Maytag Bravos XL Dryer Troubleshooting Guide

The Maytag Bravos XL is a popular large capacity dryer that is designed to tackle large loads with ease. It offers useful features like steam refresh, sanitize cycle, and advanced moisture sensing technology. However, like any household appliance, the Maytag Bravos XL dryer can sometimes malfunction or stop working properly.

When your Maytag Bravos XL dryer is not working as it should, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take before calling for professional service. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most common Maytag Bravos XL dryer problems and provide troubleshooting tips to get your dryer back up and running optimally.

Table of Contents

Common Problems with the Maytag Bravos XL Dryer

Some of the most frequently reported issues with the Maytag Bravos XL dryer include:

Dryer Won’t Start: If the dryer will not turn on at all, it could be a problem with your power supply, door latch, start button, or internal components like the motor or control board.
Dryer Won’t Heat: Issues like a faulty heating element, blown thermal fuse, or defective gas valve can prevent the dryer from heating properly.
Noisy Operation: Unusual noises when the dryer runs could indicate problems with the drive belt, drum rollers, motor, or blower.
Clothes Not Drying: Clogged vents, faulty moisture sensors, or thermostat issues can lead to wet clothes after a cycle completes.
Dryer Shuts Off Mid-Cycle: This can happen due to overloading, a faulty door switch, broken drive belt, or blocked ventilation.
Lint Build Up: Excess lint accumulation inside the dryer or venting can reduce airflow and drying efficiency.

By troubleshooting the specific symptoms you are experiencing, you can narrow down the root cause and determine if you can fix it yourself or need professional service.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Maytag Bravos XL Dryer

When your Maytag Bravos XL dryer is not working properly, there are some logical troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose the issue:

1. Check Power Supply and Door Switch

First, confirm that the power supply to the dryer is working correctly. Check your breaker box and make sure the dryer is getting 240V power if it’s an electric model. Also, ensure the dryer door is closing properly and activating the door switch.

2. Verify Drum Rotation

Start a timed dry cycle and listen closely to hear if the drum is turning. If it is not rotating, the drive belt could be broken or the motor faulty.

3. Test Heating Element and Thermostats

Carefully inspect the heating element for visible damage. Use a multimeter to check it and the high limit thermostat for continuity. If there is an open circuit, replace the faulty part.

4. Check Venting

Remove the lint screen and use a vent brush to clean the ductwork from the dryer to the outside vent. Lint buildup will restrict airflow.

5. Examine Moisture Sensors

The automatic moisture sensors tell the dryer when clothes are dry. If clothing remains wet, the sensors may need cleaning or replacement.

6. Inspect Drum and Rollers

A noisy dryer may have worn drum glides or rollers. Examine these components and replace any that are excessively worn. Lubricate rollers and slides with appliance oil.

7. Test Control Board

If no other defects are found, the electronic control board could be malfunctioning. Have an appliance technician test the control board for faults.

Methodically working through these troubleshooting steps will help you identify what is wrong with your Maytag Bravos XL dryer.

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

Frigidaire Air Conditioner Buttons Not Working – Causes and Solutions

Frigidaire Window Air Conditioner Troubleshooting Guide

Resetting the Maytag Bravos XL Dryer

If your Maytag Bravos XL dryer is not responding to buttons presses or has frozen mid-cycle, resetting the computer may resolve the problem.

Follow these steps to reset your Maytag Bravos XL dryer:

Unplug the dryer from the power source.
Wait 30-60 seconds keeping the dryer unplugged.
Plug the dryer back into the wall outlet.
Press the Power/Cancel button on the control panel and wait a few minutes.
Select a new cycle setting if desired.
Press Start to begin the cycle.

This will clear any touchpad input errors and restart the dryer’s computer. Be sure to remove any clothes from the drum before resetting your Maytag Bravos XL.

If resetting the dryer does not resolve the issues, further troubleshooting of mechanical and electrical components will be required. But in many cases, a simple reset gets the dryer functioning again.

