So, your Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start, and you cannot figure out why? Perhaps the dryer turns on, clicks or beeps, but that is about it, and the question is why?
A Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start because of a power failure, enabled control lock, existing error code, non-engaging door or lid, wrong setting, vent clogging, or part malfunction.
The parts that could malfunction include the dryer belt, drive motor, idler pulley, timer, heater element, relay switch, thermostat, or main control board.
So, there are several possible explanations for your non-starting Maytag Bravos dryer. Regardless of the dryer type, these causes are worth considering.
But since it only takes one of the issues for your Bravos dryer not to start, we shall discuss each problem to let you know where to start and how to troubleshoot it.
Later, we’ll highlight specific concerns such as a dryer turning on but not starting or beeping or clicking but not starting.
Let’s get started!
In a rush? Check below the quick fixes for a Maytag Bravos dryer that won’t start.
Why Maytag Bravos Dryer Won’t Start Plus Quick Fixes
| Probable Reason | Quick Fix | |
| 1. | Power Failure | Test the power cord, electric outlet, and thermal fuse with a multimeter and replace what’s faulty. Reset the breaker if it’s tripped and avoid extension cords |
| 2. | Enabled Control Lock | Disable control lock |
| 3. | Existing Error Codes | Reset the dryer to clear error codes |
| 4. | Non-Engaging Door or Lid | Close the dryer door/lid properly and remove any cloth obstruction. If the door lock/lid switch is faulty, replace it |
| 5. | Wrong Setting | Pick the appropriate dryer setting. Opt for Timed-Dry or Automatic-Dry instead or Wrinkle Reduction |
| 6. | Exhaust Vent Clogging | Clean the dryer vent and straighten out possible kinks |
| 7. | Part Malfunction | Replace any of these components if they are faulty: start, relay or belt switch, dryer belt, drive motor, idler pulley, timer, heater lament, thermostat, or main control board |
How to Troubleshoot a Maytag Bravos Dryer That Won’t Start?
To troubleshoot a Maytag Bravos dryer that won’t start, you must identify the cause. That brings us to these seven possibilities:
1. Dryer Not Starting Due to Power Failure
Unless your Maytag dryer receives enough power, it won’t start. Several things could prevent the dryer from getting enough power to start. They include
- Faulty outlet – If the electric outlet has an issue, which you can tell by testing with a multimeter, your dryer won’t get any voltage to start. Thus, consider testing it.
- Faulty power cord – If the dryer’s power cord is defective, it won’t deliver any voltage to the dryer. So the dryer won’t start.
- Tripped breaker – The circuit breaker often trips when there’s a power surge to protect the dryer. Unfortunately, it prevents the dryer from starting.
- Blown-up fuse – The thermal fuse usually blows up (as sacrificial) when the dryer overheats. Once that’s the case, the dryer won’t start. It may turn on but won’t start.
- Extension cord – Extension cords don’t guarantee 100% power transmission. So, your Bravos dryer may not have enough power to start.
Fix
You’ll need a multitester, otherwise known as a multimeter here, to test the electric outlet, power cord, and thermal fuse for continuity.
If any of them fails to show continuity, replace it as that proves it’s defective. As for extension cords, avoid using them and if the breaker is tripped, reset it.
2. Dryer Not Starting Due to Control Lock
If the control lock dryer function is on, the dryer won’t start. It may turn on or even beep, but it won’t run. So, check it.
Fix
Disable the control lock (shortened as LOC or CL) if enabled. You can do that by holding the icon for about 3 seconds on the control panel.
3. Dryer Not Starting Due to Existing Error Codes
Sometimes, the presence of an error code prevents the dryer from starting until you clear it. That includes error codes for power failure, drain clogging, and main control board fault.
Fix
Consider resetting the dryer by unplugging it for about 30 minutes to clear any error codes.
4. Dryer Not Starting Due to A Non-Engaging Door/Lid
If the dryer door is not well latched, the dryer may interpret it as faulty. And as a result, the dryer won’t start. Overall, the dryer door may fail to engage fully because of any of these reasons:
- Failing to shut the door lid properly
- Faulty lid lock or door latch
Fix
Start by confirming that the dryer door or lid is closed correctly. Try to apply some calculated force. If the door doesn’t engage after that, look for and remove anything (clothes) that could obstruct it.
