We have an older Maytag dryer that will start one out of three times. Sometimes, it will chug like a car that won't turn over. We really don't want to have to buy a new dryer, so if there is a cheaper alternative please help!

If the heat comes on, but the drum doesn't turn, the motor could be going bad. A motor might be $100, but still cheaper than a new dryer.

If nothing happens, or more of a chatter, it could be a relay. The switch does not turn the motor and heat on directly, but energizes a relay. It will be a box in the controls with 3-4 wires going to it. The coil and line terminals will be hot, but not the load if it is bad. Relays are fairly cheap, maybe $10-$20.