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View Full Version : Changed fuse and thermostat, but dryer still won't run


bjtlkm123
Oct 20, 2014, 06:01 PM
I replaced the fuse and thermostat control on my maytag performa dryer and just getting timer clicks. Based on a video, I removed two white wires by the fuse and connected them together and the dryer ran fine. This is what prompted me (based on the video) to replace the fuse and thermostat, but the dryer still doesn't work. Also reset all the breakers and same results. Any ideas?

drtom4444
Oct 21, 2014, 10:31 AM
Most likely it is dirty and lint deposits have built up, as it always does, in all the air ducts which will cause the main safety and other safeties to blow causing the problem you described. The thermal fuse is behind the drum and positioned so that you will have to take the dryer apart to get to it. There are usually more than just one fuse or safety; in fact, safeties are wired in series, so start tracing the safeties from the white wires you shorted to get it to run. You need a multi-meter to find which safety has blown. You will have to take it all apart and clean the drier out thoroughly or it is all for nothing. Every air duct will have to be removed and scraped and washed out to remove baked on lint deposits which bakes on like a concrete lining. This will burn so the manufacturer has installed the safeties to keep from having a house fire. The safeties are oval-shaped with a round center part containing the safety with two plug-on terminals for the wires and when they burn open, from the dryer being dirty and overheating, nothing will work, or it will not heat. Using an ohm meter you put a lead on each terminal of the safety, with one wire unplugged, and if it is good you will have a reading of about zero; if it is bad it will read infinity. On your dryer you may also have to test some thermistors if it has them. They are sensors that are around in different places to test the temperature and you test them with a meter set to ohms and compare the reading to a chart. They are specific to the dryer, but if you read nothing or a short you will know it is bad. Probably, once you clean it the dryer will run find after the blown safeties are replaced, too. Driers were the number one cause of fires at one time, hence now we have safety fuses. Look at: How to clean your clothes dryer. How to make it hot again. - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMP7BW1lLs4) to see how. Also look at these to get an idea about how to clean it: Mr. Appliance Tips: How to Clean Your Dryer - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBiRw-KElC4) ; Cleaning a Dryer Vent and Lint Trap - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFTZGgVisCI)
Electric Clothes Dryers (http://www.electrical-forensics.com/Dryer/ElectricClothesDryers.html) Dryer vent cleaning prevents fires - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6wmD502-xE) and: Cleaning out a dryer with top lint cleanout - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBNDbyRm68M&feature=fvsr)
Cleaning out a dryer: By a woman 2 of 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a73HTFkcB90&feature=relmfu)
When you finish cleaning the drier it is best to also replace the belt, too, because you do not want to have to disassemble it all over again and if the belt is over two years old you should replace it, and you will have to grease all bearings with white lithium hi-temp grease. Here are some manuals:

Note that on most of the videos it does not show them washing out the parts, but this is important because it's the only way to really get the parts clean, just don't get motor wet or the capacitor if it has one. Vacuum out the motor to remove all dust. I would move the drier out to your garage to have plenty of space to work. You also want to check your vent and clean it, also. The vent should have a short run and be straight as possible. The job is really easier than it sounds. There is no shortcut that will work; it has to be cleaned well. Before you re-assemble it make sure to use white lithium grease (high-temp grease) and grease all bearings. Here are some manuals: https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Maytag%20Dryers.zip
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/Electrical%20Theory%20and%20Diagnosis%20of%20Major %20Appliances%20Service%20Manual.pdf
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/8010163/How%20to%20use%20Test%20Equipment%20Service%20Manu al.pdf