If there’s none, consider testing the lid switch/door lock with a multimeter. If it’s faulty, replace it.
5. Dryer Not Starting Due to Wrong Setting
Your Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start unless you choose the correct setting. For instance, the dryer won’t start if you opt for the ‘Wrinkle Reduction’ cycle.
Fix
Choose the right setting for your dryer. If you have chosen ‘Wrinkle Reduction,’ consider switching to Timed-Dry, Automatic-Dry, or any other cycle that allows your dryer to start normally.
6. Dryer Not Starting Due to Exhaust Vent Clogging
Following continual use of the dryer, lint accumulates around the exhaust vent, blocking hot air from escaping. As a result, the dryer overheats and cannot continue the cycle or start. Also, the dryer’s vent may twist and block or become clogged by leaves or dirt.
Fix
Clean the exhaust vent with a dryer vent cleaner and if it’s kinked, untwist it.
7. Dryer Not Starting Due to Part Malfunction
Lastly, it could be that your Maytag dryer is not starting due to a part malfunction. The dryer parts to look at are as follows:
- Start switch – If the start switch is stuck, broken, or worn out, the dryer won’t start. The button is what triggers the dryer to start running.
- Relay switch – The control board’s relay switch fails when stuck or shortened. Both cases lead to the blowing up of the thermal fuse, preventing the dryer from starting.
- Belt switch – Some Maytag dryers have a belt switch that enables the belt to turn. If this switch is faulty, the belt won’t turn, and the dryer won’t start.
- Dryer belt – Though the dryer may run with a broken belt, some top models detect it and won’t start.
- Drive motor – If the drive motor is malfunctioning, the dryer drum won’t be able to turn, nor will the blower wheel exhaust air. As a result, the dryer may not start.
- Idler pulley – The idler pulley is instrumental in securing the dryer belt and enabling it to rotate correctly. If it’s broken, that won’t happen, and the dryer may not start.
- Dryer timer – Sometimes, a malfunctioning timer prevents the Maytag dryer from starting. Though it doesn’t happen often, it’s still a possibility.
- Heater element – For the dryer to heat up, the heater element has to be functional. If it’s faulty, not only won’t the dryer heat up, but it may fail to start too.
- Thermostat – If the thermostat is faulty, it cannot monitor the dryer’s internal temperature, which may cause the dryer not to start.
- Main control board – If none of the other parts is faulty, the last consideration is the main control board. If it’s defective, nothing will work.
Fix
You’ll need a multitester/multimeter to test most components. That includes the switch’s timer and thermostat.
If any of the components you test fails to show continuity, it’s likely to be faulty and needs a replacement. As for the dryer belt and idler pulley, scrutinize them and replace the faulty one.
The same goes for the heater element. But if nothing is wrong with all the other dryer components, consider replacing the control board.
Maytag Bravos Dryer Turns On But Won’t Start
Sometimes the Maytag Bravos dryer turns on but fails to start or run. That could happen due to any of these reasons:
- Improperly plugged in or loose power cord
- Blown thermal fuse
- Blocked dryer exhaust vent
- Enabled ‘Control Lock’
- Faulty idler pulley, drive belt, belt switch, or drive motor
Maytag Bravos Dryer Won’t Start Just Clicks
Consider these possibilities if your Maytag Bravos dryer clicks but won’t start:
- The start switch could be faulty
- The door switch might be malfunctioning
- Power failure due to a blown-up fuse or tripped breaker
- The drum belt could be loose or fractured
- The idler pulley could be faulty
Maytag Bravos Dryer Won’t Start Just Beeps
If your dryer won’t start but only beeps, consider that it could be because of one of these reasons:
- The thermal fuse is faulty (probably blown up due to overheating of the dryer)
- Its door or lid is not engaging correctly (it might be defective or blocked by clothes)
- The dryer is not getting enough power (perhaps due to a faulty outlet or power cord)
People Also Ask
1. Why Will My Maytag Bravos Dryer Not Start
Your Maytag Bravos dryer will likely not start if it’s not receiving enough power. Possible contributors include a blown-up fuse, tripped breaker, faulty power cord, or malfunctioning eclectic outlet.
Using a multitester device or multimeter, you can tell which of them is faulty (apart from the breaker, which you can check by observation). Ideally, the component that shows no continuity is the faulty one.
