[neustkg]

Our Maytag Performa dryer is not working. If you open the door, the light does not light up (worked just fine the other day). Does not start up if you push the dial in. I checked the circuit breaker and turned it off then on and still no power. I have a feeling it is a thermal fuse. Can anyone show me a diagram on a website where the fuse is located? Also, fuse part number? If it is the fuse, should I be looking further as to what blew the fuse, or do they go after a few years anyway, or could it be lint buildup from the dryer exiting to the outside vent?

Thanks

[neustkg]

Well, I would like to post an update.

I popped the top and located the fuse (and also noted the high limit thermostat). I pulled the wires off and touched them together to bypass the fuse (with machine plugged into the wall). The light bulb lit up, but I could not get the dryer to turn on. I know the thermal fuse needs replacing. Am now thinking the thermostat will need replacing, too? I think both come together for my model for about $26. So will pick up those parts today. Hopefully the heater element isn't gone, too.

I cleaned the lint from the front door assembly and will pull the dryer away from the wall and clean out all the lint from the blower through the wall to the outside. Hopefully this will fix the problem along w/the fuse and thermostat and I won't have any problems with the fuse tripping again.

Any thoughts?

[parise]

MAn, maytag should come with one of those maytag repairers that come out to your house and help you fix your dryer. CAll THEM! I'm sure you have paid a nice amount for your dryer so utilize the service they give.

[neustkg]

Yes, but it would cost me as the dryer is out of warranty (w/no extended warranty purchased). We bought it in 2003.

[neustkg]

Well, thought i'd post a final update. I cleaned out the lint from front of dryer (not as bad as I thought it would be) and from the back of the dryer to where the ductwork exits the house. Very bad where it exits the house. Also replaced the thermal fuse and the thermostat (kit was $19). Turned the dryer keeping it open to the room to make sure there was no obstruction within the dryer and it ran for a full load. Hooked it up to the ductwork and ran another load and so far has kept running. So looks like I fixed the problem with a $19 kit and about 6 or 7 hours of my own labor.

[eliva]

did you ever fine a diagram?

[neustkg]

Found a picture:

thermal fuse LA1053, magic chef, norge, performa dryer thermal fuse kit for gas and electric dryers

Basically, you pop the top using a putty knife (two catches about 5-6 inches from each corner on front) and tilt it back against the wall. Looking in the back, you see the high limit thermostat over the heating element. The thermal fuse is kind of down the side on the right side of the heating element (it is a pain to get to). I basically unscrewed the mount for the thermostat and disconnected the wires. Then removed the heating element and disconnected the wires. Then, you pull upwards on the bracket that holds the thermal fuse. Replace the thermal fuse w/the new one in the kit with the pink dot, reconnected the wires, and put the bracket back in place (a big pain with my huge hands, but I was able to do it within 10 minutes). Then, replace the heating element and reconnect the wires, then pull off the old thermostat and replace w/new one and remount it above the heating element and reconnect the wires. After all this (before you drop the top down) plug the dryer in and make sure the light works when you open the door, turn the dial and push it in to see if the dryer works (I didn't get the connections right, so I had to play around with the electrical connections (mainly with the front door panel).

Then, run the dryer w/out the vent hose connected to the wall vent to make sure there are no obstructions inside the dryer. After a full load cycle (50 minutes or so for me), reconnect the dryer vent hose and run another full load cycle. Luckily, no problems now after 3 loads. I plan to check the ductwork every year now and check the front door panel every 6 months (it does collect a bit of lint).

[RicA3034]

if you looking for schematic? they always have it inside behind the controller. If you bought new.