7 Reasons Maytag Neptune Dryer Won’t Start (Solved!)

Ideally, you expect your Maytag Neptune dryer to work just as fine as it did the last time you used it. Sometimes, however, a Maytag Neptune dryer won’t start, and you have to determine why and possibly fix it.

Well, a Maytag Neptune dryer won’t start due to failed power supply, unresponsive start button or control panel, wrong cycle setting, locked controls, or a failed component such as the timer, motor, or control board.   

So, there are at least seven critical issues to check, and one is highly likely why you cannot run your Neptune dryer. The good news is that all seven issues are easy to troubleshoot.

I’ll discuss how you can recognize each issue and its effective remedy. Additionally, we’ll look at a few other matters relating to a non-starting Neptune dryer.

Let’s dive in!

Maytag Neptune dryer won't start

In a hurry? Consider the seven issues below and their matching fixes when your Maytag Neptune dryer doesn’t start:

My Maytag Neptune Dryer Won’t Start – Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Probable CauseQuick Fix
1.Failed Power SupplyCheck your dryer’s power supply – ensure it turns on.
2.Unresponsive Start ButtonPress the start button long enough (2-5 seconds), and if it’d damaged, replace it.
3.Unresponsive Control PanelAvoid touching the control panel with wet or dirty hands, and don’t scratch it.
4.Wrong CycleChoose the correct dry cycle.
5.Locked ControlsDeactivate Control Lock
6.Non-Latching DoorRemove any obstruction and firmly latch the door. Replace a defective door switch.
7.Component FailureReplace a defective timer, motor, or control board.

Why Won’t My Maytag Neptune Dryer Start?

Your Maytag Neptune dryer won’t start for different reasons. Sometimes it won’t do that because it doesn’t turn on (pointing to the first issue on my list). However, the dryer won’t start at other times despite turning on.

Generally, here are the seven reasons why Maytag Neptune dryers won’t start:

  • Your dryer lacks power
  • The start button is non-responsive
  • The control panel is non-responsive
  • You are using the wrong cycle setting
  • The controls are locked
  • The door could be unlatched
  • Component failure

Let’s discuss the seven issues next!

1. Maytag Neptune Dryer Won’t Start No Power – Failed Power Supply

Does your Maytag Neptune dryer turn on its lights? If it doesn’t, it’s highly likely that the dryer lacks power, and it could be due to any of these reasons:

  • Power loss – Check if there has been a recent power outage. If so, it’s highly likely your Neptune dryer won’t turn on.
  • Loose power cord – If the dryer is only loosely plugged into the wall socket, it might not get sufficient power to turn on. Thus, check if it’s firmly affixed to the wall.
  • Tripped breaker – During a power surge, the circuit breaker will likely trip off and cut off the dryer’s power supply. Hence, you should check if the circuit breaker is off.
  • Blown-up fuse – A power surge can also blow up the dryer’s thermal fuse; when that happens, the dryer won’t have the power to turn on.
  • Non-working outlet – It could be that the outlet is not working or even the wrong type. Ideally, this outlet should be a 3-prong.
  • Use of an adapter or extension cord – You shouldn’t use an adapter or extension cord to power your dryer. If you do, the chances are that the dryer won’t get enough power to turn on.

Fix

Check if you’ve power. If you don’t, then wait for it. However, if the issue is not an outage, firmly plug in the dryer and reset the breaker if it’s tripped.

Then use a multimeter to check whether the thermal fuse and electric outlets work. The absence of continuity means they aren’t, so you should replace them.

While at it, plug directly into the wall socket (3-prong). Avoid adapters and extension cords.

Maytag Neptune Dryer Won’t Start But Has Power

Suppose your Neptune dryer turns on but won’t start. Then you must rule out a power issue and look for a non-power-related one. Here are the likely reasons your Neptune dryer won’t start even though it has power:

2. Unresponsive Start Button (Maytag Neptune Dryer Start Button Not Working)

You cannot expect your Neptune dryer to run by only tapping the start button. No! You must hold the start switch down for 2-5 seconds to engage fully.

But still, the start button won’t work if it’s damaged, so inspect it.

Fix

Long press the start button for 2-5 seconds to engage it. If the switch is still unresponsive, check it for signs of damage and replace it if that’s the case.

Maytag Neptune dryer won't start but has power

3. Unresponsive Control Panel

The dryer’s control panel is quite sensitive. It quickly fails to respond to touch commands if you touch it with wet or dirty hands. Similarly, the control panel becomes non-responsive if you scratch it with your fingernails.

Fix

Wipe your hands clean and dry before touching the control panel. While at it, do not scratch it with your fingernails.

4. Wrong Cycle Setting

Your Neptune dryer won’t start if you are using the wrong cycle setting. So, it’s imperative that you consult your manual first.

