I have the Maytag 300 series. These are excellent machines; however, we had a problem with the dryer shutting off too early. The repairman told us that the sensor(s) needed to be cleaned occasionly with rubbing alcohol. Problem is, I was not present at the time and do not know the location of the sensor(s). Can you help me out, please?
Thanks

These driers will do that when the lint builds up like concrete on the inside of the air ducts. When the sensors need cleaning all of it needs cleaning. Halfway doing it will not work. You need to totally tear it down and scrape out and wash all of the parts except the motor, which you vacuum out. You can go to YouTube to see videos on how to take it apart, but do a very good job or it will fail again quickly. I would get a new belt and change it while you have it apart and get some white lithium grease and grease any bearings you find. You need to clean out a drier every two years, at least, according to the manual. All sensors work together by comparing temperature, so all need to be cleaned. You just unplug the wires from the sensors and remove ductwork that they are attached on and clean the entire thing with soap and water. Make sure you go all through the dryer and get all parts like the blower fan and housing, vacuum out motor well and clean exhaust. Mark all wires you unplug so you know where they go. This is an easier job than you would think. My sister does hers at least once a year since she has five children and dryer gets a lot of use. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6wmD502-xE and: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBNDbyRm68M&feature=fvsr

Thanks for the excellent write-up. I watched both videos and they contained good advice. I am still curious as to the location of the sensor(s). The videos did not address cleaning anything inside the drum with rubbing alcohol whereas my repair-man did. Do you know if they are located immediately above the door or just below it?

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Originally Posted by fwala

I have the Maytag 300 series. These are excellent machines; however, we had a problem with the dryer shutting off too early. The repairman told us that the sensor(s) needed to be cleaned occasionally with rubbing alcohol. Problem is, I was not present at the time and do not know the location of the sensor(s). Can you help me out, please?
Thanks

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You will see the sensors screwed onto the sides of the ducts. I can give you a manual here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/8010163/Whirlpool%20ML-4%20Maytag%20Centennial%20Dryer%20Service%20Manual .pdf

Without the actual model number there is no way for me to find a manual for that exact dryer. You will find sensors throughout your dryer because the newer dryers use them to sense when the clothes are dry by making comparisons between different sensors. When the dryer is dirty you have to clean the whole dryer, not just a sensor or two. Just cleaning a spot here and there with alcohol is no good. You may clean where the wires plug onto the sensor, but that does nothing for the insulating layer of dirt keeping the sensor from sensing.

Thanks drtom4444. That manual gave me a peek at what the Moisture Sensor Strips Holder looks like, at least for the model(s) in the manual, which is exactly what I've been looking for. My Model # is MEDE300VW1. Might you possibly have a more pertinent manual?
Thanks again.

drtom4444:
Never mind. This video not only shows where the sensors are located, but explains in exacting detail how to replace them:
Moisture Sensor 3387223 Order now for same day shipping. 365 day return policy. RepairClinic.com
Thanks anyway for your assistance,
fwala

Even though you change this sensor or clean it, if the rest of the dryer is dirty you will still have problems.