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

Maytag dryer not heating

Common reasons your Maytag dryer is not heating

The most common reasons your Maytag dryer is not heating are an open heating element, failed thermal cut-off fuse or a faulty thermal fuse.

  • 44%

    44% of the time it's the
    Heating Element

  • 12%

    12% of the time it's the
    Thermal Cut-off Fuse

  • 11%

    11% of the time it's the
    Thermal Fuse

  • 33%

    33% of the time it's the
    Something else

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    Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag dryer

    Heating Element Replacement

    An open heating element could be causing the problem when your dryer is not heating. “Open” means that the heating element is broken and current isn’t flowing through the element to produce heat. You may not see physical damage on the heating element for it to be electrically open. An interior break in the continuity of the element can prevent it from heating. When your dryer isn’t heating, have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and fix the dryer.


    Thermal Cut-off Fuse Replacement

    A failed thermal cut-off fuse will prevent your dryer from heating. This fuse is a safety device that helps keep the dryer from overheating. Overheating is often caused by a clogged exhaust vent system in the dryer. Once the thermal cut-off fuse trips, it won’t reset. You’ll need to have a Sears Home Services Technician visit your home and replace the blown thermal cut-off fuse. The technician will check for the cause of the blown fuse and correct any additional problems so the dryer will heat and run properly after replacing the fuse.

    Thermal Fuse Replacement

    In a gas dryer not heating, a blown thermal fuse could be causing the problem. The thermal fuse is a safety device attached to the blower housing that trips when the dryer overheats. A faulty thermal fuse may trip at a lower temperature than it is designed to trip at. When your gas dryer won’t heat, schedule a repair appointment through Sears Home Services and we’ll send an in-home technician to fix the dryer. The technician will check the thermal fuse and replace it if it’s blown.

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

    How is the not heating problem fixed?

    Correcting most not heating problems usually involves replacing the heating element, thermal cut-off fuse or thermal fuse. 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 heating

    When the dryer is not heating 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 heating 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 Bravos XL Dryer Will Not Heat

    When your Maytag Bravos XL dryer will not heat and you have a gas version, check the gas supply cut-off valve. Open that valve if you find it shut. This will restore the gas supply going to the dryer so the burner will heat.

    If you have an electric Maytag Bravos XL dryer that will not heat, check the house circuit breakers for the dryer. The motor will run and spin the drum if 120-volts of power is supplied to the dryer. If the second leg of 120-volt power required for the heating circuit is missing, the dryer won’t heat. Reset the house circuit breakers for the dryer if you find one of the breakers tripped.

    If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help fix the problem when your Maytag Bravos XL dryer will not heat, schedule dryer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician diagnose and repair the heating failure.

    Common Causes for a Maytag Dryer Not Getting Hot

    Knowing the common causes for a Maytag dryer not getting hot may help you fix the problem. Here are the most common causes for heating failures in gas and electric Maytag clothes dryers.

    Gas Maytag Dryer Not Getting Hot

    • No gas supply. Check the gas supply cut-off valve to make sure it’s open.
    • Weak gas valve coils. If the burner ignites once when your initially start the dryer but won’t continue heating, weak gas valve coils are likely causing the problem. The gas valve coils are likely strong enough to open the gas valve when they’re cold but won’t continue to open the gas valve as the coils heat up during the cycle. Schedule dryer repair service to have a service technician install new gas valve coils.
    • Blown thermal fuse. A clogged vent system in the dryer will cause the thermal fuse to blow. Clear lint and debris out of the flexible hose behind the dryer and then have a service technician replace the blown thermal fuse.
    • Failed operating thermostat. When the operating thermostat is bad, the dryer won’t heat at all. Schedule dryer repair service to have a service technician check the operating thermostat and replace it if necessary.

    Electric Maytag Dryer Not Getting Hot

    • Tripped circuit breaker. The dryer will run if one of the 2 dryer circuit breakers is okay but one has tripped. Reset the house circuit breakers for the dryer and the element may begin heating.
    • Broken heating element. A broken heating element is a common cause of heating failures in Maytag electric dryers. Have a service technician check the heating element and replace it if it’s bad.
    • Faulty operating thermostat. The element won’t heat of the operating thermostat is bad. Schedule dryer repair service to have a service technician test the thermostat and replace it if necessary.

    What our customers say about us

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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.


    Tammy M, Hilton, NY

    Satisfied customer

    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 flame sensor is a safety device designed to detect the presence of a flame when the furnace is on, ensuring that gas flows only when it is ignited to prevent dangerous gas leaks.

    A microwave diode is an electrical component that allows current to flow in one direction only, playing a crucial role in converting incoming electrical power into the microwave energy that cooks the food.

    Additional possible Maytag dryer symptoms you may experience