5 Reasons Maytag Centennial Dryer Won’t Start (Solved!)

So, your Maytag Centennial dryer won’t start, and you can’t explain why? And you are considering a service call? Well, don’t just yet, not until you try to unmask the reason and troubleshoot it.

Generally, a Maytag Centennial dryer won’t start because of a non-responsive start button, an unlatched door, a power or setting issue, or a failed component.   

Concerning the last part, components that could fail and prevent your dryer from starting include the start switch, drive motor, door switch, drive belt, timer, or control board.

So, the components are a must-check when you rule out the other reasons, and I will help you do it.

Remember, sometimes the dryer may have power but still fails to start. Others may click or even hum but still fail to start.   

So, we’ll also look at these exceptional cases to point you to the most likely fault so that you can address it.  

Let’s jump into it!  

In a hurry? Below is a troubleshooting guide for a non-starting Maytag Centennial dryer.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide for A Maytag Centennial Dryer That Won’t Start

Why Is My Maytag Centennial Dryer Not Starting?

Your Maytag dryer won’t start because of one of the five issues discussed below:

1. A Non-Responsive Start Button

Maytag mentions holding the start button for 2 – 5 seconds when powering its drivers. The dryer won’t start if you only tap the start switch.

But still, you could hold down the start switch for 2– 5 seconds but still fail to run the dryer if the start button is not working.

So, there are two possibilities here that you must rule out before considering the other issues shared below. 

Fix 

Start by holding the start/power button for about 2 – 5 seconds to see if the Centennial dryer will start. If it doesn’t, consider checking the start button for fault.

It could be broken, which you can visually detect, or use a multimeter. On the latter, consider replacing the start button if it won’t show continuity.

Just probe the multimeter rods into the start switch and pay attention to the display to see if the start button shows continuity. If it doesn’t, replace it. 

2. Unlatched Dryer Door

This is probably the most straightforward fault to spot, as you only need to recheck the door to tell if it’s latched all the way or not. Usually, the Centennial dryer refuses to spin when the door is not well shut. 

Overall, that could be because:

• You failed to press the door to shut it firmly
• There might be trapped clothes
• The door switch could be faulty, thus preventing the door from closing completely

Fix 

Check the dryer door to see if it’s firmly latched. If not, try locking it and removing any trapped clothes if present.

If the door still doesn’t latch, consider testing the door switch with a multimeter, like in the case of a start button; probe the multimeter into the door switch to see if it shows any continuity. If it won’t, replace it. That proves its fault. 

3. Power Issues (Failed Power Supply)

Unless your Centennial dryer has sufficient power, it won’t start or even heat up. So, you have to check for possible power failure or disruption, and that brings us to the issues below:

• Power outage – Your Centennial dryer won’t power on and run if there’s a power outage. If so, you’ll have to postpone the laundry drying until you’ve power.
• Blown-up fuse – A sudden power surge could blow up the fuse and prevent the dryer from starting. So, use a multimeter to check the fuse’s continuity to know if it’s faulty. 
• Tripped-up breaker – The sudden power surge could also trip the breaker and cut off the dryer’s power supply.
• Extension cord – The issue with extension cords is that they don’t allow a 100% power supply. So, your dryer may not power up.
• Faulty outlet (power socket) – If the power socket is defective (if it lacks continuity), the dryer won’t receive any power and will, therefore, not start.
• Unplugged or faulty power plug – The dryer will also not start if the power plug is loose/unplugged or faulty (perhaps damaged). You can know if it’s defective if it lacks electrical continuity. 

Fix 

Wait for the power to come back in case of an outage. If the fuse, power socket, or power plug lacks continuity, replace them. 

Meanwhile, ensure the power plug is plugged in and reset the breaker if it is tripped. And if you are using an extension cord, plug it into the wall socket instead. 

4. Dryer Setting Issue

The Centennial dryer won’t start if there’s something wrong with its setting. In that case, watch out for any of these issues:

• Locked controls (child lock) – If the Child/Control Lock is enabled, it locks the control panel, preventing the dryer from starting.
• The wrong cycle – By selecting a setting like Wrinkle Reduction, you delay the dryer from starting. So, it’s essential that you choose the right setting depending on the clothes you are drying. For example, the dryer won’t start if you select the ‘Heavy Duty’ setting for delicate laundry.
• Moist control panel – The control panel is extra sensitive to moisture. It fails to respond when you touch it with wet fingers, and the dryer will not start.

Fix 

Disassemble the Child Lock if it’s on. In that case, hold the ‘Cycle Signal’ switch for about 3 seconds or until the letters LOC/CL disappear.

Meanwhile, set your dryer on Timed-Dry or Auto-Dry instead of Wrinkle Reduction, and avoid touching the control panel with wet hands.

You may need to wipe dry your hands and the control panel before touching the control panel. 

