A Maytag Bravos dryer not starting can be a frustrating issue to deal with, especially when you have a pile of laundry waiting to be dried. However, before you call a technician, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to identify and potentially resolve the problem. This guide will walk you through the common reasons why a Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start and provide detailed solutions for each issue.
Section 1: Check Power Supply
Issue: If your Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start, the first thing to check is the power supply.
Solution:
- Verify the Power Cord: Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into the electrical outlet. Sometimes, it can become loose over time.
- Check Circuit Breaker: Confirm that the circuit breaker or fuse for your dryer’s circuit hasn’t tripped or blown. Reset the breaker or replace the fuse if needed.
- Outlet Testing: Plug another device into the same outlet to ensure it’s supplying power. If the outlet is dead, you may need to contact an electrician to resolve the electrical issue.
Section 2: Door Switch
Issue: The dryer may not start if the door switch is malfunctioning.
Solution:
- Inspect the Door Latch: Open and close the dryer door firmly to ensure the latch engages properly.
- Check the Door Switch: The door switch is usually located around the dryer’s door frame. Use a multimeter to test its continuity. If it doesn’t have continuity when the door is closed, the switch may need replacement.
Section 3: Thermal Fuse
Issue: A blown thermal fuse can prevent the dryer from starting.
Solution:
- Locate the Thermal Fuse: The thermal fuse is usually found on the blower housing or exhaust duct inside the dryer. Consult your dryer’s manual for its exact location.
- Test the Thermal Fuse: Use a multimeter to check the thermal fuse for continuity. If it has no continuity, it has blown and needs replacement.
- Replace the Thermal Fuse: Replace the thermal fuse with an identical part, and ensure you address the underlying issue that caused it to blow, such as poor ventilation.
Section 4: Start Switch
Issue: A faulty start switch can prevent the dryer from initiating the drying cycle.
Solution:
- Locate the Start Switch: The start switch is usually located on the control panel.
- Test the Start Switch: Use a multimeter to check for continuity in the start switch. If it doesn’t have continuity when pressed, the switch is defective and should be replaced.
Section 5: Control Board
Issue: A malfunctioning control board can also be the culprit.
Solution:
- Inspect the Control Board: Look for any visible signs of damage, such as burnt components or loose wires.
- Reset the Control Board: Unplug the dryer for a few minutes and then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the control board if it’s experiencing a temporary glitch.
- Replace the Control Board: If the control board appears damaged or the reset doesn’t work, you may need to replace it. Consult your dryer’s manual for information on obtaining the correct replacement part.
Section 6: Motor and Belt
Issue: Problems with the dryer’s motor or belt can prevent it from starting.
Solution:
- Belt Inspection: Open the dryer door and manually spin the drum. If it spins freely, the belt may be broken or loose. In this case, you’ll need to replace the belt.
- Motor Check: If you hear a humming sound when you attempt to start the dryer but it doesn’t spin, the motor may be jammed or malfunctioning. Check for obstructions around the motor or signs of damage. If there are issues, the motor may need replacement.
Section 7: Overheating Protection
Issue: Some dryers have thermal cutoff switches that activate if the dryer overheats, preventing it from starting.
Solution:
- Locate the Thermal Cutoff Switch: Refer to your dryer’s manual to locate the thermal cutoff switch.
- Reset the Switch: If your dryer has a resettable thermal cutoff switch, press the reset button. This can sometimes resolve the issue if the dryer overheated.
- Ventilation Check: Poor ventilation can cause overheating. Ensure that the dryer’s vent system is clean and not obstructed. Proper ventilation is crucial for safe and efficient dryer operation.
Section 8: Timer or Control Knob
Issue: A malfunctioning timer or control knob can prevent the dryer from starting or advancing in the cycle.
Solution:
- Check the Timer/Control Knob: Inspect the timer or control knob for any visible damage or loose connections.
- Test the Timer: If the timer isn’t advancing, it may be faulty. Use a multimeter to check for continuity across its terminals. If it doesn’t have continuity, replace the timer.
Section 9: Call for Professional Assistance
If you’ve gone through all the previous steps and your Maytag Bravos dryer still won’t start, it’s time to consider professional assistance. Contact Maytag’s customer service or a certified technician to diagnose and repair the issue. Be sure to provide them with all the details of your troubleshooting efforts, as this can help expedite the repair process.
Troubleshooting Steps
| Step | Description | Notes | Tools | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check Power | Ensure the dryer is plugged in and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped. | None | 5 minutes |
| 2 | Door Switch | Verify that the door is fully closed; the dryer won’t start if the door is ajar. | None | 2 minutes |
| 3 | Start Button | Test the start button; it might be faulty. | Multimeter | 10 minutes |
| 4 | Thermal Fuse | Inspect the thermal fuse for continuity; a blown fuse can prevent the dryer from starting. | Multimeter | 15 minutes |
| 5 | Control Board | Check the control board for visible damage or burnt components. | Visual inspection | 10 minutes |
Common Causes
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Power Issues | No electricity or a tripped circuit breaker. |
| Door Interlock | The door switch isn’t engaging properly. |
| Start Button | The start button may be malfunctioning. |
| Thermal Fuse | A blown thermal fuse can cut power to the dryer. |
| Control Board | Damage or malfunction in the control board. |
| Motor Problems | Faulty motor or motor relay. |
| Belt Tension | Loose or broken belt can prevent the motor from turning. |
| Overload | Overloaded dryer may not start as a safety precaution. |
| Blown Fuse | Dryer may not start if there’s a blown house fuse. |
| Safety Sensors | Issues with sensors may prevent the dryer from starting. |
Solutions
| Solution | Description |
|---|---|
| Check Power | Ensure the power source is working, reset the breaker. |
| Door Adjustment | Realign or replace the door switch if necessary. |
| Button Repair | Repair or replace the start button if it’s faulty. |
| Fuse Replacement | Replace the thermal fuse if it’s blown. |
| Control Board Replacement | Replace the control board if damaged. |
| Motor Inspection | Inspect and replace the motor or relay if necessary. |
| Belt Replacement | Replace the belt if it’s loose or broken. |
| Reduce Load | Remove some items if the dryer is overloaded. |
| Fuse Check | Check house fuses and replace if needed. |
| Sensor Check | Inspect and calibrate sensors as required. |
Tools
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| Multimeter | Used for testing electrical components. |
| Screwdriver | For opening panels and accessing parts. |
| Visual Inspection | To spot visible damage or issues. |
| Replacement Parts | Required for repairs and replacements. |
| Owner’s Manual | For reference and guidance. |
Estimated Time
| Step | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 5 |
| 2 | 2 |
| 3 | 10 |
| 4 | 15 |
| 5 | 10 |
Conclusion:
Troubleshooting a Maytag Bravos dryer that won’t start can be a systematic process involving various components, from power supply to internal parts like the motor and control board. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can often identify and resolve the issue on your own. However, if the problem persists or if you’re uncomfortable with any of the diagnostics or repairs, it’s always best to seek professional assistance to ensure your dryer is back in working order as soon as possible.
