For a Maytag MED8630 that runs but does not heat, Maytag's help gives three causes for an electric dryer: a household fuse has blown or a breaker has tripped, and the two of them serve the motor and the heater separately, so the drum may turn with no heat; the supply is not 240 volts; or, on Maytag's timed cycles, the temperature was set to no heat. The quick start adds that Extra Power adds 10 minutes of cycle time, additional heat and tumbling, for harder loads. Check the cycle and both breakers first.
Differential
Likely causes of “Maytag dryer runs but does not heat”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A tripped breaker or blown fuse on the heater side of the supply
What separates it The drum turns but the exhaust stays cool because of a tripped breaker or a blown fuse on the heater side
How to confirm Replace both fuses or reset the breaker; call an electrician if the problem continues
- 2
A no-heat temperature or an Air cycle
What separates it The load stays cool in a timed cycle because of a no heat temperature or an Air cycle
How to confirm Choose a heated cycle and a Temp. setting above no heat
- 3
An incorrect power supply
What separates it The dryer never heated well since installation because of an incorrect power supply
How to confirm Electric dryers need 240 V; have an electrician check
- 4
The cycle needs more heat for a heavy load
What separates it Towels or jeans stay damp at the end because the cycle needs more heat for a heavy load
How to confirm Use More Dry or Heavy Duty at High, and try Extra Power for harder-to-dry loads
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which cycle and temperature were selected and whether Extra Power was on
- Whether the exhaust air felt warm after five minutes on an empty test
- Whether both breakers are switched on
Try in this order
0 of 5 completedCheck the cycle and temperature
ReversibleThe Temp. control can be set from no heat up to high on Maytag dryers; Air Dry and Wrinkle Prevent add no heat. Choose Normal or Timed Dry at Medium or High.
Check both breakers
ReversibleMaytag says the drum may be turning but you may not have heat: electric dryers use two household fuses or breakers, so replace both fuses or reset the breaker.
Check the supply
ReversibleElectric dryers require a 240 V supply. An electrician should check it and the cord installation.
Try Extra Power on a heavy load
ReversibleFor harder-to-dry loads press the Cycle Control knob to add 10 minutes of cycle time including additional heat and tumbling, shown on the display.
Check airflow
ReversibleIf the dryer is warm but clothes stay damp, clean the lint screen and vent; Maytag's Check Vent light shows restricted airflow on sensor cycles.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Heat-related panel settings
- On this model Temp. picks the drying temperature except on Sanitize, Dryness sets the sensor level except on Sanitize, More Time and Less Time change Timed Dry and Quick Dry, and Extra Power adds 10 minutes. Steam models can add a short steam phase to some sensor cycles, which adds about 15 minutes.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit models MED6630, MED5630, MED7230, MED6200, MED4500, MGD8630.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the empty test stays cool with both breakers on and a heated cycle selected, contact Maytag service
- !If a breaker trips as the dryer starts, stop and call an electrician
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Maytag's own quick start guide for this model: the touch panel, Cycle Control knob with Extra Power, Check Vent indicator, Control Lock, Wrinkle Prevent, Steam and Static Reduce options.
Maytag's own help articles for its dryers, each: not heating, long dry times, not starting, not tumbling, stops mid-cycle, wrinkled clothing, sounds, odor and no power.
Maytag's own listing for this model's manuals and support.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why does the drum turn but the air is cold?+
Often one of the two household breakers is tripped, so the motor runs without the heating element.
What does Extra Power do?+
Pressing the Cycle Control knob adds 10 minutes of cycle time with additional heat and tumbling, and the knob lights.
Does Wrinkle Prevent heat?+
No. It adds up to 150 minutes of periodic tumbling without heat.
What voltage is required?+
240 V for an electric dryer, per Maytag.
What fuse type?+
Maytag says to use a time-delay fuse where fuses are used.
Could airflow be the problem?+
Yes. A restricted vent leaves clothes damp even when the dryer heats.
Is the room temperature relevant?+
Maytag says not to operate the dryer below 45 degrees F; it may not shut off at the end of automatic cycles.
Is the gas supply relevant?+
Only on gas dryers. The MED8630 is electric.