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12 Reasons Maytag Bravos XL Dryer Not Heating (Explained!)

Having a Maytag Bravos XL dryer means having the option to quickly dry lots of clothes for the family. But what if the dryer won’t get hot? How do you explain a Maytag Bravos Xl dryer not heating?

Maytag Bravos XL dryers won’t heat due to failed incoming power, clogged air vent or lint screen, wrong cycle, or excess wet load. Meanwhile, gas dryers won’t heat due to a faulty solenoid, flame sensor, or igniter, while electric options won’t heat due to a bad heating element, thermostat, or timer. 

Some issues apply to gas and electric Bravos XL dryers, while others are exclusive to gas-only or electric options.

To help you know what to check depending on the type of Bravos XL dryer, I’ll discuss the 12 reasons why they all fall. So, watch out for the fixes which you can try before calling a dryer expert.  

Let’s get into it!

Maytag bravos xl dryer not heating

In a rush? See below the 12 possible explanations for your non-heating Maytag Bravos XL dryer and what you can do to remedy the situation.

Quick Troubleshooter for A Maytag Bravos Xl Dryer Not Heating

Probable CauseRemedy (Quick Fix)
 Both Electric & Gas Dryer 
1.Failed Incoming Power Replace the power outlet or thermal fuse if it’s faulty, and reset the circuit breaker if it’s off
2.Clogged Air VentClean the dryer vent if it’s dirt-clogged to facilitate proper airflow and heating
3.Clogged Lint Screen Clean the dryer’s lint screen, preferably with soap and water, if it’s dirt-clogged
4.Wrong Cycle Deactivate Wrinkle-Prevent or Fluff Air setting to allow the dryer to blow hot air
5.Excess Wet Load Spin dry the clothes if they are excessively wet
 Gas-Only Dryer 
6.Failed Solenoid Consider replacing the solenoid valve if the igniter goes off almost immediately after glowing
7.Burnt Igniter Replace the igniter if it fails to show continuity
8.Failed Flame Sensor Test the sensor’s continuity and replace it if it shows no continuity
 Electric Dryer 
9.Bad Heating ElementConsider a Maytag Bravos Xl dryer heating element replacement
10.Overheated High-Limit ThermostatReplace the hi-li thermostat if it won’t show continuity
11.Bad Cycling Thermostat Replace the cycling thermostat if it won’t show continuity
12.Bad Timer Replace the dryer’s timer if it won’t display continuity

How to Troubleshoot a Maytag Bravos XL Dryer That’s Not Heating

Generally, troubleshooting a Maytag Bravos XL dryer that won’t get hot starts with identifying the cause. Depending on whether the dryer is gas only or electric, here are 12 issues to consider:

Both Maytag Bravos XL Electric and Gas Dryer Not Heating

1. Dryer Not Heating Because of Failed Incoming Power

If there’s a disruption in the incoming power, your Maytag Bravos XL dryer won’t get hot. For that reason, consider the issues below as they are likely to deprive the dryer of power:

  • Faulty power outlet – A faulty power outlet prevents the dryer from having enough power, and so the dryer won’t heat. If the voltage is not 210 – 240 volts, you can tell the outlet has an issue.
  • Tripped breaker – Following a power surge, the breaker will trip up to protect the dryer from overheating. Unfortunately, that stops the dryer from heating until you reset it.
  • Overheated thermal fuse – A power surge doesn’t just trip the breaker but can also blow up the fuse. Once the thermal fuse overheats or blows, the dryer may not heat up.

Fix 

Use a voltmeter/multimeter to check the power outlet’s voltage. If it’s not 210 – 240 volts, the outlet is faulty and should be replaced.

Also, use a multimeter to test the fuse’s continuity. If it has no continuity, replace it. Meanwhile, check the breaker and reset it if it’s off/tripped.

2. Dryer Not Heating Due to Clogged Exhaust Vent

If the dryer vent is clogged, airflow reduces, raising the vent’s internal temperature. Once that happens, the high-limit thermostat, which I’ll talk about later, prevents the dryer from heating.

Fix 

Inspect the dryer’s exhaust vent for clogging and clean it if that’s the case.  This is something you should do regularly. And if there are kinks on the dryer vent, stretch out the duct to remove them. 

Maytag bravos xl dryer heating element

3. Dryer Not Heating Due to Dirty Lint Screen 

A clogged lint screen has the same effect as a clogged lint screen. So, you must check it for dirt/lint clogging too. Overall, a clogged lint screen prevents airflow; thus, the Maytag dryer won’t heat up.

Fix 

Inspect the dryer’s lint screen from clogging and clean it accordingly. You can wash with soap and water.

4. Dryer Not Heating Due to The Wrong Cycle

The Maytag bravos dryer won’t heat if you select the wrong cycle or setting. For example, settings like Wrinkle-Prevent and Fluff Air allow the dryer to blow air at room temperature but without heat.

