Maytag is one of the most reliable brands for dryers. Their models are long-lasting, user-friendly, easy to move, and cheap. However, like any other electronics, Maytag dryers can present problems after years of use.
A Maytag dryer’s timer sometimes stops working because of a faulty motor, a lack of continuity in the wiring, or excessive use. To fix these problems, you will usually have to replace the timer motor. Open the control panel, disconnect the faulty motor, and rewire the new motor in its place.
In this article, we will teach how to spot the most common timer problems in your Maytag dryer. We will also help you solve these problems.
How Does the Timer in the Maytag Dryer Work?
The timer is one of the most important parts of any dryer. It is the mechanism that tells the machine when to start and finish. It is also responsible for managing the power levels of the dryer during each cycle.
The timer is usually located in the control panel console. It works with a small motor that regulates the changes of power in each of the dryer’s components. All of this is possible because of the motor’s contacts that work inside the timer as a clock mechanism.
By doing so, the dryer can properly control the cycles. If it is not working correctly, you will not be able to use your dryer.
Maytag dryers are either electrical or gas-powered. They both work similarly, and the timer can be a problem in both models.
You should consult the manual of your specific Maytag dryer before starting any repair work. It will show you where to locate the timer mechanism and other important parts.
Maytag Dryer Timer Won’t Advance
I recently noticed a problem with my Maytag dryer: the timer wasn’t advancing. This issue threw off my laundry routine, as I had to keep checking whether my clothes were dry. Intrigued and a bit frustrated, I set out to understand why this was happening and how to fix it.
If your Maytag dryer’s timer is not advancing, it could be due to a faulty timer motor. The timer motor controls the movement of the timer’s dial. To fix this, you’ll need to replace the timer motor. This involves accessing the dryer’s control panel, removing the old motor, and installing a new one.
Another reason might be a malfunctioning cycling thermostat. This thermostat monitors the temperature inside the dryer and advances the timer as the temperature changes. If it’s not working properly, the timer may stay stuck. Replacing the cycling thermostat typically resolves this issue. You can find the thermostat, usually near the dryer’s heat source, and replace it following the dryer’s manual instructions.
A different issue could be related to the dryer’s heating element. If the heating element isn’t working correctly, the dryer might not reach the right temperature, preventing the timer from advancing. Check the heating element for any signs of damage or wear. If it appears faulty, replacing the heating element can help in getting the timer to advance properly again. This task may require some technical know-how or professional assistance.
Maytag Dryer Timer Won’t Stop
Causes
If your timer is not stopping, it means that your dryer is not being told to stop after a cycle.
There are other possible causes for a dryer not stopping. The most common reason is the ventilation. If you have checked your air ducts and there’s nothing wrong with them, then the next step is the timer.
If the timer is not working properly, you will find out by testing for continuity in the wires connected to the timer’s motor. To check your timer’s motor, you can follow these steps:
- Always unplug the dryer before performing any task.
- Once unplugged, locate the timer. You will find it inside the console of the control panel.
- Once the timer is located, unplug the wires from the motor. Check your wire diagram in the manual to know which one you need for your specific timer model.
- Once unplugged, measure the current with your multimeter.
- If you cannot find a reading, it means that the contacts are not working properly. If that is the case, you will need to replace the timer.
Note: There are many models for dryer timers. So always consult your wire diagram in the manual before performing any task.
How to Fix
You have checked your dryer, and you have concluded that the timer is not working. What next?
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on November 21, 2020.
When a timer is not working, there is little to do. You will need to replace it with a new one. So we recommend you to buy the motor, and not replace the entire timer mechanism.
If you want to know how to replace a Maytag dryer timer, you can follow the steps in the previous section. For a more visual guide, you can refer back to the video of how to replace a timer in a Maytag dryer.
Maytag Dryer Timer Knob Won’t Move
Causes
If the knob of your Maytag dryer timer is not moving, it might be because of time and constant use. If that’s the case, then there is too little to do but to remove the knob and replace it with a new one.
The knob can be found inside the knob assembly on the timer shaft. The timer shaft can be located on the control console panel.
To replace a knob, you will only need a new one and a flat head screwdriver.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on November 21, 2020.
How to Fix
- First of all, unplug your dryer.
- Remove the timer knob assembly from the timer shaft. This is an easy task, and you will only need to use a little bit of strength.
- Remove the plastic cab. Do not pull too hard.
- Once the plastic cab is removed, you’ll need your flat head screwdriver to remove the old knob. Do this carefully, or you might have to replace the entire mechanism.
- Once it is removed, you only need to replace the knob with the new one.
- Make sure you put everything back before plugging your dryer again.
If you need a more visual guide to replace your Maytag dryer’s timer knob, you can watch this video:
Final Thoughts
To avoid problems with Maytag dryers, you can begin by cleaning the air ducts of your dryer after each cycle. Dryers with proper ventilation last longer than those that do not.
Also, timers are not usually the main problem in Maytag dryers. You should check your dryer’s thermal fuse or door lock before deciding to change your timer. If your timer is the problem, focus on finding a motor replacement as it is cheaper than replacing the entire mechanism.
As a final note, always remember to disconnect your dryer from the power source before you try to replace any parts.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on November 21, 2020.