Unless necessary, you don’t need an expert for a Maytag Neptune dryer heating element replacement. You can do it yourself, and I will outline the steps.
Start by detaching the dryer’s back panel and old heating element. Then uninstall the high-limit thermostat from the old heating element to the new heating element before fitting the new heating element.
This process is quick and, more importantly, money-saving. The question is, why should you replace the heating element? What does it do in the dryer, and how does it fail? What’s more, how do you tell that the heating element is faulty?
Those are among the concerns I’ll answer in this post. I’ll also explain the cost difference between DIY heating element replacement and professional service.
Let’s jump into it!
What Is the Heating Element? What Does It Do On a Maytag Neptune Dryer?
The heating element is a set of coils and a metal chamber that warms the inbound air. Usually, electricity heats the element’s coils whenever you power your dryer and warms the air moving through the metal chamber.
That allows your dryer to get hot and remove moisture from your clothes. So, if the heating element fails, the dryer cannot heat up or dry your clothes.
What Causes the Heating Element for A Maytag Neptune Dryer to Fail?
The primary reason why most heating elements fail is overheating. Once the heating element overheats (for the reasons I’ll explain next), it burns out, thus unable to warm up the arriving air.
Let’s now talk about an overheating Maytag Neptune dryer.
The Maytag Neptune dryer overheats due to any of these reasons:
1. Poor Airflow
If there’s restricted airflow, hot air gets trapped in the internal duct, where it becomes too hot. The extra heat can cause the heating element to overheat and eventually burn out.
In most cases, the restricted airflow is due to lint buildup in the vent. So, even after a Maytag Neptune dryer heating element replacement, you may find it wise to check the internal duct for lint blockage and clean it.
2. Failed Heat-Protection Device
Sometimes, the heating element burns out because of a failed heat-protection device such as the breaker thermal fuse, cycling thermostat, or high-limit thermostat.
- Breaker – The breaker is supposed to trip when there’s a power surge to protect the dryer. But once it fails, the dryer will overheat, causing the heating element and other components to burn out.
- Thermal fuse – The thermal fuse typically protects the heating element and the other heat-susceptible parts of the dryer during a power surge by blowing up sacrificially. If it doesn’t blow up, the dryer will overheat, and the heating element will burn out.
- Cycling thermostat – Like the cycling thermostat, the high-limit thermostat turns the dryer off when it overheats and protects the heating element and other dryer components. So, its failure means a high likelihood of the heating element burning out.
3. Failed Thermistor
The Maytag Neptune may also overheat and sentence the heating element to the same fate if it is faulty. This sensor monitors the dryer’s internal temperature, thus preventing overheating.
Once it fails, it’s unable to detect a sharp temperature rise, and the dryer is, therefore, likely to overheat.
4. Faulty Blower Wheel
The blower wheel, whose job is to circulate the heated air in the dry and get it out of the exhaust, may fail from lint buildup. Once that’s the case, the dryer gets too hot, and the heating element and other parts are likely to overheat.
What Are the Effects of a Failed Heating Element?
We’ve discussed the issues that could cause the dryer heating element to overheat and fail. But what are the effects of an overheated heating element? Why should you replace it?
Well, here are the likely results of a failed heating element:
- Maytag Neptune dryer won’t heat at all
- The dryer won’t remove moisture (won’t dry)
- The dryer takes too long to dry (more extended dying periods)
- Your dryer takes a long time to get hot
Note that the heating element is not the only dryer component that could fail to cause the dryer not to get hot and dry clothes. So, while the heating element should be among the first checks, you also have to check components like the flame sensor, igniter, thermal fuse, gas valve, and solenoid, to name a few.
How Do You Change a Heating Element in A Maytag Neptune?
You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver and pliers to change a dryer’s heating element. Here are the basic steps for a Maytag Neptune dryer heating element replacement:
- Step 1 (pull the dryer out of the power) – Before disassembling the dryer, turn it off and unplug it. That’ll save you from electrocution.
- Step 2 (Detach the back panel) – Using the screwdriver, loosen the screws holding the back panel and detect it. Set it aside to have unobstructed access to the heating element.
- Step 3 (Detach the old heating element) – Now that you’ve unobstructed access to the heating element, unscrew it and use the pliers to remove any wires connecting it. Then slide off the heating element and put it aside.
