The traditional dryer buzzer is a sound that’s hard to miss. That wall-piercing buzz was designed to reach you anywhere in the house to announce that there are warm but not-too-hot clothes ready to be folded before the perm-press bonus fades. For anyone used to relying on that sound to manage your laundry or schedule your day, having it suddenly stop sounding can be pretty disruptive. Whether you need the dryer buzzer to quickly hang your best outfits or catch a shower when the towels are at their warmest and fluffiest, we know exactly where you’re coming from.
For anyone with a dryer in the Maytag family, the good news is that your dryer buzzer is surprisingly easy to replace on your own. Provided that you have the right replacement part and a little confidence with a screwdriver. The Maytag family includes Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, Kenmore, Roper, Estate, Crosley, Inglis, Amana, and Jenn Air. All of these brands of dryers that feature a traditional buzzer are built the same way and, therefore, you can use this same set of instructions for all dryers in this brand family.
The smart move is to open by gathering your supplies. When you have everything you need at hand, the repair can go quickly and efficiently from start to finish. You will need a screwdriver/nut driver, you may need a pair of work gloves for sharp edges, and of course, you will need the correct replacement buzzer. Look up your dryer’s model or user’s manual to make sure you buy a replacement buzzer with the right part number.
Next, take care of your own safety. Because you are replacing an electrical part, there is a risk of electrocution or dangerous shock unless you take precautions.
The easiest way to stay safe is to unplug your dryer from the wall. This may take some effort, as dryer plugs are large and fit into a large specialized outlet. This outlet provides enough power to spin and heat the dryer. If you need to, put on the work gloves to remove the plug for a better grip.
Next, you’ll need to gain access to the buzzer, which is located inside the electrical control panel, accessed through the upper back panel.
Most likely, you’ll need to start pulling your dryer away from the wall to access the back panel and have room to work. With the dryer unplugged, your biggest space limitation will be the exhaust duct. You can detach this if it’s cut too short to pull the dryer away from the wall or turn it for working space.
You will see a metal rectangular back panel attached to the back of the upper control panel. Remove the screws and carefully set them, and the panel, aside. Now you can see the electrical components inside the control panel.
Now remove the broken old buzzer to make room for the new buzzer.
The old buzzer is the smaller of the two components to the left of the warning sticker. Or, if you’re counting from left to right, it is the third component. You can also match it visually to your replacement part to be sure you’ve got the right part.
The buzzer is connected with a single mounting screw. Remove this and set it aside. You’ll need it in a moment for installing the new buzzer.
The wires are connected with two slip-cover sockets that fit over prongs that look like they might go into a wall. Remove the connectors from each prong to fully detach the old broken buzzer.
Now you can toss the old buzzer, as there is no further use for it. If you recycle electronic equipment, put it in your electronic recycle bin to be salvaged for component materials.
With the old buzzer gone, you can install the new buzzer by working the process backward.
Reattach the wires by slipping the connectors over the prongs of the new dryer buzzer. Be sure you put the correct connector on the correct prongs.
Line the new buzzer up in the position held by the old buzzer. Make sure that the mounting screw hole also lines up perfectly to be certain.
Reclaim that mounting screw and secure it into place. Make sure the buzzer can’t wiggle, remember that dryers do a lot of rumbling so it will need to be fairly tight.
Now you’re ready to wrap up and put your dryer back together.
Fit the back panel into place and reattach its screws. Again, tighten them securely to ensure that the plate doesn’t shake loose when the dryer spins.
Before you put the dryer back into place, plug it back in so you don’t have to reach or climb back to accomplish this.
Now you can slowly and carefully push your dryer back where you prefer it. It’s okay to ask a friend or relative to help if you’re not confident about the careful placement of this large appliance.
As you’re putting the dryer back into place, be careful not to crumple or crush the exhaust duct. This tube of shiny flexible duct needs to be open and able to channel damp air outside the house. If it is crushed or crumpled, it can prevent your clothes from drying by preventing damp air from leaving the dryer. A crumpled duct can build up with lint, to cause a blockage, and a damaged duct will leak moist air into the room instead. Be careful not to crush the duct as you push the dryer.
Finally, you’re ready to test the success of your repair.
Set the dryer to tumble for a very short timed drying session, the shortest timer your dryer will allow. Make sure the buzzer is switched on.
When the dryer reaches its cycle completion, you will know if you succeeded when you hear that loud room-piercing buzz saying the dryer is done tumbling. Give yourself a pat on the back if you have just successfully replaced your dryer buzzer. Congratulations! If you come across a more complex or dangerous issue with your dryer or other household appliances, please contact us today! Our team of skilled appliance technicians will be happy to come out and give you a hand with repairs.
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