Maytag Gas Dryer Troubleshooting Guide (3 Issues Solved!)

Maytag gas dryers may not be as popular as their electric counterparts, but they face the same problems and sometimes require almost similar fixes. So, it’s paramount that you understand the Maytag gas dryer troubleshooting to address the issues when they arise.

Three of the commonest Maytag gas dryer problems include the gas dryer not starting, not heating, and not spinning. In such cases, the dryer won’t do its job of drying clothes, and that means you can’t use it.

While most of us rush to call Maytag or the local dryer expert when the dryer doesn’t start, heat, or spin, most problem causes are DIY-fixable. All you have to do is recognize the issue behind the dryer problem, and that’s where this guide comes in.

We’ll help you do that by discussing the most probable causes of each of the three dryer problems and recommending the applicable fixes. Of course, a few issues may need a dryer expert’s help – but as I mentioned, they are only a few.

Let’s dive in!

Maytag gas dryer troubleshooting

In a hurry? Consider the table below to troubleshoot the three mentioned Maytag gas dryer problems.

Maytag Gas Dryer Troubleshooting Guide

Dryer IssueLikely CauseRecommended Fix
1.The Dryer Won’t StartFailed gas supply, non-working start switch, active Control Lock, wrong setting, or unlatched doorEnsure your gas dryer has power and receives gas and that the start button is working; deactivate Control Lock, choose the correct setting, and latch the door if it’s open
2.The Dryer Won’t HeatFailed gas supply, wrong setting, extra-large or extra-wet laundry, clogged lint screen or vent, blown-up fuse, or faulty igniter or flame sensorEnsure the burner receives gas, choose a heat-related setting, reduce the load and its wetness level, clean the vent and lint screen, and replace a blown-up fuse or faulty  igniter, or flame sensor
3.Non-Spinning DryerFailed power/gas supply, active Control Lock, open door, excessive laundry, a broken belt, or defective motorEnsure the dryer has power/gas, deactivate Control Lock, shut the door, reduce the laundry load, and replace a broken belt or defective motor

3 Common Maytag Gas Dryer Problems

Discussed are three issues common among Maytag gas dryers:

1. Maytag Gas Dryer Won’t Start

While a Maytag gas dryer won’t start due to the lack of power (it won’t turn on), it sometimes won’t start with power. Let’s see the two cases.

Maytag Gas Dryer Won’t Turn On

If your Maytag gas dryer won’t turn on, it shows an issue with its power or gas supply. Here’s what to check in such a case:

  • Failed gas supply – It could be that the gas supply valve is not open, and therefore, no gas is flowing to the burner assembly for ignition. It could also be that the gas supply tube is blocked, perhaps kinked, thus preventing gas flow to the burner.
  • Unplugged cable – Since a gas dryer also uses electricity (though not as much as an electric dryer), it should be properly plugged in to turn on. Check if that’s the case.
  • Defective socket – The power socket should be working. If it’s not, the gas dryer won’t start.
  • Blown thermal fuse – The thermal fuse usually blows up to protect the dryer during a power surge. In such a case, it cuts off the dryer’s power supply.

Maytag Gas Dryer Won’t Start Though it Turns On

If your gas dryer turns on but won’t start, consider that it could be due to one of these issues:

  • Active Control Lock – The Control Lock will stop the dryer from starting if it’s on. So, check it.
  • Wrong setting – A setting like Timed-Dry stops the gas dryer from starting immediately until a preset time.
  • Unlatched door – The dryer will also fail to start if its door is left open – even if it’s only slightly open.

Fix

Here’s what to do when your Maytag dryer won’t start:

First, ensure you open the gas supply valve to allow gas to get to the gas burner, and if the supply tube has some kinks, clear them. Meanwhile, ensure the power cable is well plugged in.

Then use a multimeter to determine if the socket and thermal fuse have continuity. If they don’t, replace them.

If Control Lock is active, disable it by long-pressing the switch until it goes off or performing a Maytag Gas Dryer Reset (unplugging the dryer for at least a minute).

Moreover, choose the correct setting and firmly fasten your dryer door. If the door doesn’t latch, consider replacing the door switch.

Maytag gas dryer not heating up

2. Maytag Gas Dryer Not Heating Up – Troubleshooting

Your Maytag gas dryer must get hot to dry the clothes. If it doesn’t, then the clothes will come out wet.

