[rsmotorsports]

The dryer just started tripping the breaker yesterday. Can you tell me what the problem may be? We reset breaker and it runs for a few seconds then trips again.

[denman]

Here are your parts.
Replacement parts for MAYTAG SDE405DAYW | AppliancePartsPros.com

Put the unit in air only and try it.
If it runs then you may have a grounded heater coil.
Either the heater has sagged or broken and is touching the frame.

[rsmotorsports]

It looks as though it will run without tripping the breaker in the time dry/air fluff mode. How do we go about replacing the heater element? Is part # AP4294403 the correct part number?

[denman]

Here is a service manual although it does not specifically list your unit, yours is basically the same
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag...s/16023020.pdf

Is part # AP4294403 the correct part number?
Yes

I would not order anything until you confirm either visually or with a meter that this is the problem as there are other components that could cause this but the heater is at the top of the list.

Since you have to open it up I would recommend you check the following for wear and bearing slop: rear support rollers, front glides, belt, idler wheel and drum seals. You might as well give it a bit of an overhaul.

Give the interior an good clean including the blower wheel.

Also a good idea to clean and check your vent system

[jgv]

had a dryer trip a breaker once, it was a bad roller making it hard for the motor to turn the drum if its an older dryer it might be the problem