You generally expect your Maytag dryer to turn on and start running when you hit the start button, right? But what if it doesn’t go that way? Is your Maytag dryer start button not working, and you cannot explain it?
Your Maytag dryer start button is not working because it’s not pressed down firmly or is just defective. It could also be due to a malfunctioning control panel, power failure, locked controls, clogged vent, or failure by components such as the lid or door, dryer belt, motor, or control board.
So, it doesn’t always mean that the start button is the problem just because the dryer won’t start when you press ‘start.’ I’ll help you understand that by discussing all these reasons.
Moreover, we’ll look at specific Maytag dryer types and models, such as the Maytag Bravos XL, Maytag Neptune, and Maytag Centennial.
Let’s jump into it!
In a rush? Check out below quick fixes to the various causes behind a non-responsive Maytag dryer start button.
Quick Fixes to A Maytag Dryer Start Button Not Working
| Probable Cause | Recommended Fix | |
| 1. | Start Button Not Pressed Down Correctly | Press down the start button for 2-5 seconds to start the dryer. Don’t just tap it |
| 2. | Start Button Is Defective (Broken or Poorly Installed) | Run the start switch through a multimeter’s continuity test and replace it if it lacks continuity |
| 3. | Malfunctioning Control Panel | Wipe the control panel gently with a clean, dry soft cloth before restarting the dryer |
| 4. | Power Failure or Gas Failure | Reset tripped breaker, replace faulty fuse or power cord, and plug into the wall instead of using an extension cord. As for the gas dryer, turn on the shut-off valve |
| 5. | Locked Controls | Deactivate the ‘control lock’ by pressing the ‘cycle signal’ switch |
| 6. | Clogged Dryer Vent | Clear any obstruction from the dryer vent |
| 7. | Component Failure (Lid or Door, Dryer Belt, Motor or Main Control Board) | Replace the failing dryer component. You can ask for assistance from an expert technician. |
Why Your Maytag Bravos Dryer Won’t Start When You Press the Start Button
So, if you were wondering why your Maytag dryer won’t start when you hit the start button, consider these explanations:
1. Start Button Not Firmly Pressed Down
You cannot expect the Maytag Bravos dryer to start by just tapping the start switch. No! You should press it down firmly for a couple of seconds for the dryer to start.
Fix
Locate the start button, which sometimes goes by the names hold-to-start, push-to-start, or just start button. Then press it down firmly for 2-5 seconds for the dryer to start. If that doesn’t turn it on, then consider other troubleshooting possibilities.
2. Start Button Might Be Defective
The start button will also not start your Maytag dryer if it’s defective. I’m talking about it being broken or incorrectly installed. Remember, the start button turns on the motor. If it’s bad, the motor won’t run and your dryer won’t start.
Fix – Maytag dryer start button replacement
Ideally, you can test the start switch using a multimeter. Just connect the multimeter to the switch’s terminals and see if there is any continuity. If there’s none, then the start button is faulty, and so you should replace it.
3. The Control Panel Could Be Malfunctioning
The control panel is the dryer’s most sensitive component. It responds to changes in touch, temperature, and moisture.
If the panel comes into contact with moisture, sweat from touching it, or you accidentally scratch it with your fingernails, it’ll malfunction. And when it does, the dryer cannot run when you press the start button.
Fix
Ensure you dry your hands before touching the control panel and that you do everything gently. Also, wipe the control panel gently with a clean, dry soft cloth and try starting your dryer.
4. Lack of Power or Gas Supply
Let’s face it; you cannot expect your Bravos dryer to start when it’s not receiving any power. Or in the case of a gas dryer not getting any gas. So, this is something you’ve to look into carefully.
Here are the issues that could be cutting off the power or gas supply to the dryer:
- Tripped-up circuit – The circuit breaker trips when there’s an electric surge to protect the dryer. It, however, prevents the dryer from starting when it trips.
- Blown fuse – A power surge could also blow up the household fuse. Like a tripped breaker, an explored fuse prevents the dryer from starting.
- Faulty power cable – If the dryer power cable is defective, the dryer won’t start when you press the start button.
- Extension cord – An extension cord can prevent your dryer from getting adequate power to start. So, it may appear like the start button is faulty when it’s not.
- Not turning on the gas supply (for gas dryers) – Lastly, if you don’t turn on the gas shut-off valve of your Maytag gas dryer, the dryer won’t start when you press start.
Fix
Reset the circuit breaker if it’s tripped and replace the household fuse or the power cord depending on what’s faulty.
While you can tell a tripped breaker from observation, you cannot tell a defective cable or blown-up fuse the same way. You’ll need to test the fuse, the power cord, and the outlet with a multimeter.
If any of them shows no continuity, that indicates it’s faulty. If you cannot fix the electric outlet, call a technician.
