Maytag Bravos XL Dryer Not Heating? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve splurged on a high-end appliance, it’s incredibly frustrating when it doesn’t function properly. The Maytag Bravos XL dryer is known for its superior performance and ability to handle large loads, but like any appliance, it can malfunction. A dryer might stop heating for various reasons ranging from a heating element malfunction to a problem with the moisture sensor. Our guide breaks down some common causes and provides you with easy, DIY solutions. Let’s get started!

Check the Air Flow

Proper airflow is needed to circulate heat in your Maytag Bravos dryer. This allows warm, dry air to dry the clothes and also lets the moist air escape. If the airflow is blocked by an over-filled lint filter or a clogged vent pipe, it can lead to overheating, which will then trigger your dryer to turn off the heating element to prevent a fire. This may cause the dryer to seem like it isn’t heating at all when in reality the problem is the airflow.

Here’s how to fix it:

• First, remove the lint filter and clean it thoroughly. This should ideally be done every time you use your dryer. 
• Thoroughly clean any residual lint in the filter housing, then replace the filter. 
• Check your dryer’s exhaust vent too. Remove the vent pipe from the back of the dryer, and use a vacuum cleaner or a duct cleaning brush to remove all lint buildup. 
• Once all lint obstructing the airflow has been removed, run a test cycle to see if the dryer is heating correctly. If it still isn’t heating, move on to the next step in our guide because an obstructed airflow could have blown the thermal fuse.
• For optimal performance, the filter should be cleaned every time you use your dryer and the vent pipe should be cleaned every six months. 

Inspect the Thermal Fuse

If your dryer has suddenly gone from heating normally to not heating at all, the culprit could be the thermal fuse. This fuse is designed to cut power to the heating element if your dryer overheats. If your dryer overheats for any reason, it could cause the thermal fuse to blow. When this happens, the thermal fuse will need to be replaced to allow your dryer to function normally once more. 

To replace the fuse:

• Unplug your dryer from the power source.
• Locate the thermal fuse. Check your manual to help you locate it. You may need to remove the back panel of your dryer to gain access. 
• Disconnect the wiring from the thermal fuse and remove it. 
• Visually inspect the fuse for damage. To confirm, use a multimeter to check for continuity. No continuity means the fuse is functioning normally, while a high ohm reading means it has blown. 
• Purchase a new thermal fuse, ensuring it’s compatible with your Maytag Bravos XL dryer. You can purchase replacement fuses directly from Maytag or an appliance parts retailer. 
• Install the new fuse, ensuring it’s properly wired into place. 
• Replace the back panel and ensure your dryer is put back together correctly. 
• Restore power to your dryer and run a test cycle to make sure your dryer is now heating correctly. 
• To reduce the chances of the thermal fuse blowing in the future, make sure you empty the lint filter and clean out the dryer vent regularly. 

Inspect the Heating Element

Once you’ve ruled out ventilation and fuse issues, the next most likely culprit is the heating element. The heating element is what produces the warmth to dry your clothes. If the element malfunctions, the dryer won’t be able to produce heat, even though the drum might still rotate and the dryer produce air. If this is your issue, you may notice that your dryer appears to function normally, but at the end of the cycle, your clothes are still cold and damp.

To fix this:

• For your safety, unplug your dryer. 
• Locate the heating element. You’ll need to remove the back panel of your dryer to do this. Consult your manual if you’re unsure of the location. 
• Remove any screws holding the heating element in place and disconnect the wiring. 
• Use a multimeter to test the heating element for continuity. If there’s no continuity, it means the heating element isn’t functioning. Other signs of a damaged heating element are cracks or burns on the element itself. 
• Source a replacement element, either directly from Maytag or via an online retailer, ensuring the part you purchase is compatible with your Maytag Bravos XL dryer. 
• Attach the wiring to the new element and secure it in place. 
• Put your dryer back together and plug it back in. Then run a test cycle to check that heat is being produced. 

Check the Moisture Sensor

The Maytag Bravos XL has a feature called a moisture sensor, which measures the moisture level in your laundry and adjusts the heat to ensure the clothes end up perfectly dry. This helps save electricity and also ensures your clothes are only subjected to as much heat as necessary, which prevents excess wear and tear on your clothing. If the moisture sensors are dirty, however, they won’t function correctly. This can lead to the dryer shutting off when the clothes are still damp. This commonly happens when you use dryer sheets or excess fabric softener on your laundry as these can cause a residue buildup on the moisture sensors.

To fix this:

• Open your dryer and locate the moisture sensors. They’re metallic strips located near the lint filter. Check your manual if you’re unsure of where to find them. 
• Use a soft, microfiber cloth dipped in rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean away any residue stuck to the sensors. 
• Once the sensors are clean, run a test cycle to check whether the dryer is now heating properly.