What Are the Parts of a Dryer?

Location: at the bottom of the appliance

Purpose: help keep the dryer level and firmly in place

• If the dryer is vibrating and off balance while in use, the dryer feet are not functioning properly and may need replacement
• Shop Maytag® replacement leveling leg

Location: inside the dryer opening¹

Purpose: iIlluminates the dryer’s interior

• If the bulb is burnt out, the interior of the dryer will not light up when the door is open
• Shop Maytag^® replacement dryer bulb

1. Some dryer models do not include a light bulb inside the dryer opening.

Location: either on the exterior of the dryer or inside the door opening depending on the model

Purpose: collects lint and debris as it passes through the dryer vent

• Should be cleaned after each dry cycle

• If clothes are still damp after a dry cycle, the lint screen may need to be replaced

• Shop Maytag^® replacement lint screen

Note: Before replacing the lint screen, try washing it with soap and water to see if that helps.

Location: on the exterior of the dryer

Purpose: used to select time of a dry cycle

• Needs to be replaced if it does not turn, or if it turns but does not provide a response whether it's a clicking sound or cycle selection

• Shop Maytag^® replacement dryer knob dial

Location: on the dryer door

Purpose: closes the gap between the dryer drum and the door to prevent air and loose items from passing through

• If the dryer door isn’t closing properly, the seal may need to be replaced

• Shop Maytag^® replacement dryer door seal

Location: on the opening of the dryer door

Purpose: keeps the dryer door shut during dry cycle

• If the dryer door is not closing or pops open, replace the door latch

• Shop Maytag^® replacement dryer door latch

Location: in the opening of the dryer door

Purpose: stops dryer function if the door is ajar

• If the dryer does not start when the door is closed, door switch may need to be replaced

• Shop Maytag^® replacement dryer door switch

Location: on the dryer drum

Purpose: promotes air flow to help tumble clothes during the dryer cycle

• If baffle is loose or has fallen off, it needs to be replaced

• Shop Maytag^® replacement dryer baffle

Location: on the back of the dryer

Purpose: used to expel hot air from the dryer

• Vents clogged with lint or with damaged blades should be replaced

• Shop Maytag^® replacement dryer vent

Location: either behind the dryer drum or in the back panel of the machine

Purpose: a coil or wire that produces heat in electric dryers

• If dryer does not heat during dry cycle, heating element may need to be replaced
  

• Professional help is recommended for this replacement

• Shop Maytag® replacement heating element

Location: near the bottom of the dryer cabinet

Purpose: circulates air by pulling dry air in and drawing hot damp air out through vents

• If you hear high pitched noises during use, loud vibrations or experience longer drying times, these may be signs to replace the blower
  

• Shop Maytag® replacement dryer blower

Location: on blower housing

Purpose: works as a safety mechanism to prevent overheating

• If the dryer overheats, the thermal fuse will blow and cut off power to the motor
  

• If the fuse blows and dryer does not heat, it cannot be reset and must be replaced

• Shop Maytag® replacement thermal fuse

Location: typically located on the blower housing

Purpose: regulates the cycle temperature to properly dry laundry

• If the dryer has poor temperature control or does not heat, the thermostat may need replacement

• Shop Maytag® replacement dryer thermostat

Location: in the back panel of dryer

Purpose: provides tension for the drive belt to help rotate the dryer drum

• Typically makes a high-pitched squealing, squeaking or rattling noise when malfunctioning
  

• Shop Maytag® replacement idler pulley wheel

Location: on the outside of the dryer drum

Purpose: connects to the drive motor to rotate the drum during a drying cycle

• If the drum does not rotate but the motor can be heard, the drive belt needs to be replaced
  

• Shop Maytag® replacement drive belt

Location: in the back panel of the dryer

Purpose: gives power to the pulley wheel and the drive belt to rotate the dryer drum

• If the dryer does not start, makes a loud noise or stops mid-cycle, replace the motor
  

• Professional help is recommended for this replacement

• Shop Maytag® replacement drive motor

Location: inside the dryer cabinet

Purpose: supports the drum as it rotates

• The dryer will make a loud sound when the slides need replacement
  

• May need to replace all slides at once as they typically wear out simultaneously

• Shop Maytag® replacement dryer slides

Location: in the back panel of the dryer near the drum

Purpose: holds the drum in place during a drying cycle

• If the dryer makes a loud rumbling noise during use, replace the drum rollers
  

• May need to replace all rollers at once as they typically wear out at the same time

• Shop Maytag® replacement drum roller

Location: in the back panel of the dryer

Purpose: controls dryer timing, temperature and function

• Sends power to the motor and other components
  

• If all other components of the dryer are functioning properly but the dryer still won’t run, the control board may need to be replaced.

• Professional help is recommended for proper diagnosis of this problem

• Shop Maytag® replacement control board

Location: across from the flame igniter

Purpose: detects when the igniter is ready to light the gas burners

• If the sensor is broken, the dryer will not heat
• Professional help recommended for this replacement
• Shop Maytag® replacement flame sensor

Location: near the flame igniter

Purpose: heats the dryer by opening for flame ignition

• Dryers that don’t heat or heat up intermittently may need a coil replacement
  

• Shop Maytag® replacement gas valve coil

Location: on the side of the gas burner

Purpose: lights the gas to heat the dryer

• If defective, gas will not ignite and the dryer will not heat
  

• Shop Maytag® replacement dryer igniter