Somehow, you only discover your dryer won’t start after it’s loaded with a pile of wet laundry. Why is your Maytag dryer not turning on? The door may not be completely closed and latched. Troubleshoot a Maytag dryer not starting with these five common causes.
Why Is My Maytag Dryer Not Starting?
More often than not, a simple adjustment can fix a Maytag dryer not starting. From door latch issues to the wrong settings, here’s how to restore your dryer’s function and get laundry day back on track.
Incoming Power Problem
Before considering a dryer malfunction, first make sure it has power. A Maytag dryer does not start and the control panel doesn’t illuminate if it doesn’t receive electricity.
Here’s how to assess for potential power problems:
- Check the power cord: Make sure it’s fully plugged into a functioning outlet.
- Avoid extension cords: These cords can’t reliably transmit the voltage required. This may mean your dryer takes a long time to dry or surges occur that interrupt power.
- Look for tripped breakers or blown fuses: Check your home’s circuit breaker or fuse box. Reset tripped breakers or replace blown fuses. Keep in mind that electric dryers utilize two breakers or fuses, while gas models use only one.
Control Lock Enabled
If your Maytag dryer won’t start but has power, check to see if the Control Lock function is enabled. This feature locks all control panel functions to prevent accidental use. When Control Lock is enabled, its button will illuminate.
On most Maytag dryers, Control Lock can be disabled by pressing and holding the Cycle Signal button for 3 seconds. You’ll know that the feature disabled when the Control Lock light turns off.
Wrong Cycle Selected
Even if the Control Lock feature is off, other cycle setting issues may be the reason for a Maytag dryer not starting.
Check the control panel for the following cycle selections that can prevent an immediate start:
- Cycle Control Knob set incorrectly: If your dryer won’t heat up or start immediately, make sure the Cycle Control Knob is set to Automatic or Timed Dry. Some dryers have a Wrinkle Reduction setting that doesn’t include an immediate start.
- Start button wasn’t fully pushed: What does it mean when I press the start button on my dryer, nothing happens? The start button may not have been pushed completely. Make sure you press and hold the button for 2-5 seconds to start the dryer.
- Cycle settings pushed incorrectly: The electronic control panel is very sensitive to touch. However, make sure you touch each button with your fingertip, not just a fingernail, for the panel to register selections.
- Control panel is wet: Since the panel may not respond when wet, avoid touching it with wet hands or allowing it to become soaked with water.
Door Latch Isn’t Engaged
In order for the dryer to start a cycle, the door must be completely closed and its latch engaged. Once the latch is engaged, it prompts the door switch to signal the control panel and start the dryer. Even if the door looks closed, give it a firm push to ensure the latch is engaged. Make sure there is no trapped clothing preventing the door from closing properly.
If you still find your Maytag dryer not starting when the door is properly closed, the latch may be broken. If it appears damaged or fails multimeter testing with no continuity, it needs to be replaced.
Failed Maytag Dryer Parts
Is your Maytag dryer not starting even after trying the above tips? A failed part may be to blame. If the dryer has no response or sound when you press the start button, the start switch may have malfunctioned. Similarly, a broken door switch won’t relay commands to the control board to start a drying cycle. Lastly, if your Maytag dryer won’t start, just beeps, the control board itself may be faulty and unable to process commands.
All of the above parts can’t be repaired and should be replaced by a professional repair service.
The professionals at Service Care can perform any Maytag dryer repair. Contact us today to schedule your expert service!
