Why Your Maytag Bravos Dryer Won’t Start (And How to Fix It)

You toss a load of wet clothes into your Maytag Bravos dryer, close the door, set the cycle, and hit start. But instead of hearing the familiar tumbling sound, the dryer does nothing. Uh oh. Your Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start.

A non-operational dryer can throw your laundry routine into disarray. But don’t worry. In most cases, a Maytag Bravos dryer failing to start is an easy fix. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top reasons your Bravos dryer won’t start and provide troubleshooting techniques to get it working again quickly.

What Prevents a Maytag Bravos Dryer From Starting?

When pressing the start button results in a no-go, there are several possible culprits to consider:

Power problems – If the dryer is not receiving electricity, it can’t start. A blown thermal fuse, faulty start switch, tripped breaker, damaged power cord, or malfunctioning outlet could be preventing power from reaching the dryer.

Clogged vent – Lint accumulation creates vent obstruction over time. This blocks proper airflow, causes overheating, and may prevent startup.

Door issues – The door switch activates when the door is closed properly. If it’s damaged, the dryer may fail to start. Also, ensure the door is fully shut and latched.

Part failure – Components like the belt, motor, timer and control board can wear out and malfunction. A broken part could cause startup failure.

Incorrect settings – Using options like Wrinkle Prevent may delay the start of a drying cycle. Ensure proper cycles are selected.

Error codes – Some fault codes prevent startup until the issue is addressed and the code is cleared.

Those are the most common reasons a Maytag Bravos dryer will not start when the start button is pressed. Read on for detailed troubleshooting tips for each potential issue. With some basic DIY maintenance, you’ll likely have your Bravos dryer tumbling away in no time.

Troubleshooting Power Problems in a Maytag Bravos Dryer

Power issues are one of the most common reasons a Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start. If the dryer is not receiving adequate electricity, it can’t operate. Here are some things to check regarding the dryer’s power supply:

Check the electrical outlet – Use a multimeter to test the voltage of the outlet you have the dryer plugged into. If there is no power reading, the outlet is faulty. Have an electrician inspect and replace the malfunctioning outlet.

Inspect the power cord – Unplug the dryer and examine the entire length of the power cord for damage. Look for frayed/exposed wires, cuts, loose prongs, and burn marks. If the cord is damaged, replace it immediately.

Reset circuit breaker – Locate the circuit breaker controlling the dryer circuit and ensure it hasn’t tripped, interrupting power supply. Flip the breaker all the way off and then back on to reset it.

Replace blown fuses – Check your electrical panel for any blown fuses related to the dryer circuit. Replace any blown fuses with new ones of the same type and amperage rating.

Avoid extension cords – Never connect your dryer to an extension cord or power strip. Use a dedicated 220V outlet. Extension cords cannot safely handle the electricity demands of a dryer.

Check start switch – Use a multimeter to test the dryer’s start switch for continuity. If faulty, replace the start switch. This switch activates the startup process when pressed.

Inspect thermal fuse – The thermal fuse shuts off power if the dryer overheats. Use a multimeter to check it for continuity. No continuity means it’s blown and requires replacement.

By systematically checking each component involved in delivering power to the dryer, you can determine where the electrical failure is occurring and take steps to restore normal power supply. This should allow your Maytag Bravos dryer to start up when the start button is pressed.

Checking the Door Switch on a Maytag Bravos Dryer

The door switch is a safety mechanism that prevents the dryer from operating when the door is open. A faulty door switch can also prevent startup. Here’s how to check this component:

Inspect door strike and catch – Make sure the door catch and strike are properly aligned and not damaged. The catch is the protrusion on the door frame. The strike is the slot it should securely latch into. Misalignment can prevent the door from fully closing and activating the switch.

Check for obstructions – Inspect the door seal and opening for any clothing or debris that could prevent the door from fully closing. Remove any obstructions. The door must be completely closed to engage the door switch.

Test door switch – Unplug the dryer and access the door switch. Locate the common/normally closed switch contacts using the wiring diagram. Check for continuity between the contacts using a multimeter. No continuity means the switch needs replacement.

Adjust catch – If the catch and strike don’t align properly, you can adjust the position of the catch to improve the closure. Loosen the catch screws and adjust as needed for a flush closure.

Replace door switch – Order an identical replacement door switch designed specifically for your Maytag Bravos model. Follow instructions to remove the defective switch and install the new one.

With the door switch properly engaging when closed, power should be able to flow and activate the dryer. This simple switch is a crucial component for allowing dryer startup.

Clearing Clogs for Proper Ventilation

A clogged dryer vent is a common culprit when a Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start. Follow these steps to clear vent obstructions:

Disconnect and inspect ducting – Unplug the dryer and disconnect the vent ducting from the dryer housing. Inspect the entire length of duct for clogs. Look for lint buildup, debris accumulation, kinks, or crushed sections.

