Here is the parts breakdown
Cabinet & front panel replacement parts for MAYTAG MDE308DAYW Dryer - Ele | AppliancePartsPros.comHere is the wiring diagram
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag_library/docs/16027534.pdfAnd a manual
http://www.servicematters.com/maytag_library/docs/16026315.pdf[COLOR="Blue"]I have read that a common problem when a dryer will not start is the thermal fuse has opened because of overheating. I am trying to figure out how to get to the thermal fuse, can only seem to take the lid off of this dryer and have been told it is near the motor which appears o be on the bottom under the drum.[/COLOR]
Thermal fuse is Item 6 in Section 1 in the parts
To disassemble the unit see the manual.
See BLOWN FUSE below if it is open.
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Is there an easy way to get to this fuse to see if it is the problem without disassembling the entire drum.[/COLOR]
No
[COLOR="Blue"]I can hear a very low hum in the control push start switch when depressing it when the door is closed, it could possibly be the switch that is broken, not sure.[/COLOR]
Cannot say for sure but sounds like the switch is OK and you are hearing the timer motor.
BLOWN FUSE
Unplug the unit and check it with a meter, should be 0 ohms.
Be sure to unplug one side of it when checking it.
If it is blown you have to find out what caused it to go.
Check the heating coil.
Unplug the unit and both wires to the coil.
Check it with a meter, should be around 12 ohms.
Then check from each side of the coil to the case/frame, both should be infinite ohms (open). If not the coil may have sagged or broken and is touching the case. This can cause it to run on high and the thermostats cannot regulate it.
If the heater is OK then I would also replace the hi-limit thermostat as this should have regulated the temperature so that the fuse did not blow.
You still have to find the cause.
It could be:
A dirty/loose blower wheel
A dirty vent system or it's outside louvers are not opening.
A bad cycling (control) thermostat. Note this is a 4 connector thermostat.
One set is the contacts. The other set is the internal heater, should be around 25,000 ohms. This is used to give you different heat settings.
