[Richpeterson]

Problem: Dry cycle would start and stop at different times during the cycle. At times it would complete the cycle, or if we waited awhile it could be restarted. Now when we engage the cycle the motor hums and won't start. It was suggested that it could be the heat sensor. The motor ran fine when it did. The machine is ten years old. Your thoughts?

[denman]

Here are your parts includes a wiring diagram
Replacement parts for MAYTAG PYE2200AYW | AppliancePartsPros.com


It was suggested that it could be the heat sensor.
No, this will have no effect on the starting of the motor.

Sounds like your motor is toast but there are a couple things I would do first
1. Try rotating the drum by hand in the correct direction , it should turn fairly easily. If not perhaps that is preventing the drum from rotating.

2. Open the unit up and check/clean the motor.
The motor has 2 centrifugal switches on it. One of them is for the start winding if this switch does not reset, then the start winding is not in circuit when the motor is at rest and it will just hum.

Both the above are long shots.
Odds are high you need a new motor.