[mtheresav]

my dryer turns on, but stops after about 3 seconds. i noticed that the drum does not want to turn very easily. i looked inside and the belt is intact. if i try to turn it manually, it sounds/feels as though it is rubbing on something, but i cannot see where. the drum also feels a little loose - like i can move it a little back and forth - is it supposed to have a little play in it?

thanks for your advice!

[denman]

There will be some resistance to the drum turning
The drum has felt seals on the back and front, this could be what you hear.
There will be a some play front to back, it is held by rollers at the back running in a channel.
Here is a link to give you a better idea of how it is put together
Maytag LEA50AW

If you push "START" again right away does it do the same thing or is there a wait time before it will restart.

Open the door
Push the door switch all the way in, your interior light should go off.
Hold the switch in and push the START
If it is OK now the problem is the door switch
If your interior light flashes, the problem is the door switch

[mtheresav]

i took the drum out and it seems as though the motor is actually the culprit - when i try to turn the dryer on, it still just shuts down. how can i test the motor to see if there is a part that is jammed or can be replaced?

thanks

[denman]

here is alink that should help check your motor
Maytag Dryer motor problems, testing a maytag dryer motor

Go to each link in the page for additional info.
When the motor shuts off is it hot?
Do you have a volt/ohm meter?
Could be your run winding is blown, I am not sure if the motor will actually start with just the start winding.