You may consider a Maytag Centennial dryer heating element replacement for different reasons. It could be that your Centennial dryer won’t get hot or dry or experiences a longer drying time. The question, however, is how do you do it?
You can replace a Maytag Centennial dryer heating element using these steps: Disconnect the power supply and remove the rear panel and old heating element. Then swap the hi-li thermostat, fit in the new heating element, screw back the panel, and reconnect the dryer.
Once you follow these steps, you can replace your heating element. It’s essential, however, to be careful not to damage it as it’s pretty delicate. You also have to be sure that the heating element is faulty, as it’s not the only thing that could interfere with the dryer’s heating and drying.
This guide shall help you do just that. But first, let’s see what a heating element is, what it does, and when to replace it.
Let’s dive in!
What’s The Heating Element and What Does It Do?
The heating element is a coiled heating component in the back panel of a dryer or just behind the drum. Its job on a Maytag dryer is to produce the heat necessary for warming the arriving cold air before it (the cold air) can reach the drum.
So, more often than not, the heating element is to blame when the Maytag Centennial dryer doesn’t heat or dry properly or fails to do both entirely. But as I mentioned, there could be other reasons which we will highlight next.
When to Replace the Maytag Centennial Dryer Heating Element
By observing the dryer’s performance (though not definitive), you can tell when the heating element could be faulty and needs replacing. That includes the following:
1. Maytag Centennial Dryer Not Heating
Consider checking the heating element when your Maytag Centennial dryer won’t heat, especially if it only spins but won’t get hot. Note, however, that there could be another reason, which means you shouldn’t be in a hurry to replace the heating element.
Other than a faulty heating element, here are other reasons a Maytag Centennial dryer won’t get hot:
- Lack of power – In such a case, the dryer won’t turn on.
- Blown-up thermal fuse
- Clogged lint screen
- Clogged, kinked, or crushed dryer vent
- Too many elbows on the vent
- Extra-long dryer vent
- Extra wet or extra-large/bulky load
2. Maytag Centennial Dryer Not Drying
The heating element could also be why the Centennial dryer won’t dry your clothes. But just like in the case of a non-heating dryer, you could still end up with wet clothes for another reason besides a defective heating element.
Other than a non-working heating element, here are other reasons your Maytag Centennial dryer won’t dry clothes:
- Clogged lint screen
- Vent blockage (by clogging or kinking)
- Extra-long vent
- Soaking wet or overloaded laundry (over ¾ full)
- Wrong dryer setting (like Air Fluff)
3. Maytag Centennial Dryer Experiencing Longer Drying Times
Sometimes the Maytag Centennial dryer would heat up and dry the clothes, but it may take forever. In such a case, check the condition of the heating element.
But like in the above two cases, there could be other reasons why your Maytag dryer experiences longer drying times, such as the following:
- Loading clothes that are too large, bulkier, or excessive (over ¾ drum full)
- The wrong setting, especially Timed Dry or Auto Dry
- Partially clogged lint screen
- Partially blocked dryer vent
How to Tell a Bad Maytag Centennial Dryer Heating Element?
The above three signs may indicate a defective heating element, but they can be inconclusive. However, they will tell you if the heating element is worth a look at, especially after ruling out the other issues.
But to be sure, here are ways to identify a bad Maytag Centennial dryer heating element.
a) Observation
You can visually examine the heating element to tell if it’s faulty. Here’s what to check:
- Damaged or loose/sagging coil
- Burnt edges, especially on the coil
- Signs of natural wear
b) Multimeter Checking
If you want a more definitive diagnosis of your dryer’s heating element condition, use the multimeter. Here you can check not only the heating element’s continuity but also its resistance.
Touch the heating element with the sensitive multimeter probes to see what happens. If the multimeter produces the beep sound, that shows continuity and means your heating element is okay.
Likewise, the heating element is okay if the multimeter shows a resistance value of 0 – 15 ohms. However, the heating element is highly likely defective if the element doesn’t beep to indicate continuity or displays a resistance level outside 0 – 15 ohms.
How to Replace Maytag Centennial Dryer Heating Element?
