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Diy triumph: how to banish maytag dryer timer troubles for good

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er,...

What To Know

  • A malfunctioning dryer timer can be a major inconvenience, leaving you with a pile of damp clothes and a lot of frustration.
  • The timer in your Maytag dryer is a crucial component that controls the duration of the drying cycle.
  • It consists of a motor, a gear train, and a switch that opens and closes electrical contacts to initiate and terminate the drying process.

A malfunctioning dryer timer can be a major inconvenience, leaving you with a pile of damp clothes and a lot of frustration. If you’re facing this issue with your Maytag dryer, don’t worry – this detailed guide will provide step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix the problem effectively.

Understanding the Maytag Dryer Timer

The timer in your Maytag dryer is a crucial component that controls the duration of the drying cycle. It consists of a motor, a gear train, and a switch that opens and closes electrical contacts to initiate and terminate the drying process.

Common Symptoms of a Faulty Maytag Dryer Timer

  • Dryer doesn’t start or stops prematurely
  • Drying cycle takes longer than usual
  • Dryer doesn’t advance to the next cycle
  • Timer knob won’t turn or feels loose

Troubleshooting and Fixing the Maytag Dryer Timer

1. Reset the Dryer

  • Unplug the dryer from the power outlet.
  • Wait for 30 seconds.
  • Plug the dryer back in.

2. Inspect the Timer Knob

  • Remove the knob by pulling it straight off.
  • Check for any loose connections or broken parts.
  • Clean any dirt or debris from the knob and the shaft.
  • Reattach the knob securely.

3. Test the Timer Motor

  • Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the timer motor.
  • Disconnect the wires from the motor terminals.
  • Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
  • Touch the probes to the motor terminals.
  • If the multimeter reads “OL” (open line), the motor is faulty and needs to be replaced.

4. Check the Gear Train

  • Remove the front panel of the dryer by unscrewing the screws.
  • Locate the timer gear train.
  • Inspect the gears for any broken teeth or misalignment.
  • Clean any dirt or debris from the gears and the surrounding area.

5. Test the Timer Switch

  • Use a multimeter to test the continuity of the timer switch.
  • Disconnect the wires from the switch terminals.
  • Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
  • Touch the probes to the switch terminals.
  • Turn the timer knob to each position.
  • If the multimeter reads “OL” (open line) in any position, the switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

6. Replace the Timer Assembly

  • If the timer motor, gear train, or switch is faulty, you will need to replace the entire timer assembly.
  • Disconnect the wires from the timer assembly.
  • Remove the screws holding the timer assembly in place.
  • Replace the timer assembly with a new one.
  • Reconnect the wires and reinstall the front panel.

Wrapping Up

Fixing a Maytag dryer timer can be a straightforward task with the right tools and instructions. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and resolve the issue effectively, ensuring that your dryer functions smoothly once again.

What People Want to Know

Q: Why is my Maytag dryer timer not advancing?

  • A: The timer motor, gear train, or switch may be faulty. Inspect and test these components to identify the culprit.

Q: How do I remove the timer knob on my Maytag dryer?

  • A: Pull the knob straight off. If it is stuck, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry it loose.

Q: Can I replace the timer switch separately?

  • A: No, the timer switch is not sold separately. You will need to replace the entire timer assembly if the switch is faulty.
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Rob Sanders

Rob is a seasoned home improvement writer with over 15 years of experience researching and recommending products for the home. Prior to starting Nurturing Homeaid, he wrote extensively for This Old House magazine and has been featured as a home expert on several TV and radio programs. An avid DIY-er, Rob takes pride in testing out the latest tools and gadgets to see how they can make home projects easier. When it comes to heating systems, he's evaluated over 50 different furnace and boiler models over the years. Rob founded Nurturing Homeaid with his business partner Jim in 2020 to provide homeowners with genuine product recommendations they can trust. In his free time, Rob enjoys remodeling old homes with his family and traveling to visit architectural landmarks across the country. He holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from Syracuse University.
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