pinpoint the cause of the failure when your Maytag dryer is not starting but has power.

    Maytag Front Load Dryer Won’t Start

    A Maytag front load dryer that won’t start typically has a Child Lock feature that will prevent the dryer from starting if that option is enabled.

    If the Controls Locked status light is on, press and hold the Cycle Signal button for three seconds. This will turn off the Child Lock feature on most Maytag front load dryer models. With the Child Lock turned off, you should be able to start the cycle.

    If the dryer won’t start with the Child Lock feature turned off, make sure the dryer door is fully shut. Press in firmly on the dryer door to shut it fully.

    If your Maytag front load dryer won’t start after following these basic troubleshooting tips, schedule dryer repair service to have a service technician diagnose and repair the starting failure.

    Maytag Bravo XL Dryer Won’t Start

    A Maytag Bravo XL dryer that won’t start may have the door slightly ajar. Press in firmly on the dryer door to shut if fully and see if the dryer starts.

    Sometimes, a power surge through the electrical lines will lock up the electronic control board and the Maytag Bravo XL dryer won’t start. Reset the electronic control board in the dryer by unplugging the power cord for 2 minutes and then plugging it back into the electrical outlet to restore power. Press the power button and select a cycle. The dryer may start properly after resetting the control board.

    Check the control panel for an error code flashing in the digital display. The dryer won’t start if a component failure is detected that requires service. An error code will flash F and a number followed by E and a number then the sequence will repeat. Schedule dryer repair service when you see this type of error code flashing in the control panel display.

    Maytag Dryer Turns On But Won’t Start

    Make sure the door is fully shut when your Maytag dryer turns on but won’t start. Press in firmly on the dryer door to shut it fully if it’s slightly ajar.

    If your model has the Child Lock feature, check to see if the lock is enabled. Follow the directions in your owner’s manual to turn off the Child Lock if you find it on. For many Maytag dryers, you’ll need to press and hold the Cycle Signal button for three seconds to disable the Child Lock.

    If your Maytag dryer won’t start after following these basic troubleshooting tips, schedule dryer repair service to have a service technician diagnose and repair the starting failure. The tech may find a defective door switch, bad electronic control board, faulty control panel or wiring failure causing the starting problem.

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    Excellent service from Daniel

    Daniel provided excellent service and was very quick to perform the repair. I have nothing good to say about the warranty program and the LACK of customer service and the inability to contact a human being to talk.


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    Excellent technician Very thorough and detail oriented Would be happy to have him work on appliances again He managed to find our ranch headquarters in the middle of the desert


    Rose W, Las Cruces, NM

    Dryer service

    He was professional and polite. I didn't call back later that afternoon, although he replaced a thermostat the smart dry timer doesn't work as I was still having the same issue. The lady said she would email him and have him return. Never heard from anyone else.


    Terry F, Oklahoma City, OK

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    Glossary Terms

    Natural gas is a fossil fuel used primarily for heating, cooking, and electricity generation. It's a hydrocarbon gas mixture consisting mainly of methane, but it also contains smaller amounts of other hydrocarbons and sometimes sulfur compounds.

    A gas dryer is a laundry appliance that uses natural gas or propane to generate heat to dry clothes.

    A furnace condensate pump is a device installed in HVAC systems, particularly high-efficiency furnaces, to collect and automatically remove the water (condensate) produced during the heating process.

    A furnace door is a crucial component of a home heating system, providing access to the interior of the furnace for maintenance, repairs, and inspections. It helps in maintaining the system's efficiency and safety.

    Additional possible Maytag dryer symptoms you may experience