- Step 4 (Install the high-limit thermostat) – Unless the high-limit thermostat is faulty, you’ll need to take it out of the old heating element, awaiting reuse. Use a multimeter to examine the thermostat’s electrical continuity. If it has continuity, reuse it but if it lacks it, replace it.
- Step 5 (Reinstall the high-limit thermostat) – Take the new heating element and install the high-limit thermostat, just like the old one. So, you may need to take a quick photo of the thermostat before step 4 to help you here.
- Step 6 (Install the new heating element) – With the thermostat attached to the new heating element, slide the heating element into position and screw it. Connect any loose wires.
- Step 7 (Reattach the back panel) – Complete the replacement process by reattaching the dryer’s back panel. Screw it back on like it was before step 2.
After completing the heating element replacement, plug back the Neptune dryer and turn it on. You can wait to see if it’ll get hot and dry your clothes.
If it won’t, check for other possible causes of a non-heating Maytag dryer before considering calling a dryer expert.
How Do You Tell a Bad Maytag Neptune Dryer Heating Element?
Before you can replace your dryer’s heating element, which, as we will see, can be expensive, you should confirm that it’s really faulty. You can do that in any of these two ways.
a) Visual Examination
Now that you know how the heating element looks (a set of coils and a metal chamber), you can visually examine it to note any signs of burns (overheating) or breaks.
If the heating element looks burned or broken (especially the coils), it’s faulty.
b) Continuity Test
Generally, a faulty heating element lacks continuity. So, you can use a multimeter (or any resistance-testing device) to check the heating element’s electrical continuity.
Just probe the multimeter into the heating element coils to see if it shows continuity. If it doesn’t, that shows the heating element is faulty; hence you should replace it.
Maytag Neptune Dryer Heating Element Replacement Cost
I’m sure you would want to know how much the heating element replacement will cost before considering it. Well, depending on the dryer model, you can get a Neptune dryer heating element for $30–$100.
Such costs often include the heating element and heat shield, insulators, thermal fuse, and heater enclosure. But if you want to get the heating element alone, you may spend $50 – $100.
Remember, that only covers the heating element. So, if you approach a professional instead of doing the replacement DIY, you’ll have to spend an additional $100 – $200. So, if you want to save on the replacement cost, do it DIY.
People Also Ask
1. Why Is My Maytag Neptune Dryer Not Heating?
Your Maytag Neptune dryer is not heating because the heating element is faulty, the thermal fuse is blown up, the power breaker is off, or the thermostat is malfunctioning.
And if you are troubleshooting a Maytag gas dryer, the flame sensor solenoid coil or igniter could be faulty. But still, the dryer might not be getting power because of a bad wall socket or broken power cord.
2. Is There a Fuse in A Maytag Neptune Dryer?
Yes, the Maytag Neptune dryer has a thermal fuse which you can find on its blower housing. Once the dryer overheats, the fuse blows up sacrificially to protect the dryer.
3. How Should I Reset a Maytag Neptune Dryer?
You can reset a Maytag Neptune dryer by pressing Power/Cancel (two times), New Cycle, and Start. If the dryer won’t start, quickly unplug it for about 30 minutes and then restore power to see if it works.
4. Where Is the Thermal Fuse On a Maytag Neptune Dryer?
You’ll mostly find the thermal fuse of your Maytag Neptune dryer on the front part after taking out the front panel. If it’s not there, it’s likely to be in the blower housing.
5. How Do I Check a Blown Dryer Heating Element?
You can visually examine a blown element to identify any signs of burning. Alternatively, probe a multimeter into the heating element coils to see if they show continuity. If they don’t, then the heating element is blown up.
What needs to be done to test various connections?
To test various connections, it is essential to acquire a multimeter. By diligently observing YouTube videos multiple times, one will gain valuable knowledge on how to use this tool accurately. The multimeter can then be used to measure and evaluate the connections, ensuring they are functioning correctly.
What might be the reason for the heating element not coming on after reconnecting the vent?
