[Snapper]

My maytag dryer (approx 5 yrs. old) won't start. When I push the start button-absolutely nothing!! I've read that it could be the door switch, but the drum light goes on when the door is open, and off when the door closes...does this mean it isn't the door switch?? Any info, or any other potential solutions would be GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Thanks

[denman]

The correct operation of the light does not necessarily mean that the door switch is OK. It does tell you that the switch is being activated but not that the normally open contacts are closing. Still odds are pretty good it is OK.

A more likely culprit is the thermal fuse.

Here is the link to the parts breakdown
Maytag SDE4606AYW

Below is a service manual
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16023020.pdf

And a tech sheet
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16023144.pdf

And a service bulletin
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16023144.pdf

Best way to check the fuse is with a volt/ohm meter. Remember to remove the wire from one side of it so that you do not read an alternate circuit path. Also make sure the breaker is off.
Alternately you can remove the two wires from the fuse, short them together, tape them up so they cannot short to the dryers frame, turn power back on and give it a try. If the unit now works, it is the fuse. Do not run the unit without a replacement fuse, this is a safety device.

Clean your vent piping and make sure the exterior vent opens correctly. This is the most common cause for the fuse blowing

[Snapper]

Thanks Denman for the quick reply. I'll take you're advice and test the thermal fuse first. Where on the dryer is the thermal fuse located & what do you think is the best way to access it ?? Thanks

[denman]

Take a look at the Rear Bulkhead section of the Parts breakdown I sent

Note if your serial number starts with 14 then it looks lile they recommend a heater kit Part 17.

[Snapper]

O.K. After much troubleshooting (door switch, thermal fuse high limit thermostat all checked out) I think I may have found the problem. Turns out that I am a dumbass...my dryer is hard wired in (no plug), and there is an enclosed shutoff switch above it on the wall. When I take a volt reading going into the switch it registers at 240...but when I take a reading coming out of the switch (before entering the dryer) it only registers 120 . The wall shutoff switch has 2 fuses in it. So, my question is:
If one of those two fuses is blown (I can't tell by looking at the fuses), could that cause the reduced voltage and cause the dryer not to start...even though the drum light goes on?

One more question, upon reattaching the 2 wires to the thermal fuse after testing it, does it matter which wire gets attached to which prong? Or is the thermal fuse truly just a "pass through"?

Any assistance is greatly appreciated!!

[denman]

Yes
Replacing a fuse in the fuse box will get 240 volts back
Your 240 volts is actually two 120 volt but 180 degrees out of phase
Therefore 240 is what you get

No it does not matter which wire goes where on the thermal fuse.

[Snapper]

Could the lower voltage explain why the drum light is on, but the dryer won't start?

[denman]

Yes

If you trace the wires
The light uses the L2 side
The motor uses the L1 side

Both run on 120 volts, only the heater uses the full 220