Before anything, you’ll need the following for the Maytag Centennial dryer heating element replacement:
- New dryer heating element (View on Amazon)
- ¼ inch nut screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Multimeter
The Steps
Here are eight simple steps for replacing a heating element on a Maytag Centennial dryer.
Step 1 – Disconnect the dryers power supply
Since you wouldn’t want to execute yourself, disconnect the dryer from the power. Start by turning it off and then plug it from the wall socket. Then move it a few inches from the wall to create enough work clearance.
Step 2 – Remove the rear panel
Use the screwdriver to unscrew the rear panel and access the heating element. Then remove the heating element and put it aside to allow you a good view of the heating element.
Step 4 – Remove and examine the heating element
Now that you can access the heating element, disconnect the wires and unscrew it from its position. As I explained, you can visually examine it for faults or use a multimeter.
If the heating element is okay, return it and everything else as they were. If the coil ends are bent, use the pliers to straighten them.
Step 5 – Swap the hi-li thermostat
If the heating element is bad, detach the hi-limit thermostat from it and attach it to the new heating element.
Step 6 – Install the new heating element
With the hi-limit thermostat still attached, install the new heating element and screw it into place. Ensure you secure it tightly.
Step 7 – Reattach the back panel
Screw back the rear panel as it was. It should be secure to avoid weird noises like squeaking when the dryer starts running.
Step 8 – Reconnect the dryer’s power supply
Lastly, plug back the dryer and turn it on to restore its power supply. You can then start it to see if it’ll get hot and dry.
How to Choose the Correct Maytag Dryer Heating Element Replacement?
So many heating elements exist on the market. Not all of them, however, fit Maytag Centennial dryers. So, to avoid confusion, check out your Maytag Centennial Dryer heating element part number.
That’ll enable you to get the ideal heating element replacement. Remember, you can find the part number just below the dryer door. And if you are unsure, ask Maytag support or consult your manual.
Maytag Centennial Dryer Heating Element Replacement Cost
Generally, the cost of replacing a Maytag Centennial heating depends on the dryer model and whether you’ll replace it DIY or hire someone. If you go DIY, it’ll only mean that you’ll only need to buy a new replacement heating element for at least $72. Some may cost over $200.
But if you intend to hire a dryer expert, you’ll need to cater for the expert fee, which means you may spend more than $200. Overall, hiring a professional is ideal when you aren’t sure how to do the replacement. But you’ll save money if you can do it.
FAQs
1. How Do You Change a Heating Element in A Maytag Centennial Dryer?
You can change a heating element in a Maytag Centennial dryer through these quick steps:
- Turn off and plug out the dryer
- Unscrew the rear panel and disconnect the wiring harness from the heating element
- Unscrew the old heating element and take out the hi-limit thermostat
- Attach the high-limit thermostat to the new heating element
- Screw the new heating element in place
- Also, screw back the rear panel and reconnect the dryer
2. Where Is the Heating Element On a Maytag Centennial Dryer?
You can locate the heating element in the back panel of the Maytag Centennial dryer. If it’s not there, check behind the drum; if you still cannot locate it, check the product manual.
3. But Is It Worth Replacing the Heating Element in A Dryer?
Given the importance of a heating element in a dryer, you want it working. If not, your dryer won’t heat up or dry clothes. But considering that you may spend $30 – $80 on most heating elements, it may make sense to do the replacement DIY. If you hire an expert, that will push the cost higher, making it not worth it.
4. Why Is My Maytag Centennial Dryer Not Getting Hot?
Your Maytag Centennial dryer is not getting hot because it lacks power, the dry vent or lint screen is clogged, or the load is extra-large or soaking wet. But still, it could be that the thermal fuse or the heating element is defective.
5. How Do I Know If My Dryer Heating Element Is Blown?
You can check if your dryer’s heating element is blown up with a multimeter. If the multimeter shows that the heating element has continuity, it’s okay. If it, however, lacks continuity, it’s highly likely blown up.
Concluding Remarks!
Shared above is how to do the Maytag Centennial Dryer heating element replacement. You may need to change the heating element when troubleshooting a Maytag Centennial Dryer that won’t get hot or dry clothes. But to be sure, you may need to examine the heating element visually or with a multimeter.