There could be a few possible reasons why the heating element does not come on after reconnecting the vent. One potential cause could be the design of your specific model. Certain models have been known to experience issues where the burner receives power but fails to ignite into flame. In such cases, some technicians suggest drilling a “peep hole” in the front panel to inspect and troubleshoot the problem. This practice has been found to be effective in approximately 75-80% of cases where heating issues occur despite power being supplied to the burner. Therefore, if you are unsure of the exact cause, examining these peep holes could be a good starting point to identify the problem.
What are the common causes of heating issues when the burner is receiving power but not igniting into flame?
When the burner is receiving power but not igniting into flame, there are several common causes for heating issues. If you are uncertain about the root cause, it’s a good idea to consider the following possibilities as a starting point. These issues are responsible for a majority of heating problems, accounting for approximately 75-80% of cases.
What does the user suggest replacing to potentially fix the issue?
The user suggests the idea of replacing the heating coils to potentially resolve the issue at hand. They believe that these coils are inexpensive and can be easily replaced, making it a possible solution worth considering.
How can the burner’s ignitor be viewed when the dryer is completely assembled?
The design of your dryer model doesn’t allow for direct viewing of the burner’s ignitor when the dryer is fully assembled. However, if you are determined to identify the actual cause of the issue, some technicians have employed a technique called “drilling a peep hole.” This involves drilling a small hole in the front panel of the dryer, similar to the peep hole often found on certain models. By doing so, you can create a viewing point to observe the burner’s ignitor. You can refer to the provided link for visual reference on how this can be done.
What happens when the front cover is installed back on and the front door put back in place?
When the front cover is properly installed back on and the front door is put back in place, one would expect the dryer to function normally. However, in this particular instance, after reassembling the dryer, the individual noticed that the flame did not come on and there was no heat felt inside the dryer drum when the dryer was turned on.
What did the user’s wife feel when she put her hand in the drum?
As she carefully reached her hand into the drum, the warmth instantly enveloped her fingertips. The sensation of heat gradually spread, tingling through her palm and up her arm. The touch of her hand against the drum’s surface confirmed the presence of intense heat, as if a fiery energy radiated from within. The warmth was palpable, a testament to the temperature trapped within the drum.
What did the user observe when they removed the door and front cover?
After carefully removing the door and front cover, the user proceeded to examine the inside of the appliance. Upon pressing the white button and the start button, they immediately noticed the heating element emitting a pleasant, orange glow. Furthermore, the flame ignited smoothly and without any complications. To assess the effectiveness of the heating, the user’s wife placed her hand inside the drum and was able to perceive the presence of heat within.
How old is the dryer?
The dryer’s age exceeds 10 years.
What is the model number and brand of the Maytag Neptune dryer?
The Maytag Neptune dryer’s model number is MDG4000BWW and it is manufactured under the Maytag brand.
What are some possible explanations for the inconsistent heating in the dryer?
What are some heat-protection devices that can fail and cause heating element burnout?
Excerpt_Theirs states that heat-protection devices such as the breaker thermal fuse, cycling thermostat, and high-limit thermostat can fail and lead to heating element burnout. If these devices do not function properly, the dryer may overheat, causing damage to the heating element and other components.
What can cause restricted airflow in a Maytag Neptune dryer?
Excerpt_Theirs mentions that lint buildup in the vent is a common cause of restricted airflow in a Maytag Neptune dryer. This trapped hot air can lead to overheating of the heating element and potential burnout.
What causes the heating element for a Maytag Neptune dryer to fail?
According to Excerpt_Theirs, the primary reason for heating element failure in a Maytag Neptune dryer is overheating. This can occur due to poor airflow, a failed heat-protection device (such as the breaker thermal fuse, cycling thermostat, or high-limit thermostat), a faulty thermistor, or a faulty blower wheel.
Did you read the link provided?
Excerpt_Theirs mentions providing a link that describes possible symptoms and their possible causes. However, the specific details and content of the link are not mentioned in the excerpt.
What are some possible explanations for the intermittency?
Without accurate observations of what exactly is occurring with the burner at that time, it is insufficient to determine the cause of the intermittency. Specific information about the burner’s behavior during the intermittent heating issue is needed.
“What are some possible explanations for the inconsistent heating in the dryer? Let’s dive into it and explore the potential causes in detail.
The primary reason why most heating elements fail is overheating. When a heating element overheats, it burns out and becomes unable to warm up the arriving air, resulting in inconsistent heating.
