One of the most common problems many homeowners confront is an electric dryer that does not heat up. Maytag Bravos XL dryer is a high-performance appliance widely used for laundry. However, if your Maytag Bravos XL dryer is not heating up, it can be frustrating.
Fortunately, there are some simple and effective ways to fix this problem. This article will explain why your Maytag Bravos XL dryer isn’t heating and the 10 simple fixes.
Why is your Maytag Bravos XL dryer not heating?
1. Faulty Thermal Fuse
A thermal fuse is a safety mechanism that shuts down the electrical flow to the heating element if the dryer becomes too hot. The dryer will cease heating if the thermal fuse is damaged or blown. A multimeter may be used to test a malfunctioning thermal fuse.
If it is found to be defective, it should be replaced immediately to avoid any safety issues.
2. Heating Element
The heating element of a Maytag dryer is the component that creates heat. Over time, the heating element can become damaged or burned out, producing no heat. If the dryer is not heating up, the heating element should be checked with a multimeter to determine if it is defective. If it is found to be faulty, it should be replaced immediately.
3. High-Limit Thermostat
The high-limit thermostat is another safety device that prevents the dryer from overheating during a cycle. It is located on the heating element housing and is responsible for shutting off the heating element if it becomes too hot.
If the high-limit thermostat is faulty, it can cause the dryer to stop heating. It can be checked with a multimeter and should be replaced if defective.
4. Cycling Thermostat
The cycling thermostat controls the temperature of the dryer. It is responsible for turning the heating element on and off to maintain the correct temperature. If the cycling thermostat is defective, it can prevent the dryer from heating. The cycling thermostat can be checked with a multimeter and should be replaced if it is bad.
5. Igniter for Continuity
The igniter is responsible for lighting the gas burner in gas dryers. The dryer will not heat up if the igniter is defective or not working correctly. If it is bad, the igniter can be checked with a multimeter and replaced.
6. Gas Valve Solenoid
The gas valve solenoid is responsible for opening the gas valve to allow gas to flow to the burner in gas dryers. If the solenoid is defective, it can cause one of the circuit breakers. The solenoid can be checked with a multimeter and should be replaced if faulty.
7. Control Board
The control board transmits signals to the dryer’s heating components. Error codes might be generated if the control board is faulty.
8. Burner Assembly
The burner assembly is responsible for heating the air in the dryer. If the burner assembly is defective or not functioning correctly, it can be time for a dryer repair. Depending on the dryer models, the burner assembly should be inspected and replaced if it is not working correctly.
9. Power Source
If the dryer is not receiving the proper voltage, it will not heat up. The power source of the dryer should be checked with a multimeter to ensure it is functioning correctly. In some cases, it is something as simple as a broken power cord, so make sure to check everything. Incoming power is an essential element.
10. Venting
Depending on the model dryer, clogged or restricted venting can cause the dryer to overheat, leading to a shutdown of the heating system. The venting should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it functions correctly. If the venting is clogged, it should be cleaned immediately to avoid any safety issues.
How to fix a Maytag Bravos XL dryer not heating
1. Check the Thermal Fuse
If the thermal fuse is found to be faulty or blown, it must be replaced with a new one. The thermal fuse is located on the blower housing or exhaust duct and can be easily accessed by removing the dryer’s back panel. The wires should be disconnected to replace the thermal fuse, and the old fuse should be removed.
Then the new thermal fuse should be inserted, and the wires reconnected. It is essential to ensure that the new thermal fuse is compatible with the make and model of the Maytag Bravos XL dryer.
2. Replace the Heating Element
If the heating element is defective, a new one is required for appliance repair. The heating element is located at the back of the dryer drum and can be accessed by removing the back access panel of the dryer. The wires connected to the heating element should be disconnected, and the old part removed.
Then the new heating element should be inserted, and the wires reconnected. Ensuring the new heating element is compatible with the manufacturer’s instructions is vital.
3. Replace the High-Limit Thermostat
If the high-limit thermostat is not working properly, it must be replaced. The high-limit thermostat is located on the heating element housing and can be easily accessed by removing the dryer’s back panel.
The wires connected to the high-limit thermostat should be disconnected, and the old thermostat removed. Then the new high-limit thermostat should be inserted, and the wires reconnected.
4. Replace the Cycling Thermostat
The cycling thermostat is located on the blower housing or exhaust vent duct and can be easily accessed by removing the dryer’s back panel. The wires connected to the cycling thermostat should be disconnected, and the old thermostat removed.
Then the new cycling thermostat should be inserted, and the wires reconnected. The whole process should take just a few minutes.
5. Replace the Igniter
If the igniter is defective, it must be replaced with a new one. The igniter is located at the front of the dryer and can be easily accessed by removing the dryer’s front panel. The wires connected to the igniter should be disconnected, and the old igniter removed. Then the new igniter should be inserted, and the wires reconnected.
6. Replace the Gas Valve Solenoid
Replace the gas valve solenoid if you discover it is not working. The gas valve solenoid is located at the bottom of the dryer and can be easily accessed by removing the dryer’s front panel.
The wires connected to the gas valve solenoid should be disconnected, and the old solenoid removed. Then the new solenoid should be inserted, and the wires reconnected.
7. Replace the Control Board
Replacing the control board is a solution to fixing a Maytag Bravos XL dryer that is not heating up. The control board is responsible for sending signals to the heating components of the dryer; if it is defective, it can cause the dryer to stop heating.
To replace the control board, the power source of the dryer should be disconnected, and the dryer’s back panel should be removed. The old control board should be removed, and the new one should be inserted, ensuring compatibility with the make and model of the dryer.
8. Replace the Burner assembly.
Replacing the burner assembly is a solution to fixing a Maytag Bravos XL dryer that is not heating up. The burner assembly is responsible for heating the air in the dryer, and if it is not functioning correctly, it can cause the dryer to stop heating.
To replace the burner assembly, the power supply to the dryer should be disconnected, and the dryer’s front panel should be removed. The old burner assembly should be removed, and the new one should be inserted, ensuring compatibility with the make and model of the dryer.
9. Check the Power Supply
If the Maytag Bravos XL dryer is not receiving the proper voltage, it will not heat up. The power supply to the dryer should be checked with a multimeter to ensure it functions correctly. An electrician should be consulted to fix the electrical issue if the voltage is low or unstable.
10. Clean the Venting
Clogged or restricted venting can cause the dryer to overheat, leading to a shutdown of the heating system. The venting should be inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure it functions correctly. A clogged vent can be cleared by removing the vent pipe from the back of the dryer and cleaning it with a vent brush or vacuum.
In conclusion, a Maytag Bravos XL dryer not heating up can be a frustrating problem. However, following the ten solutions outlined above, you can easily fix this problem and get your dryer up and running again. Always follow safety precautions and refer to the manufacturer’s manual before repairing.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
