Maytag DE303 Dryer - heating element runs when it shouldn't / timer doesn't advance

[jamesp81]

Model Number

DE303

Brand

Maytag

Age

More than 10 years

I have an old Maytag dryer, model number DE303. I don't know how old it is other than 'very'. I've had for 15 years and it wasn't even close to new when I got it.

It has developed two problems I can identify. They started, as far as I can tell, at the same time, so I presume they have a common cause. The symptoms are:

1. The timer / cycle selector does not advance. I can put a load of clothes in, start the dryer, and it will run, as far as I know, indefinitely until I turn the dryer off manually by turning the cycle selector knob to "Off".
2. If the dryer cycle knob is on any position other than "Off", the heating element turns on. It doesn't matter if the tumbler is stopped. It doesn't matter if the dryer door is open or closed. At all times, if the cycle knob is set to anything other than "Off" and the dryer is plugged in to power, the heating element is on.

Given this machine's age, I am aware that getting replacement parts might be impractical, but I thought I would at least attempt to repair it before I toss it, because it's been a good machine for a very long time now. What defective component would cause these two issues?

 

[Dan O.]

If the dryer cycle knob is on any position other than "Off", the heating element turns on. It doesn't matter if the tumbler is stopped.

That is caused by a short and is very dangerous. Keep it unplugged (not just turned off) until it can be serviced!

The most common cause of that is a shorted heating element. It is a common failure point. It needs to be inspected and changed if broken or shorted to ground. The heater is explained at the following link and you can see the replacement part at the second link:

LINK > The Appliance Clinic: Replacing a Maytag Dryer Heater Coil

LINK > Maytag DE303 Dryer Element

These links are pertinent to your message. They were supplied by this message author. Please visit them.

1. The timer / cycle selector does not advance.

On what setting? The heat will definitely affect an 'auto' or 'permanent press' setting. It might affect a normal 'timed dry' too. I'd suggest looking into the possibility of a shorted heating element first.

JMO

Dan O.

 

[jamesp81]

On what setting? The heat will definitely affect an 'auto' or 'permanent press' setting. It might affect a normal 'timed dry' too. I'd suggest looking into the possibility of a shorted heating element first.

On ANY setting. We normally use the auto dry cycle. The selector does not advance even a miniscule amount over a period of 3 hours. I've timed it out that far and wasn't willing to time it any farther.

 

[Dan O.]

We normally use the auto dry cycle.

That would definitely be affected by a short in the heating system. As I said, looking into that first may solve both problems.


Dan O.