I have a Maytag Neptune electric dryer Model# MDE4000AYW, Serial # 28635363YK.

I had dried a load of clothes (that took a normal amount of time to dry) and put in a second load to dry. After about three hours I realized the dryer was still running (Yes, I am one of those people that sometimes needs to run clothes through a wrinkle release cycle because I forget them in the dryer). Upon opening the dryer I found the clothes still very damp and cool to the touch.

I'd appreciate any advice on how to determine what is wrong with my dryer. :)

~cndlbrnr

Could be the relay or the heating element itself. You just need to check things for power.

To do simple checks like this you do need some tools. A test light, a meter, or a voltage detector might be the best place to start with. I came across the niftiest gadget for trouble shooting, a voltage detector. They work through the insulation of wires. There are several brands. I have a GB Instruments GVD-505A, less than $15 at Home Depot. Touch it to a hot wire, and the end glows red. Find the doodad that lights it on one side, and not the other, and you have the culprit. You do not have to open up housings and expose electrical contacts. You are looking at where your hand is, not where the meter is. Most people are capable of doing repairs and will get it going and not get hurt if they use a little sense. The voltage detector makes it even easier.

Thank you for the info! I've got a little sense, but not sure if I should attempt this! Guess I'll look inside of the dryer and see if it "looks" too daunting. Home Depot or Yellow pages (appliance repair)?

Thanks again...

Hooray! I think...

I found a GB instrument in the bottom of the toolbox! It is model GMT-12A. I have no idea how to use this thing. There are two wires coming from the box; on the left side - black, on the right side - red. There is a dial to select OMH (X1K), DCmA (.05, 50, 250), ACV (10, 50, 250, or 500), or DCV (10, 50, 250, or 500).

Dryer is unplugged and I've got the front panel of the cabinet removed. WOW! I couldn't believe the lint! I did a quick memory scan to make sure we've never lost a pet because I believe it could have been in the dryer under all of the lint! Nope, all pets accounted for...

After vacuuming the lint I put the black wire on a wire and the red on the other end of the wire and the needle gauge on the GB instrument rapidly moved to the other side so I assume the instrument works! I have no idea what I tested. Just wanted to see if the thing worked. Can anyone help from here and tell me where to start testing?

Maytag neotune mde5500ayw will not heat, what do I test to trouble shoot?