Sears Home Services
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
telephone logo646-440-2692
RepairHome WarrantyHome ImprovementClean & MaintainShop Parts
Resource
RepairHome WarrantyHome ImprovementClean & MaintainShop PartsResource CenterGlossary
appointment lookup logoAppointment Lookup
  1. Repair
  2. Maytag
  3. 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

  • Schedule your dryer repair now!

    We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 100,000 Maytag dryers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

    Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.

    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 having a Sears Home Services professional 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.

    What our customers say about us

    With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it

    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

    Repair Dryer Resources

    Fix That Racket! How to Repair a Noisy Dryer image

    Learn how to fix a noisy dryer with expert tips from Sears Home Services.

    4 min readJul. 24Dryer
    How to Reset a Whirlpool Duet Dryer: Your Comprehensive Guide

    Having trouble with your Whirlpool Duet dryer? Discover the step-by-step process to reset it and solve common issues quickly.

    4 min readJul. 10Dryer
    Image of homeowner needing to decipher Samsung Dryer Error codes.

    Find the most common Samsung clothes dryer error codes and their solutions. Get professional help from Sears Home Services.

    5 min readMay. 23Dryer
    Top 5 Dryer Problems: Troubleshooting and Tips

    Unlock the secrets to resolving your most frustrating dryer dilemmas with expert insights and tips.

    8 min readMay. 21Dryer

    Additional possible Maytag dryer symptoms you may experience