Below is one of the reasons your Maytag gas dryer is not heating:

  • Failed gas supply – If your gas burner doesn’t get enough gas for the reasons shared earlier, it won’t burn up, and the dryer will fail to get hot.
  • Wrong setting – If the dryer is on a no-heat setting like Air Fluff, it won’t get hot.
  • Extra-large load – The dryer’s load shouldn’t exceed ¾ drum capacity. If it is, there won’t be enough space for hot air to circulate, so the dryer will stay cold most of the time.
  • Extra-wet laundry – Though the clothes should be wet, they shouldn’t be dripping. If they are, the extra wetness will make it hard for the dryer to get hot.
  • Clogged lint screen or vent – If the lint screen is dirt-clogged, which will likely happen after a few months of not cleaning it, it’ll restrict airflow; thus, the dryer won’t get hot.
  • Blown-up fuse – Since the dryer is likely not to start due to a blown-up fuse, it’s also likely not to heat up for the same reason.
  • Faulty igniter or flame sensor – if the gas burner, igniter, or flame sensor is defective, the gas dryer will not get hot.

Fix

Here’s how to fix a Maytag gas dryer that won’t heat:

First, ensure the gas supply valve is open and clear any kinks on the supply tube to ensure the burner receives enough gas. Then, choose a heat-related setting and keep the load capacity about ¾ full.

If the clothes are soaking wet, remove them from the dryer and squeeze off the excess water before re-loading them. While at it, check if the lint screen or vent is clogged, and clean it.

Then test the thermal fuse, igniter, and flame sensor with a multimeter; change it if any of the three lacks continuity.

3. Maytag Gas Dryer Won’t Spin – Troubleshooting

Your Maytag gas dryer may also fail to spin, and if that’s the case, the cause could be any of the following:

  • Failed power/gas supply – If your Maytag gas dryer doesn’t start because of a failed gas supply, it’ll also fail to spin for the same reason.
  • Active Control Lock – The Control Lock will also stop your dryer from spinning just like it stops it from starting.
  • Open door – Given that your dryer won’t start because of an open door, you can expect it not to spin for the same reason.
  • Excessive laundry – It’s not easy for the drum to rotate if it’s overloaded. That happens when you go past its ¾ capacity
  • Broken belt – It’s crucial that the drive belt is working fine. If it’s broken, the drum won’t spin.
  • Defective motor – A faulty motor will stop the drum from turning, meaning your gas dryer won’t spin.

Fix

Here’s how to fix a non-spinning Maytag gas dryer:

First, ensure the dryer has power/gas. In that case, it should turn on. Then deactivate Control Lock if it’s on and firmly lock its door.

If the laundry exceeds ¾, reduce it, and if the belt is broken, consider a matching Maytag gas dryer belt replacement. And if the drive motor doesn’t turn, replace it too.

Maytag gas dryer belt replacement

People Also Ask

1. What Do You Do When Your Maytag Dryer Won’t Start?

You can do several things when your Maytag dryer won’t start. That includes the following:

  • Ensure your gas dryer has enough power supply – it should turn on
  • Deactivate Control Lock if the safety functionality is enabled
  • Properly lock the dryer door and replace its door switch if it’s defective
  • Choose the correct setting – one that doesn’t delay the dryer’s starting time
  • Ensure you firmly press the start switch, and if it’s broken, replace it

2. Why Is Our Maytag Gas Dryer Not Heating Enough?

Your Maytag gas dryer is not heating enough because the lint screen or vent is dirt-clogged. It could also be that you are using a low-heat setting like Wrinkle Reduction. And if that’s not it, it could be due to a drum overload or the clothes are soaking wet. 

3. Why Won’t My Maytag Has Dryer Start But Has Power?

Your gas dryer may not run despite having power due to an active control lock or wrong setting. It could be that the Control/Child Lock is active, preventing the dryer from starting. It could also be that the dryer is on a delayed-start setting, thus unable to start immediately.

4. Why Is My Gas Dryer Running But Not Heating? 

Yes, your gas dryer may run but fail to heat up due to several issues. One of those issues is a clogged lint screen or vent. And if the vent and lint screen are clean, then it could be a setting issue whereby you use a low-heat setting like Wrinkle Reduction.

But still, it could be an issue like a blown-up fuse, a loose power cable, or tripped breaker that disrupts the dryer’s power supply.

Closing Thought

Now you have a simplified Maytag gas dryer troubleshooting guide to use when your dryer doesn’t start, heat up, or spin. So, try these troubleshooting tips before you panic or call the local dryer technician. You can tell they are not complicated, but you should try them out first! 

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