Maytag MED5500FW0

Thermal fuse

DIY. If the fuse has tripped more than once, treat the vent as the real problem, not the fuse.

Check, in this order

1. Clear the vent duct first — a blocked vent is the usual reason a thermal fuse trips in the first place, and a fresh fuse will trip again if the airflow problem isn't fixed.
2. Test the fuse for continuity; it's a one-time safety part and doesn't reset.
3. Check the high-limit thermostat too — the same overheat event often takes both out.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• If this is a gas dryer, also shut off the gas supply valve before opening the cabinet.

Tools

• Multimeter ($25) — Confirm continuity before replacing an electrical part.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Access the fuse, usually on the blower housing or exhaust duct near the back.
2. Photograph the wiring, then disconnect the two spade terminals.
3. Snap in the replacement and reconnect both terminals firmly.

How you know it worked. The dryer powers on and completes a full heated cycle without cutting out.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Component demonstration
Whirlpool Alpha Electric Dryer Thermal Fuse Replacement W10909685RepairClinic.com · not filmed on this specific model; the procedure is for the component

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $4.62–$58.43 against $864.51 for a new machine (6.8%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Control board

Get a technician to confirm before buying a board — it's the most expensive part on the machine and the most commonly misdiagnosed.

Check, in this order

1. Rule out the outlet, the door switch, and the thermal fuse first — all three present as a dead dryer and are far cheaper.
2. Inspect the board for scorching, a burnt smell, or a swollen capacitor.
3. Power-cycle at the breaker for a full minute before condemning the board.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• Photograph every connector before removing any — boards have many identical-looking plugs.

Tools

• T20 Torx driver ($7) — Some control and door assemblies use Torx rather than hex.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Multimeter ($25) — Confirm continuity before replacing an electrical part.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Access the board, typically behind the control console or a rear panel.
2. Transfer connectors one at a time against your photographs.
3. Seat the new board fully and confirm no pins are bent before closing it up.

How you know it worked. The dryer powers up normally and completes a full cycle without faults.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Component demonstration
Whirlpool Alpha Electric Dryer Control Board Replacement W10875487RepairClinic.com · not filmed on this specific model; the procedure is for the component

Worth fixing? Weigh it - this part is a meaningful share of a new machine. Part $54.98–$249.99 against $864.51 for a new machine (28.9%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Drive motor

Borderline DIY — the belt routing has to be exact or the drum won't turn true. Get help if the routing diagram isn't printed inside the cabinet.

Check, in this order

1. Confirm the drum turns freely by hand — if it's seized mechanically, that's not the motor.
2. Listen for a hum with no turning, which points at the motor rather than the belt.
3. Check the centrifugal switch on the motor if the model uses one; a stuck switch mimics a dead motor.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• If this is a gas dryer, also shut off the gas supply valve before opening the cabinet.

Tools

• 5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Multimeter ($25) — Confirm continuity before replacing an electrical part.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Remove the belt and drum access panels to reach the motor.
2. Photograph the wiring and belt routing before disconnecting anything.
3. Swap the motor and re-thread the belt exactly as photographed.

How you know it worked. The drum turns smoothly at normal speed through a full cycle with no hesitation.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Component demonstration
Whirlpool Alpha Electric Dryer Drive Motor Replacement W10806758RepairClinic.com · not filmed on this specific model; the procedure is for the component

Worth fixing? Weigh it - this part is a meaningful share of a new machine. Part $104.99–$189.57 against $864.51 for a new machine (21.9%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Heating element

DIY once tested. If the high-limit thermostat also failed with it, replace both — a tripped thermostat is often collateral damage from the same overheat event.

Check, in this order

1. Confirm this is actually an electric dryer before ordering anything — gas models don't have this part.
2. Clean the lint screen and clear the vent duct first; restricted airflow makes a good element trip its safety thermostat and look dead.
3. Test the element coil for continuity with a multimeter before replacing it — an open circuit confirms the fault.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker — the element carries full line voltage.
• Let the element housing cool before touching it; it stays hot after use.
• This part exists on electric dryers only — a gas dryer heats with a burner and igniter/gas-valve coil instead, which this component set doesn't cover.

Tools

• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• 5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
• Multimeter ($25) — Confirm continuity before replacing an electrical part.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Access the element housing, usually behind the rear panel or under the drum depending on model.
2. Photograph the wiring before disconnecting anything.
3. Release the housing, swap the element coil, and reseat every wire on its original terminal.
4. Restore power and run a short heat cycle before closing the cabinet back up.

How you know it worked. The dryer produces steady heat through a full cycle and clothes come out hot to the touch at the end.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $9.98–$69.95 against $864.51 for a new machine (8.1%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Idler pulley

DIY.

Check, in this order

1. Listen for a squeal that rises and falls with drum speed — that's the pulley bearing, not the belt itself.
2. Spin the pulley wheel by hand once exposed; roughness or grinding confirms the bearing has failed.
3. Check belt tension at the same time; a worn pulley often lets the belt run loose.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• If this is a gas dryer, also shut off the gas supply valve before opening the cabinet.

Tools

• 5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Remove the panel needed to reach the belt and pulley assembly.
2. Photograph the belt routing around the pulley before releasing tension.
3. Swap the pulley and re-tension the belt exactly as it was routed.