One possible cause of overheating in a Maytag Neptune dryer is poor airflow. If there’s restricted airflow, hot air can get trapped in the internal duct, causing it to become too hot. This excessive heat can lead to the heating element overheating and eventually burning out. It’s essential to check the internal duct for lint buildup and clean it, even after replacing the Maytag Neptune dryer heating element, to ensure proper airflow.
Another factor that can contribute to heating element failure is a malfunctioning heat-protection device. The breaker thermal fuse, cycling thermostat, and high-limit thermostat are heat-protection devices that can fail and result in overheating. If the breaker fails to trip during a power surge, the dryer can overheat, causing the heating element and other components to burn out. Similarly, if the thermal fuse or the cycling thermostat fails to function properly, the dryer may overheat, leading to heating element failure. Therefore, it’s crucial to check these heat-protection devices for any faults or malfunctions.
A faulty thermistor can also cause the Maytag Neptune dryer to overheat and result in heating element failure. The thermistor is responsible for monitoring the dryer’s internal temperature and preventing overheating. If it fails, it won’t be able to detect sharp temperature rises, increasing the likelihood of the dryer overheating and the heating element burning out.
Additionally, a faulty blower wheel can contribute to overheating and heating element failure. The blower wheel is responsible for circulating the heated air in the dryer and expelling it through the exhaust. If the blower wheel fails due to lint buildup, the dryer can become excessively hot, causing the heating element and other components to overheat.
To fully understand the possible explanations for the inconsistent heating in your dryer, it’s important to conduct accurate observations of the burner during the episodes of inconsistency. Additionally, you can refer to the link I provided, which contains detailed information about possible symptoms and their causes. This resource will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that can contribute to inconsistent heating in your dryer.
By considering these factors and conducting thorough observations, you’ll be able to identify the specific cause of the inconsistent heating in your dryer and take appropriate measures to address it.”
What is the issue with the dryer?
Is it possible to view burner operation for a vent on the rear?
It is suggested that it might be possible to view the burner operation through a vent on the rear of the dryer. This could provide additional insights into the functioning of the burner and help in identifying any potential issues.
What exactly is the burner’s ignitor doing when it should be heating?
To diagnose the heating problem, it is important to observe what the burner’s ignitor is doing when it should be producing heat. This specific observation will provide valuable information for troubleshooting the issue.
Could it be just a coincidence?
It is mentioned that it may be just coincidence, implying that there might not be a direct connection between the reinstallation of the front cover and door and the failure to heat. Further observation and diagnosis are needed to confirm this.
What might be causing the dryer to fail to heat when the front cover is installed back on and the front door put back in place?
It is difficult to determine the exact cause without observing the burner’s ignitor while the dryer is completely assembled. However, it is possible that there could be a problem with the burner’s ignitor or another component related to heating.
Your Maytag Neptune dryer is not heating due to various potential issues. One possibility is a faulty heating element, which can prevent the dryer from generating heat. Another potential culprit could be a blown thermal fuse, which acts as a safety mechanism and can be triggered by high temperatures or a malfunctioning component. Additionally, it is important to check if the power breaker is switched off, as this can also result in a lack of heating. Furthermore, a malfunctioning thermostat may cause the dryer to fail to heat properly.
If you are troubleshooting a Maytag gas dryer, there are additional components to consider. The flame sensor solenoid coil or igniter could be faulty, resulting in a lack of heat generation. It is crucial to inspect these parts to determine if they are functioning correctly.
However, it is also essential to ensure that the dryer is receiving power. A faulty wall socket or a broken power cord can prevent the dryer from operating properly. Therefore, it is advisable to check these connections to ensure they are not the cause of the heating issue.
While this list provides potential reasons for the lack of heating in your dryer, it is important to note that the specific issue may require further examination. Consider consulting the manufacturer’s manual or seeking professional assistance to diagnose and resolve the problem accurately.
Closing Remarks – Maytag Neptune Dryer Heating Element Replacement
Above is everything to know about a Maytag Neptune dryer heating element replacement. With it, you can determine when to replace the heating element and how to do it. So, you can consider doing the replacement DIY instead of paying $100 – $200 for an expert service.