Regarding the gas supply, ensure you turn on the shut-off valve. More importantly, plug into the wall socket and do away with an extension cord.
5. The ‘Control Lock’ Could Be Turned On
Maytag dryers usually have the ‘control lock’ feature, which locks the dryer’s control panel functions and prevents the dryer from starting. So, you must check if this status indicator is on and deactivate it.
Fix
Check to see if the ‘control lock’ light is on. If it is, press the ‘cycle signal’ tab for about 3 seconds to deactivate the ‘control lock.’
6. The Dryer Vent Could Be Clogged
If the dryer vent is clogged, it cannot emit hot air. That eventually prevents it from turning on when you press start. That’s one reason Maytag recommends routinely cleaning the dryer vent to eliminate any possible clog.
Fix
Inspect the dryer and clean it to remove any obstruction. You can use a commercial dryer vent cleaner to do it.
7. One Major Component Could Be Failing
Lastly, if the issue is none of the six discussed, it’s most likely a component failure. The components to check in this case include:
- Lid/door – If the lid switch or door lock is malfunctioning, the dryer may not start. So, consider testing it with a multimeter. If the switch or lock lacks continuity, it’s faulty.
- Dryer belt – Some Maytag dryers shut off their power when the dryer belt breaks. So, consider inspecting the drive belt to see if it’s broken.
- Drive motor – The drive motor turns the dryer drum. So, if it’s faulty, the drum won’t spin, and there’s likely to be no activity when you press the start button.
- Main control board – If you cannot find any fault with your dryer, your last hope is to replace the main control board. This board does not fail often, but if its failure means the failure of the entire dryer.
Fix
Replace any of the above components that prove to be faulty. But if you aren’t sure, talk to an expert service person.
Maytag Bravos Xl Dryer Start Button Not Working
Often, troubleshooting a Maytag Bravos XL dryer involves inspecting the start button for fault if it doesn’t work. It could be that you haven’t pressed it firmly or perhaps the switch is faulty.
You can confirm the latter by testing the button with a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, then it’s not working. Other possible reasons include a defective door/lid, malfunctioning control panel, or power failure.
Maytag Neptune Dryer Start Button Not Working
Most Maytag Neptune dryers’ start button fails to work because they are defective. You can confirm that by running them through a multimeter test. If the switch shows no continuity, it’s faulty.
Other possible explanations include power failure, obstructed dryer vent, faulty door switch, and burnt-out motor.
Maytag Centennial Dryer Start Button Not Working
Troubleshooting a Maytag centennial dryer start button that is not working requires you to look at different angles. For one, the switch itself could be faulty. So, inspect it for fault or use a multimeter to examine its continuity. Lack of continuity proves its fault.
Sometimes the problem could be unrelated to the start button, such as power failure, vent blockage, control board malfunctioning, locked controls, or component failure.
Maytag Gas Dryer Start Button Not Working
If your Maytag gas dryer start button won’t work, the first thing to check is the dryer’s gas supply. Ensure the gas is connected and the shut-off valve is turned on. If that’s the case, press the start button firmly for 3-5 seconds.
If the start button still doesn’t work, test it with a multimeter. No continuity means the switch is faulty, so you should replace it.
People Also Ask
1. How Do I Fix the Start Button On My Maytag Dryer?
If your Maytag dryer start switch is faulty or non-responsive, consider pressing it firmly to see if it works. If it doesn’t, test its continuity with a multimeter and consider a button replacement if it lacks continuity.
2. When I Press the Start Button On My Dryer, Nothing Happens. Why?
If nothing happens when you press start on your dryer, it could be that the start button itself is faulty or there is gas or power failure. Or, it could be that the drive belt, motor, door lock, or control board is defective and therefore needs a replacement.
3. Why Is My Maytag Dryer Not Starting?
Your Maytag Dryer is not starting because the start switch is faulty or due to gas or power failure. Other reasons include locked controls, malfunctioning control panel, a broken belt, worn-out motor, and defective door/lid.
4. How Do You Test a Maytag Push Start Switch On a Dryer?
You can access the push start switch of a Maytag dryer behind the control panel. Once you locate the button, touch the terminals with a multimeter. If there’s no continuity, the start switch is faulty.
5. How Should I Reset My Maytag Dryer’s Control Board?
You can reset your Maytag dryer control board by pressing ‘power/cancel’ two times. Then, select a preferred cycle and press the ‘start’ switch.
Closing Remarks On Maytag Dryer Start Button Not Working
As shared, the Maytag dryer start button may not work if it has an issue or unrelated reason. Those reasons include power or gas failure, locked controls, a malfunctioning control panel, and component failure. So, once you rule out the start switch for fault, you should look into these other possibilities.