How you know it worked. The squeal is gone and the belt runs quietly at full drum speed.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $8.99–$25.20 against $864.51 for a new machine (2.9%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Thermistor

DIY.

Check, in this order

1. Clean the lint screen and vent — a coated sensor from lint buildup reads temperature wrong the same way a failed one does.
2. Test resistance against the manufacturer's expected range for the sensor at room temperature.
3. Confirm the moisture sensor bars aren't also coated, since both live in the same area.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.

Tools

• Multimeter ($25) — Confirm continuity before replacing an electrical part.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Locate the thermistor, usually clipped near the blower housing or lint screen duct.
2. Photograph the connector, unclip the sensor, and swap it.
3. Reseat the connector fully — a loose connection reads the same as a dead sensor.

How you know it worked. Cycle times and heat levels behave consistently load to load instead of drifting.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $6.59–$54.99 against $864.51 for a new machine (6.4%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Motor pulley

DIY.

Check, in this order

1. Check whether the belt is slipping on the pulley shaft rather than the pulley itself being the fault — a glazed belt can look identical.
2. Look for a worn or glazed groove on the pulley where the belt rides.
3. Confirm the pulley is seated tight on the motor shaft and not just spinning loose.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• If this is a gas dryer, also shut off the gas supply valve before opening the cabinet.

Tools

• 5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Remove the belt to access the motor shaft and pulley.
2. Photograph the belt routing before fully removing it.
3. Swap the pulley, reseat it fully on the shaft, and re-thread the belt exactly as photographed.

How you know it worked. The drum turns at full speed with no belt slip and no unusual noise from the motor area.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $5.99 against $864.51 for a new machine (0.7%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Drum roller

DIY. Get help supporting the drum if you're working solo — it's awkward to hold and service at the same time.

Check, in this order

1. Spin the drum by hand and feel for a flat spot or grinding resistance — worn rollers thump in rhythm with drum speed.
2. Look at the roller wheel itself for a flat side or cracked bearing.
3. Replace rollers in pairs at the back of the drum — if one is worn the other is close behind.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• If this is a gas dryer, also shut off the gas supply valve before opening the cabinet.

Tools

• 5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Spring/hose-clamp pliers ($15) — The boot's outer spring clamp is very hard to seat without them.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Remove the front or rear panel to expose the roller shafts, depending on model.
2. Photograph the position before removing the drum from its track.
3. Release the retaining ring or clip, swap the roller, and reseat the drum on its track.

How you know it worked. The drum turns without a rhythmic thump and the noise is gone through a full cycle.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $11.99–$13.68 against $864.51 for a new machine (1.6%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Door hinge

DIY, but easier with two people holding the door.

Check, in this order

1. Open the door and check whether it sags immediately or only after a while — immediate sag points at a stripped hinge mount.
2. Look for cracked plastic at the hinge pin or a stretched hinge spring.
3. Check that both hinge screws are actually tight before replacing anything.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• Support the door when you release the hinge screws — it's heavier than it looks and will drop.

Tools

• 5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Support the door and remove the hinge-side mounting screws.
2. Photograph the position, then swap the hinge bracket.
3. Reinstall and check the door holds level at a half-open position before closing it fully.

How you know it worked. The door holds its position when opened and closes without dropping or binding.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $3.99–$68.70 against $864.51 for a new machine (7.9%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

Drum

Get a second person to help lift and seat the drum — it's not dangerous, just heavy and easy to drop.

Check, in this order

1. Rule out the rollers, felt seal, and glides individually before assuming the drum itself is at fault — those wear first and are far cheaper.
2. Look inside the drum for a cracked baffle or lifter fin, which causes thumping specifically when clothes tumble past it.
3. Check the drum surface for scoring from a failed roller that's been ignored too long.

Before you open anything

• Unplug the dryer or cut power at the breaker.
• If this is a gas dryer, also shut off the gas supply valve before opening the cabinet.
• The drum is heavy and awkward alone — get help lifting it out.

Tools

• 5/16" nut driver ($8) — Cabinet and bracket screws on most front-load machines are 5/16" hex.
• #2 Phillips screwdriver ($6) — Panel and bracket screws.
• Spring/hose-clamp pliers ($15) — The boot's outer spring clamp is very hard to seat without them.
• Phone camera ($0) — Photograph connector positions before unplugging anything.

The repair, in order

1. Remove the front and top panels and the belt to free the drum.
2. Photograph the belt routing and support positions before lifting the drum out.
3. Fit the replacement drum or baffle and re-thread the belt exactly as photographed.
4. Spin the drum by hand to confirm it seats and tracks evenly before running a cycle.

How you know it worked. The drum turns smoothly and quietly with no thumping or grinding through a full cycle.

In your manual: the manual — checked; its troubleshooting section does not cover this part.

Worth fixing? Repair - the part is a small fraction of a new machine. Part $6.91 against $864.51 for a new machine (0.8%).Part cost only. A service call adds a regional diagnostic fee plus labour.

We rank every dryer we hold certification data for, within its own size and configuration class, so you are comparing machines that would fit the same space. See the dryer rankings →