It can be quite a hassle when your Maytag dryer won’t spin properly, especially when there’s a heap of laundry waiting to be dried. It can disrupt your day, leaving you with the task of diagnosing and fixing an appliance that most of us take for granted when it’s functioning correctly.
It’s important to remember that it’s a fairly common issue with a number of potential causes. The good news is, many of these causes are easily diagnosable and can be fixed with a little patience and the right guidance.
What To Do When Your Maytag Dryer Won’t Spin
We’ll show to you the most common reasons your Maytag dryer won’t spin. Not only that, but we will also provide you with practical, step-by-step solutions for each of these potential issues.
Control Lock Is On
One often overlooked reason for a Maytag dryer not spinning is that the Control Lock feature might be activated. This safety feature is designed to prevent unintentional operation and could have been accidentally enabled, causing your dryer to appear unresponsive. Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:
- Begin by checking the control panel of your Maytag dryer. Look for a light or an indicator that signifies the Control Lock is engaged.
- If the lock is engaged, your dryer won’t start spinning or even respond to any command.
- To turn off the Control Lock feature, refer to your owner’s manual. The usual method is pressing and holding the control lock button for 5 seconds.
Dryer Door Not Latching
If you’ve noticed that your Maytag dryer’s door isn’t latching as it should, this might actually be why your Maytag dryer isn’t spinning. An improperly latched door can trigger the machine’s safety mechanism, which in turn can prevent the dryer from functioning correctly. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to troubleshoot and address this issue:
- First, check if the door is closing properly. If it isn’t, it may stop the dryer from starting its cycle.
- Inspect the door latch for any signs of damage or wear.
- If the door latch is damaged, it may not engage properly when the door is closed.
- You may need a professional to replace the door latch if it appears to be damaged or worn out.
A Worn-Out Dryer Belt
The belt within your Maytag dryer provides the necessary tension and traction to spin the drum, thereby facilitating the drying process. However, like all components, it gets wear and tear over the course of time. As it ages, it might stretch, fray, or even break entirely. When this happens, it no longer provides the needed grip for the drum to rotate. If you find your Maytag dryer not spinning but heating, a dryer belt failure is a likely issue.
- Inspect the belt for any signs of wear and tear.
- If the dryer makes a squealing sound or is heating but not spinning, it’s likely the drive belt has worn out and needs to be replaced.
- If you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY, you can try replacing the belt yourself.
- For a safer and more efficient repair, consider enlisting professional help.
Seized Dryer Drum
If your Maytag dryer won’t spin, another possible culprit could be a seized drum. The drum should typically rotate freely.
- Try to rotate the drum by hand. If it’s difficult to move, it could mean the drum has seized up.
- This issue can be challenging to diagnose, so consider enlisting the help of a professional repair technician.
Malfunctioning Drum Rollers
Your Maytag dryer relies on drum rollers for smooth operation. If your dryer makes noises like a loud, rumbling sound and refuses to spin, it’s possible that the drum rollers are malfunctioning. Drum rollers usually come in sets, and if one is faulty, it’s advisable to replace all of them at once.
- Listen for a loud, rumbling sound as this can indicate malfunctioning drum rollers.
- If the drum rollers are the problem you’ll need a professional for this repair as well.
Incorrect Dryer Settings
Incorrect settings could give the impression that your dryer isn’t spinning or you may find your Maytag dryer not spinning fast enough. It’s important to select the right settings for your load. Certain settings, like Wrinkle Shield, use intermittent spinning to reduce wrinkles, which could give the impression that your dryer isn’t spinning. Here’s how to fix this:
- Make sure to select the right settings for your load.
- Ensure that your Cycle Control knob is set on Automatic Dry, AccuDry, or Time Dry for regular spinning.
Broken Drive Motor
The Maytag dryer motor supplies power to the pulley wheel and drive belt, allowing the drum to rotate. If your dryer stops spinning, makes a loud noise, or fails to start, it might indicate that the drive motor needs replacement. This is a difficult repair, and we’d recommend scheduling an appointment with a professional to handle it.
Faulty Door Switch
A Maytag dryer won’t spin if the door isn’t properly closed, as a safety device called a door switch prevents operation when the door is open. If this switch is damaged or fails, it won’t signal the dryer to start. A technician can test the switch for continuity with a multimeter, and if it lacks continuity, help you replace it.
Damaged Idler Pulley
The idler pulley keeps the dryer belt taut around the drum. If it’s defective, the belt won’t be able to spin the drum.
- Listen for thumping, squeaking, or scraping sounds as these indicate a broken idler pulley.
- If you hear these noises, the idler pulley likely needs replacement.
While we’ve walked you through some DIY solutions in this guide, remember that dealing with appliances like dryers often calls for professional attention, especially when safety and complex repairs are involved. If your Maytag dryer won’t spin, or if you need any dryer maintenance don’t hesitate to reach out to A-Tech Appliance. Our team of dedicated dryer repair professionals is always ready to step in, making sure that your dryer returns to its optimal functioning in no time.