Fix 

Check the dryer setting to ensure you use the correct cycle. If either Wrinkle-Prevent or Fluff Air is active, turn them off and choose the right setting.

5. Dryer Not Heating Due to Excessively Wet Load

Sometimes the dryer won’t heat up because of loading too much wet load, especially if the load is dripping wet. That’s why it’s advisable to spin-dry the clothes before putting them into the dryer. More importantly, the damp laundry should be even in the drum. 

Fix

Spin dry your clothes before drying them, or manually remove the excess water. Otherwise, fix the reason why your Maytag machine won’t spin-dry clothes.

Maytag Bravos Xl Gas Dryer Not Heating

6. Dryer Not Heating Due to A Failed Solenoid Valve

Maytag gas dryers usually have at least two gas valve solenoids. The valves typically open up to allow gas flow to the burner. Once the burner receives enough gas, it burns up, allowing the dryer to heat up and blow hot air.

So, if the solenoid is faulty, the burner won’t receive any gas, and thus the dryer won’t heat up.

Fix 

You can determine if you have a faulty solenoid if the igniter momentarily glows and turns off. If that’s the case, replace the solenoid. 

7. Dryer Not Heating Due to A Burnt Igniter

The igniter’s job is to heat the gas in the dryer’s burner. Once the igniter burns, perhaps from overheating, the igniter won’t heat up, and the burner will not become hot. 

Fix 

Consider testing the igniter’s continuity level using a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, it must be burnt out and so replace it.

8. Dryer Not Heating Due to A Failed Flame Sensor

The flame sensor senses the flame’s heat, enabling the dryer to heat up. If the sensor fails, it cannot detect the heat, so the dryer won’t get hot. 

Fix 

Test the sensor’s continuity using a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, consider replacing it. But first, check the thermal fuse and igniter to ensure they aren’t at fault.

Maytag bravos xl gas dryer not heating

Electric Maytag Bravos Xl Dryer Not Heating

9. Dryer Not Heating Due to A Bad Heating Element

Incoming air typically passes through the heating element for warming up. Unfortunately, the heating element overheats over time and becomes faulty. And when that happens, the dryer is unable to get hot. 

Fix 

Consider testing your Maytag Bravos Xl dryer heating element for continuity. If the element shows no continuity, consider replacing it.

10. Dryer Not Heating Due to an Overheated High Limit Thermostat

The Maytag dryer’s high limit (hi-li) thermostat monitors its temperature to ensure it is correct. Once the dryer starts overheating, the thermostat turns off the hot burner, preventing it from getting hot any further. 

Fix

Using a multimeter, measure the thermostat’s continuity. The absence of continuity indicates a faulty high-limit thermostat that you should replace.

11. Dryer Not Heating Due to A Bad Cycling Thermostat

For proper heating in the dryer, the heat has to cycle on and off, which is the cycling thermostat’s job. If the thermostat is defective, it cannot cycle the hot air, which prevents the dryer from getting hot.

Fix 

Consider testing the cycling thermostat the same way as the high-limit thermostat. So, if the thermostat won’t show continuity, change it. 

12. Dryer Not Heating Due to A Bad Timer 

Also, check the working condition of the timer, as its faultiness will prevent the dryer from heating up. You should ensure it’s working well.

Fix 

Use a multimeter once again to test the timer’s continuity level. If it has no continuity, change it.

Can’t Find the Reason Why Your Maytag Bravos XL Dryer is Not Heating?

Perhaps you’ve gone through the above 12 issues but cannot establish the real reason why your Maytag Bravos dryer won’t heat. Or maybe you’ve tried several fixes, but the dryer still won’t get hot. 

If so, consider that you may have a bad main control board. That’s often the case when none of the other components is defective, but the dryer won’t heat up.

If so, replace the main control board. But before you do, have a dryer expert check it out. 

Maytag bravos xl dryer reset button

People Also Ask

1. Why Is My Maytag Dryer Not Getting Hot?

Your Maytag dryer is not getting hot because of a tripped breaker, faulty outlet, overheated thermal fuse, clogged lint screen or vent, or an incorrect cycle. Also, check components like the heating element, thermostat, and timer for faults.

2. Why Is My Maytag Bravos Xl Not Heating Up?

Your Maytag Bravos XL is not heating because of an incoming power fault, whose cause could be a tripped breaker, overheated fuse, or a faulty outlet. It could also be due to poor airflow, whose cause could be a clogged lint screen or vent.

3. How Can I Reset a Maytag Bravos XL Dryer?

You can reset your Maytag Bravos XL dryer by pressing Power/Cancel (at least twice), choosing a cycle, and pressing ‘Start.’

4. Does Maytag Bravos XL Have a Reset Button?

Maytag Bravos XL dryers usually don’t have the reset button. So, you’ll need to reset them differently. One way to do it is by pressing ‘power/cancel’ new cycle and ‘start’ in the same order.