5. Failed Component

If your Centennial dryer won’t start because of an unlatched door, a power or setting issue, or a non-responsive button, it’s most likely because of a failed component. The components to check for fault, in this case, includes the following:

• Start button – I mentioned earlier that a faulty start button could be why the dryer is not starting. So, you may need to recheck it using a multimeter to determine if it’s defective. 
• Door switch – I also mentioned the door switch, which could prevent the dryer door from latching if faulty. You also need to recheck it using a multimeter to determine if it’s working or defective. 
• Drive motor – Sometimes, the Centennial dryer won’t start because of a faulty drive motor. The dryer usually makes a humming sound but won’t start. So, that’s an indicator that the drive motor could be faulty.
• Drive belt – Unlike the drive motor, you can tell the drive belt when it’s faulty, as it will appear loose, broken, or frail. The dryer may also hum or click but fail to start when the belt is defective.
• Timer – The timer is another component that could malfunction and prevent the dryer from starting. You can tell if that is the case if it also lacks continuity.
• Control board – Lastly, if the control board is burnt (short-circuited) or worn out, the dryer won’t start. That, however, should come as your last resort, and you should probably leave the fix to a dryer expert.

Fix 

Replace the start button, door switch, or timer if any of them lacks electrical continuity. So, test the three with a multimeter.

Replace the drive belt and motor if they look faulty or worn out, especially when the dryer hums but won’t start.

And if none of the fixes works, replace the control board. You should, however, have the board checked by a dryer expert first.

Maytag Centennial Dryer Has Power But Won’t Start

Is your Maytag Centennial dryer light on but won’t start? Well, if your Maytag Centennial dryer turns on but won’t start, which shows it has power, the issue could be any of these reasons:

• The start button could be faulty, or you might have failed to press it firmly
• The control panel could be locked (active child lock)
• A wrong cycle selection, such as Wrinkle Reduction
• The door switch could be faulty
• The timer, drive belt, motor, or thermal fuse could be defective

Maytag Centennial Dryer Hums But Won’t Start

Your Maytag Centennial dryer is most likely humming but not starting because of a faulty drive belt or drive motor. So, check the two. If they are okay, check the start switch and the door switch.

You can test their continuity with a multimeter to determine if they are faulty. Once you identify the defective component, replace it.

Maytag Centennial Dryer Clicks But Won’t Start

Sometimes the Centennial dryer will only make a clicking sound but won’t start. That’s likely to happen if the door switch or start button is faulty.

However, if they are okay, it could be due to a broken belt or blown-up thermal fuse. And if that’s not the issue, then the timer, motor, belt switch, or main control board could be faulty.

So, you may need to check all these components to determine the faulty one. 

What is the request to keep the forum updated on the progress?

“I understand the request to keep the forum updated on the progress. I will make sure to visit the designated location tomorrow afternoon after having lunch, and I will start working on the task promptly. Rest assured, once there are any developments or outcomes, I will make sure to inform you promptly. Your continuous support is appreciated.”

When will the user continue working on the dryer?

“I have planned to go over to the dryer after lunch tomorrow and commence working on it. Afterward, I will inform you about the progress. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Is there a wiring diagram available for the dryer?

Based on the given statement, it seems like the individual named Jjaahh is contemplating the possibility of sharing the wiring diagram of a dryer on a specific website in order to seek assistance. While this statement does not explicitly confirm the availability of a wiring diagram for the dryer, it suggests that Jjaahh may possess or have access to such a diagram. However, without further information, it is unclear whether Jjaahh intends to share an existing diagram or is seeking help to create one.

What is the model number of the Maytag centennial dryer?

The Maytag centennial dryer has the model number MEDC400VW0.

What parts have been tested for continuity?

How was the start switch tested?
The start switch was tested for continuity when in use.

How was the door switch tested?
The door switch was tested for continuity.

What was the result of the continuity test for the thermal fuse, element, thermostats, door switch, and start switch?
All of these components showed continuity when tested.

Are there any wires attached to the tested components?
The continuity tests were performed with no wires attached to the tested components.

Which specific components have been tested for continuity?
The components that have been tested for continuity are the thermal fuse, element, thermostats, door switch, and start switch.

“I opened the back and tested the thermal fuse, element, thermostats, door switch, and start switch to ensure their continuity. I found that all these components have continuity, indicating that the electrical current can flow through them without interruption. Now, let’s move on to troubleshooting the start button. Start by holding the start/power button for about 2-5 seconds to see if the Centennial dryer will start. If it doesn’t, consider checking the start button for fault. You can visually detect if the start button is broken or use a multimeter for a more accurate assessment. Use the multimeter to probe the start switch and check if it shows continuity. If it doesn’t, it may need to be replaced.

Next, let’s check the dryer door to ensure it is firmly latched. If it’s not, try locking it and removing any trapped clothes if present. If the door still doesn’t latch properly, it’s worth testing the door switch. Similar to the start button, use a multimeter to probe the door switch and check for continuity. If it doesn’t show any continuity, it’s likely that the door switch is faulty and needs to be replaced.

In addition to these steps, it’s important to check other possible causes. Make sure the fuse, power socket, and power plug also have continuity. If any of these components lack continuity, it’s recommended to replace them. By following these thorough testing procedures, we can pinpoint the exact source of the issue and take the appropriate steps for repair.”

Closing Remarks 

Now you know what to check when your Maytag Centennial dryer won’t start. You have to check for a non-responsive start button, a non-engaging door, a setting issue, failed power supply, or failed component. One of these five reasons is preventing your dryer from starting, and it’s fixable.