For example, your dryer won’t start if Wrinkle Reduction is on or the dryer is timed to start (using Timed-Dry) at a particular time.

Fix

Turn off Wrinkle Reduction, Timed Dry, and other settings that could stop the dryer from starting. Then, ensure you choose the correct setting to allow the dryer to run normally.

5. Locked Controls

Is the Control Lock light on? If so, then that’s likely the reason your Neptune dryer won’t turn on.

Control Lock, sometimes called Child Lock, locks the dryer’s control panel, making all the buttons beside Power non-responsive. So, even if you press Start, the dryer won’t start.

Remember, Control Lock’s job is to prevent kids from operating the dryer. So, it should be off when you start using it.

Fix

Disable Control Lock if it’s on. You can do that by pressing the switch for at least 3 seconds or until the light goes off.

6. Non-Latching Door

Maytag dryers, in general, won’t run if they sense that the door is not latched correctly. It could be that a piece of cloth or debris obstructs the door, preventing it from fully locking.

If that’s not the case, it’s likely that the door switch is defective and won’t engage the door latch completely.

Fix

Remove any obstruction on the dryer door and try to latch the door firmly. If it still won’t lock, use a multimeter to check if the door switch has continuity. If it doesn’t, replace it.

Maytag Neptune dryer won't start just beeps

7. Component Failure

Lastly, you can expect your Maytag Neptune dryer to have difficulty starting if one of these three components fails:

  • Timer – The timer communicates with the control board (which controls all dryer functions, including starting). If it’s faulty, it won’t send the proper signal to the control board, and the dryer will fail to start.
  • Motor – If the motor is faulty, the drum won’t turn, and if it doesn’t, the dryer won’t run.
  • Control board – Since the control board controls all dryer functions, it won’t start if it short-circuits or wears down.

Fix

You should replace any of the above components if they are faulty. But if you can’t do it, have an expert inspect them for fault and replace them on your behalf.

And once you replace them, remember to reset your dryer before turning it on, and here’s how to do it:

  • Just unplug the dryer for at least 60 seconds
  • Plug it back in and then press Power/Start for 5 seconds or until the dryer stops beeping

Maytag Neptune Dryer Won’t Start Just Beeps

If your Neptune dryer only beeps but won’t start, it’s most likely due to a power failure or locked controls. So, check if the dryer has power, and deactivate Control Lock if it’s on.

Other issues to check if your Neptune dryer keeps beeping but won’t start include a malfunctioning motor, control panel, timer, or door switch, and if so, you should replace it.

Maytag Neptune Dryer Lights On But Won’t Start

Though you expect your Neptune dryer to start as soon as it lights up, sometimes it won’t. Of course, this rules out power issues.

One thing to check, however, is the Control Lock. If it’s on, turn it off. Also, check the setting to ensure it is correct and the door to ensure it’s entirely latched.

Lastly, you could not fully engage the start button, so it’s non-responsive. In that case, hold it down for 2-5 seconds.

Maytag Neptune Gas Dryer Won’t Start

In the case of a gas dryer, these issues are worth checking if your Neptune gas dryer won’t start:

  • A blown-up fuse – Unlike an electric dryer which has two fuses, a Maytag gas dryer only has one and so check it with a multimeter
  • Non-engaged door – probably due to a cloth or debris obstruction or a defective door switch
  • The wrong setting, such as Wrinkle Reduction or Timed-Dry
  • Non-responsive control pane – especially when touching the panel with wet or dirty hands
  • Locked controls – due to an active Control Lock setting
my Maytag Neptune dryer won't start

People Also Ask

1. Why Is My Maytag Dryer Not Starting But Has Power?

Your Maytag Dryer is not starting despite having power because of an active Control Lock setting, which you should turn off. If that’s not it, it could be due to an improperly latched door, a non-responsive control panel, or a wrong cycle setting.

2. Why Is My Dryer Turning On But Not Starting?

Your dryer is turning on but not starting because of locked controls (relating to active Control Lock), an incorrectly locked door, a control panel malfunction (from touching it with wet or dirty hands), or an incorrect setting.

3. What Would Cause a Maytag Dryer Not to Come On?

Several issues could stop a Maytag dryer from coming on. Primarily, the problem is power-related, and it could be any of these:

  • Power outage
  • Loose power cable
  • Faulty electric outlet
  • The use of an adapter or extension instead of the wall socket
  • Tripped circuit breaker
  • Blown-up fuse

Concluding Thought:

Now you know the seven things to check when your Maytag Neptune dryer won’t start. What’s more reassuring, however, is that you can troubleshoot it DIY, saving money and time.

Just ensure your dryer has power, the start button and control panel are responsive, the correct cycle is selected, the Control Lock is off, and the door is well shut. And if the motor, timer, or control board is defective, replace it.

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