Remove lint and debris – Use a vacuum hose to remove any accumulated lint or debris from the vent ducting. For stubborn clogs, use a dryer vent brush to dislodge and extract the material.

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Replace damaged duct – If sections are crushed or ripped, preventing airflow, replace any damaged portions with new rigid metal ducting. Use aluminium ducting and avoid plastic or foil venting.

Remove backdraft dampers – Backdraft dampers can become stuck shut due to lint accumulation. Remove any dampers installed in the vent ducting.

Straighten kinks – Any kinks or tight bends in the venting can impede proper airflow. Carefully straighten out any portions of ducting that are not smooth.

Reconnect ducting – Once the vent ducting is fully cleared out, reconnect the system, sealing all joints with metal foil duct tape. Ensure ducting runs are short and straight as possible.

Unobstructed venting allows hot air and moisture to properly exhaust outdoors. With vent clogs cleared, your Maytag Bravos dryer should be able to start up and operate normally. Make vent maintenance part of your ongoing dryer care routine.

Replacing Defective Maytag Bravos Dryer Parts

If you’ve verified the dryer is getting power and the vent ducting is clear, a malfunctioning part could be preventing start up. Here are some tips for assessing and replacing common defective parts in a Maytag Bravos dryer:

Inspect the drive belt – Remove the front panel to access the drum belt. Check for cracking, fraying, excessive wear or looseness. Worn belts may fail to turn the drum. Replace with an identical belt if defective.

Check the drum rollers – Defective rollers can cause the drum to seize up and not turn. Test the rollers by rotating them. If they don’t turn smoothly, replace the roller kit.

Assess the drive motor – The drive motor turns the drum via the belt. Test it for continuity and resistance. If defective, replace the drive motor with an exact replacement part.

Examine idler pulley – This pulley guides the drive belt. Check for damage or seized bearings. Replace the pulley if it’s worn out.

Test timer contacts – Use a multimeter to check the timer motor and contacts. The timer advancing properly is needed for dryer operation. Replace timer if contacts are damaged.

Inspect control board – Visually check the control board for burnt spots or damaged components. Test key parts like thermal fuses and relays using a multimeter. Replace board if faulty.

Replacing worn or failed parts restores your Maytag Bravos dryer to working order. Always use OEM-approved replacement parts specific to your dryer model.

Preventing Future Maytag Bravos Dryer Startup Problems

To help avoid any startup issues down the road, be diligent about the following preventative maintenance steps:

• Clean the lint filter before every load – This prevents lint accumulation that can clog the vent over time. Stuck lint can also get sucked into the blower housing causing damage.
• Disconnect and clean ducting annually – Once a year, disconnect the vent ducting and clean it thoroughly to remove any built up lint or debris.
• Check exterior vent hood – Make sure the outdoor vent hood is not obstructed by plants, mulch, snow, etc.
• Use rigid metal ducting – Flexible plastic or foil venting can sag, tear and trap lint. All-metal ducting performs best.
• Inspect the door gasket – Make sure the flexible rubber door gasket is intact. Damage here can impact an airtight door seal.
• Level the dryer properly – An unlevel dryer can cause vibration and wear on internal components. Leveling feet should be adjusted as needed.
• Avoid overloading – Don’t pack the drum overly full. This strains the motor, belt and rollers.
• Have a professional service annually – A tune-up by a Maytag technician can uncover and resolve minor problems before they become major.

By providing routine maintenance for your Maytag Bravos dryer, you can extend its dependable service life. But if you do encounter startup problems, use the troubleshooting tips in this guide to get your dryer running smoothly again.

Conclusion

When your Maytag Bravos dryer refuses to start, it can be incredibly frustrating. But in most cases, you can get your dryer going again with some basic troubleshooting and DIY maintenance.

The most common reasons a Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start have to do with power supply, vent blockages, faulty door switches, and worn parts. By methodically inspecting each system and component, you can zero in on the root cause and remedy it.

Restore power by resetting breakers, replacing cords, and inspecting outlets and switches. Clear clogged vents of lint buildup and kinks. Ensure the door is closing properly to engage the door switch. And replace any worn or failed parts like belts, rollers, pulleys and control boards.

While a dryer not starting can seem like a monumental problem, in most cases the fix is straightforward. With the troubleshooting tips provided, you’ll get your Maytag Bravos dryer starting and drying loads again in no time. Just be diligent about preventative maintenance going forward.

If you continue to experience startup problems or other performance issues with your Maytag Bravos dryer, don’t hesitate to call in a professional repair technician. They have the advanced diagnostic tools and expertise to promptly identify any issue and get your dryer running optimally again.

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