2. How Can I Reset a Maytag Bravos Dryer?
The easiest way to reset a Maytag Bravos dryer is by pressing Power/Cancel at least twice and then choosing a cycle before pressing Start. Alternatively, you can unplug the dryer for about 30 minutes to reset it.
3. Why Won’t My Dryer Start When I Press Start?
Your dryer won’t start after pressing start if there’s an incoming power fault. That includes a faulty power cord, electric outlet, or thermal fuse. But still, the start switch could be defective and prevent the dryer from starting.
4. How Do You Check a Maytag Dryer Start Switch?
Using a multimeter, you can quickly check the functionality of a Maytag dryer start switch. If the switch is faulty, it won’t show continuity.
What are some common Maytag Bravos Xl washer error codes and how can I troubleshoot them?
Maytag Bravos Xl washers can sometimes encounter error codes that indicate specific problems. Here are some of the common error codes you may come across and how you can troubleshoot them:
1. UL Error or OFB: This error code indicates an unbalanced load. To resolve this issue, evenly redistribute the laundry inside the washer. Remove any heavy items like blankets, rugs, or mats that might be causing the imbalance.
2. F32/LD/Drn: This error code indicates slow drainage. Check the drain hose for any kinks or clogs. If you find any, unblock the hose to allow proper water flow and drainage.
3. F70/OL: This error code points to a laundry overload. Reduce the load size by removing some items. Overloading the washer can cause strain on the motor and lead to performance issues.
4. F5 Error Code: This error code signals an open lid. Ensure that the washer’s lid is closed securely before starting a cycle.
5. F71/SD: This error code is triggered when excessive suds are detected. Reduce the amount of detergent you are using in the washer. Excess suds can interfere with the washer’s performance.
6. PF: This error code indicates a power failure. Check the power supply to the washer and ensure that it is properly connected. Additionally, make sure there are no circuit breakers tripped or power outages in your home.
7. LOFL, LF, or F8E1: These error codes indicate a prolonged water fill-up process. Check the water supply tube for any kinks and ensure that the water supply valve is fully open. This will ensure proper water flow into the washer.
8. CO: This error code indicates a slow spin speed. To improve the spin speed, ensure that the washer is not overloaded and that the load inside is balanced. Unevenly distributed laundry can affect the spin performance.
9. LDR: This error code relates to the lid not locking properly. Check for any obstructions on the lid that may prevent it from locking securely. Clear the obstruction to ensure the lid locks correctly.
By understanding these common error codes and following the troubleshooting steps provided, you can effectively address various issues with your Maytag Bravos Xl washer.
How can I fix the control panel of my Maytag Bravos Xl washer if it’s not working?
To fix the control panel of your Maytag Bravos Xl washer if it’s not working, there are a few steps you can follow:
1. Check if the safety function called Control Lock is active. If it is, disable it. This can usually be done by holding down a specific button or combination of buttons, as indicated in the user manual. Once deactivated, try closing the washer’s lid and see if it resolves the issue.
2. Inspect the lid of the washer for any obstructions. Sometimes debris or objects may be blocking the lid from closing properly. If you find any obstructions, remove them carefully and then attempt to close the lid again.
3. If the lid still doesn’t close after removing obstructions, it is possible that the lid switch is faulty. In this case, the lid switch will need to be replaced. Consult your user manual or reach out to Maytag customer support for guidance on obtaining a replacement lid switch and proper installation instructions.
4. If you observe that only some of the buttons on the control panel are not working, it is likely that the issue lies with the control panel itself. In such cases, replacing the control panel would be the recommended course of action. Contact Maytag customer support for assistance in acquiring a new control panel specific to your model.
5. In the event that none of the buttons on the control panel are responsive, it is advisable to replace the main control board. The main control board controls the overall functionality of the washer, and if it is malfunctioning, it can result in an unresponsive control panel. Please consult your user manual or get in touch with Maytag customer support for information on obtaining a replacement main control board and instructions on how to install it correctly.
Remember to always refer to the user manual for your specific washer model and follow all safety precautions while attempting to fix any appliance. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the process, it is recommended to seek professional assistance or contact Maytag for further support.
Closing Remarks!
Above are the seven primary reasons your Maytag Bravos dryer won’t start. So, consider them when you cannot run the dryer before calling an expert technician. And as shared, most of the fixes are straightforward, making them readily DIY.