I replaced the heating element 2 years ago and dryer has worked fine since. Last week, it stopped drying and when I disassembled, the black wire that comes from the motor and connects to the heating element was melted and severed from the pigtail still attached to the heating element. Thinking possible loose connection, I reattached wire clamping to pigtail tightly. Ran fine for 4 loads and then same thing happened. Obviously the wire is heating to the point of melting apart as the insulation is also melted a bit down from the connection point. Heating element seems fine. Not sure what to test next. Dryer still runs on air fluff just fine. Picture attached.
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Hello Jvaklh6194,
This indicates a poor electrical connection at the point of the heating element connection AP6024180. You will most likely need to replace the heating element to get a new, clean connection point for the wire and the wire AP3134638 will also require replacement. As a note, you will need to cut off as much wire as possible since the heat can cause deterioration of the conductivity of the wire. Of course, you should also verify good air flow through the home ducting.
Burnet black wire in heating element Maytag mde3500ayw
On occasion,this burned wire and connector can be replaced by splicing in a new section of wire of the same size if you can find the correct size connector. This connector is slightly different size than a standard .25" Faston. If you splice in a new wire make sure you get a good crimp on the connector where the new wire is attached to the old wire or the problem will happen again.