When to Call a Repair Professional

While many common Maytag Bravos XL dryer issues can be fixed with simple DIY troubleshooting, there are times when it is best to rely on an appliance repair technician:

If you have done thorough troubleshooting but the dryer still does not start or heat properly. Complex electrical issues could require an expert diagnosis.
For problems with the motor, gas burner assembly, or drum rollers where special tools and skills are needed for repair.
If the troubleshooting involves taking apart the dryer casing, which can be challenging on certain models.
For peculiar error codes lighting up on the dryer display that are not referenced in repair manuals.
When there are obvious signs of overheating, strange noises, or other potentially hazardous defects.

Trust certified Maytag appliance repair experts if your model-specific troubleshooting is unsuccessful or safety issues arise. Their technical skills and proper tools will get your Bravos XL dryer running optimally again.

DIY Maintenance Tips for Maytag Bravos XL Dryer

Taking proper care of your Maytag Bravos XL dryer can prevent many common issues and keep it operating smoothly for years. Follow these maintenance tips:

Clean the Lint Screen Before Every Load – Remove built-up lint from the lint screen and slot before starting a drying cycle. Lint buildup is a fire hazard.
Use Rigid Metal Ducting – Ensure the venting ductwork is smooth metal rather than plastic or foil. This allows maximum airflow.
Inspect Venting Annually – Detach the dryer venting once a year and use a vent brush to remove any accumulated lint in the system.
Avoid Overloading – Do not exceed the recommended load capacity for your drum size. Overloading strains the motor and prevents proper tumbling.
Clean the Moisture Sensors – Remove lint buildup from the metal sensor strips inside the drum periodically. Q-tips and rubbing alcohol work well.
Lubricate Drum Rollers and Slides – Every few years use silicone spray lubricant on the rear roller axles and plastic slide surfaces.
Check Drive Belt – Visually inspect the drive belt every 6 months for signs of cracking, fraying or excessive wear and replace if needed.
Vacuum Inside Cabinet – Use a vacuum crevice tool to remove any accumulated lint from inside the dryer cabinet, near the blower housing.
Level the Dryer – Confirm all four feet are solidly on the floor. Adjust as needed to prevent vibration and noise.

Routine care and maintenance will add years of reliable performance to your Maytag Bravos XL dryer.

Parts That Commonly Need Replacement

Over time, certain parts can wear out or fail on the Maytag Bravos XL dryer. Here are some of the most commonly replaced parts:

Drive Belt – The drive belt connects the motor to the drum and can fray or snap from age and use. Check it if the drum won’t turn.
Drum Rollers – Plastic rollers at the rear of the drum that can wear down, causing noisy operation and improper tumbling.
Drum Slide Glides – Nylon slides under the front drum lip that allow smooth rotation. They can become damaged or worn.
Heating Element – If the dryer won’t heat, the internal heating element may have burned out and need replacing.
Thermal Fuse – This safety fuse blows if the dryer overheats due to restricted airflow or component failure. No heat is a symptom.
Door Switch – The small push-button switch activated when closing the door can malfunction over time, preventing starting.
Moisture Sensors – Metal sensor bars inside the drum that detect moisture. Defective sensors cause clothes to remain wet.
Gas Valve Coils – On gas dryer models, defective valve coils prevent gas flow, resulting in no heat.
Control Board – The electronic control board regulates all dryer functions and displays error codes if defective.

Having replacement parts on hand for these commonly failed components can reduce appliance repair costs and downtime when your Maytag Bravos XL has issues.

Conclusion

The Maytag Bravos XL dryer utilizes robust components and quality construction to provide dependable service. However, like any complex appliance, issues can arise over time that require troubleshooting.

Using this comprehensive guide, you can diagnose and repair many common problems with the Bravos XL dryer. Simple fixes like cleaning the lint screen, clearing vent obstructions, replacing the belt, and resetting the machine will restore normal operation in many cases.

For more complex issues involving electrical and mechanical malfunctions, rely on authorized Maytag appliance repair technicians. Their expertise can precisely identify any issue and get your large capacity Maytag dryer back up and running optimally.

With proper maintenance and care, a Maytag Bravos XL dryer should deliver years of reliable performance. Refer to these troubleshooting tips as needed to resolve problems quickly and keep your dryer spinning happily again.