My maytag front load has stopped drying. We'd done as much "do it yourself" analysis as we can do, so I need to call someone. When things break, we either fix them or call Sears. I hate Sears, and they seem overly expensive (they fixed my frig a few weeks ago, and the part was 80, they guy was here for 30 minutes, and it cost me 298!)
There are a few local repair places, but there aren't many reviews. I'm curious if people have found local repair guys to be cheaper than Sears? Do I try one out or do I just call Sears?
We did clean out the vent. It's heating, so it might be the sensor, but I have no idea.
I would research how much a sensor is. Might be time to buy a new one rather than invest another x-amount in an older appliance.
I called the 800 number listed in my manual for my Kitchen Aid fridge not too long ago. Kitchen Aid has preapproved repair places they send to you. I am not a fan of Sears either.
My ice maker was not working and the trip was $80 with the $80 to be applied to any repair and parts if needed. Turns out it was s simple fix and the guy even showed my hubby how to repair it if it happens in the future.
When my Maytag front load set started acting up last year... (we had purchased it about 10 years ago from the Maytag store), I just bought a new Samsung set because I hated the Maytag so much. I've had the Samsung almost a year and I LOVE that set.
Good luck
Sears is the last place on earth I would call for a repair.
When my dryer had an issue a few years ago it was some kind of internal fuse and switch combo that needed to be replaced. I went on line and troubleshooted it correctly and ordered and changed out the parts but didn't know that if I didn't change them at the same time, one would continue to short out the other. The parts were about $30 total. When I finally gave up and called someone, the guy I called charged a minimum of $80 for a service call plus parts but I had done so much work myself and got so close to fixing it that he felt bad and only charged me the service fee and gave me the parts for free.
Anyway...ask local friends who they would recommend. The local repair shops are the best! They really want your service and are generally far more responsive, friendly and cost-effective than Sears.
Before you do anything make sure the exterior vent isn't blocked. I am sure you have but just wanted to make sure.
I would also call Maytag and make sure there aren't any recalls. If there is a big one out there that will cover your service call cost.
I usually ask friends and/or neighbors for service referrals. Are you on Nextdoor.com? That's kind of a Facebook for neighborhoods. We use that all the time for stuff like this, if you don't have it I suggest getting it started it's REALLY awesome!
Beyond that we usually go for a factory authorized repair person. So just google "maytag factory authorized service repair" and you should be able to find someone trained and certified in your area.
ETA: these kinds of repairs are never cheap, that's just what a professional costs.
Sears subs out its work and is notoriously overpriced. Look for local repair services.
I only use local repair companies and have always gotten a fair shake on repairs. Of course I also deal with independent electricians and plumbers. A lot of times it's the owner of the small business coming to do the work.
I always use local people if I can. It will still cost you money. Once in a while we've had a dud, but by and large we've found local repairs to be great.
Ask your neighbors (or your local FB friends) for a recommendation. Word of mouth is often the best way to find the best person.
We've never called Sears.
We have a local guy.
Join Angie's List!
I always go with an independent repair person for things that are not under warranty. Sometimes you have to call more than one though. Don't hire anyone that won't answer questions or give you an estimate. For example, the plumber I use has a stated diagnostic service fee. Then you get a written cost of the work to approve before the work is done.
It took a few tries to find an electrician. One wouldn't return my call. One refused to give an estimate for the work then called me names for not hiring him. Yeah, that's sure the way to get customers.
In my experience, the local repair guys will know way more than anyone from Sears. Try Yelp, Google, Angie's list for reviews and good luck!
Gas or electric? If it's gas then it's something to do with the blower maybe?
If it's electric it might simply be the heater element. Ours was only $40 then we paid $50 for the serviceman.
The back of the dryer might also be clogged, not anything to do with the vent that you clean when a new load is done.
Pull it out and take the hose off the back and check that all out. See daylight at the end of the hose too so you can make sure there's no clog at the end.
My mom's smallish gas dryer stopped drying. She didn't use it again because she couldn't afford a new one. When she passed away my brother took the vent off the back and pulled it down from the attic. The whole pipe was full of birds nest debris, toothpicks, and lint. It was completely clogged. The dryer sensed the outflow was not working and shut off the gas. I used that dryer for about 12 years before getting a new one that was 7.2 sq. ft.