What are some similar threads related to Maytag dryers not heating that the user can reference for additional information?

Here are some similar threads related to Maytag dryers not heating that you can reference for additional information:

1. “Maytag Bravos ecoconserve MCT electric dryer Model MEDX700XL0 disassemble?” – This thread discusses disassembling a Maytag dryer model and may provide insights on troubleshooting a heating issue.

2. “Older Maytag Neptune Dryer stopped heating” – In this thread, users discuss a similar problem with an older Maytag Neptune dryer and share their experiences in resolving the heating issue.

3. “Maytag Dryer LDG8704AAE heat does not stay on” – Users in this thread address a Maytag dryer that experiences intermittent heating. This may help you understand potential causes and solutions for your own dryer.

4. “FIXED Maytag Dryer MEDB765FW0 wont heat” – In this thread, users discuss a specific model of Maytag dryer that fails to heat. This can provide valuable insights for troubleshooting and resolving heating issues.

5. “Maytag DE303 Dryer – heating element runs when it shouldn’t / timer doesn’t advance” – Here, users discuss a Maytag dryer that has a heating element running when it shouldn’t, along with a timer that doesn’t advance. This thread might offer relevant information for diagnosing and fixing your own dryer’s heating problem.

What have the users already checked in order to troubleshoot the issue?

The users have already taken several troubleshooting steps to identify the issue. They have replaced the Cycling Thermostat and checked the functioning of the thermostat, high and low fuses, heating element, and ensured continuity. Additionally, they have confirmed that the heating element is receiving current when turned on. As another test, they have even disconnected the hose and allowed the appliance to run to see if heat is generated. Despite these efforts, the machine still fails to produce any heat.

What is the model number of the Maytag Bravos Electric Dryer that is not heating?

The model number of the Maytag Bravos Electric Dryer that is experiencing a heating issue is MEDX655DW1.

What could be a potential voltage issue that causes the dryer to run but not heat?

What should I do if I find a burnt hot wire in the terminal block?


If you find a burnt hot wire in the terminal block, it is an indication of a problem. You may need to replace the terminal block kit and the dryer cord to ensure proper and safe electrical connections.

How can I determine if the terminal block is receiving the correct voltage?


Using a multimeter, you can check the voltage at the terminal block. Make sure the dryer is unplugged, and then measure the voltage between the two hot legs of the terminal block. It should read 220-240 volts. Additionally, check that both ends of the terminal block read 120 volts.

What should I do if I suspect a broken wire from one of the hot legs?


If you suspect a broken wire, you should unplug the dryer and visually inspect the wires connecting to the terminal block. If you find any broken or burned wires, they will need to be replaced.

How can I check for a voltage issue in my dryer?


To check for a voltage issue, you can unplug the dryer, pull it out from the wall, and remove the metal cover where the power cord connects to the dryer. Inspect the wires to see if any of them have burned.

What could be a possible cause for the dryer to run but not heat?


A potential cause for the dryer running but not heating could be a voltage issue, such as a broken wire from one of the hot legs that connects to the terminal block at the back of the dryer.

Your Maytag Bravos XL is not heating because of an incoming power fault, whose cause could be a tripped breaker, overheated fuse, or a faulty outlet. It is important to thoroughly investigate these potential issues to ensure a reliable solution.

Firstly, check if any breakers have tripped in your electrical panel. A tripped breaker can disrupt the power supply to your dryer, resulting in it running but not heating. Locate the breaker that corresponds to your dryer and reset it if necessary.

Next, inspect the fuse connected to your dryer. An overheated fuse can cause a loss of power, preventing the heating element from functioning properly. If the fuse appears burnt or damaged, replace it with a new one of the same amperage rating.

Additionally, assess the outlet where your dryer is plugged in. Faulty outlets can impact the voltage supply to the appliance. Ensure that the outlet is properly functioning by testing it with a different device or using a voltage tester. If the outlet is faulty, consult an electrician to repair or replace it.

While these steps address common power faults, it is also crucial to consider the specific voltage requirements of your dryer. A voltage issue can lead to a lack of heat in the appliance. To investigate this further, it is recommended to use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the terminal block. A reading of 220-240 volts indicates a proper power supply. If the voltage is significantly lower, there may be an issue with the electrical connection.

In conclusion, a thorough examination of the potential voltage issues, including tripped breakers, overheated fuses, and faulty outlets, can help identify the root cause of your Maytag Bravos XL not heating. By following these steps and consulting a professional if needed, you can ensure that your dryer operates efficiently and effectively.<

Closing Remarks On Maytag Bravos Xl Dryer Not Heating:

Above are the 12 reasons most Maytag Bravos XL dryers won’t get hot. So, consider the list before you can call a service technician. But once you go through the troubleshooting and can’t fix it, you can contact an expert service technician.

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