If your Maytag washing machine smells, you’ve come to the right place. This detailed guide explores the causes of this issue and gives you steps on how to fix it…
Table of Contents
Maytag Washing Machine Burning Smell — Solved
If your Maytag washing machine smells burnt, here are the issues you should look for…
1. Burnt Motor Assembly
To check for a burnt motor in your Maytag washing machine, follow the steps below…
Drive Motor
The steps below show you how to inspect the drive motor in your Maytag washing machine…
Front Loaders
Take the following steps to inspect the drive motor in your front loader Maytag washing machine…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrical damage, make sure to disconnect your washing machine from the outlet before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the bolts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Inspect the motor assembly at the bottom of the tub for any signs of burning or damage. If the motor is defective, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 4. If you’ve determined that the motor isn’t burnt, remount the rear panel on the cabinet and secure it by applying the bolts with your 1/4 inch nut-driver. Plug your washer back into the outlet.
Top Loaders
To inspect the drive motor in your top loader Maytag washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Ensure that the water faucets are turned off and the power cord is disconnected from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Using pliers, release the retaining clamp holding the drain hose to the back of the cabinet. Pull the hose off the machine.
Step 3. Disconnect the COLD and HOT water supply hoses from the ports at the back of the washer (we recommend keeping a rag nearby to clean any leaks).
Step 4. Place some tape on your washing machine’s lid to secure it. Get someone to help you tip the machine backwards and set it on the floor.
Step 5. Using a 5/16 inch nut-driver, loosen the screws holding the belt guard to the bottom of the tub. Take the belt guard off.
Step 6. Take the drive belt off the motor pulley and transmission pulley. Carefully inspect the drive motor for burn marks or other signs of damage. If the motor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Step 7. If the drive motor is in good condition, loop the drive belt back around the two pulleys (ensure that the grooved side is turned inwards).
Step 8. Carefully lift your washing machine back onto its feet. Reconnect the main drain hose to the port at the back of the machine, then slide retaining clamp into place to secure the connection.
Step 9. Connect each of the two water inlet hoses to their appropriate ports at the back of the washer.
Step 10. Turn the water supply faucets on, then reconnect the power cord to the electrical outlet.
Dryers
To inspect the drive motor in Maytag dryer, take the following steps…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrical damage, make sure to disconnect your washing machine from the outlet before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Loose the screws at the bottom of the front panel using a Torx screwdriver. Carefully lift the panel off the cabinet, then unplug the door switch wire connectors.
Step 3. Unhook the door switch wires from the retainers on the front bulkhead. Using your screwdriver, loosen the bolts holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet. Lift the bulkhead off the machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Carefully reach underneath the drum and push the idler pulley inwards to release the tension on the drive belt. Unhook the belt from the motor pulley and idler pulley.
Step 5. Pull the belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside. Inspect the motor assembly in the cabinet for burn marks or other signs of damage. If the part is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Step 6. If the motor is in good condition, carefully guide the drum back into the cabinet. Loop the drive belt over the drum.
Step 7. Loop the belt around the motor pulley and idler pulley in a zig-zag pattern. Mount the front bulkhead on the cabinet, then apply the bolts to secure it.
Step 8. Secure the door switch wires in the retainer on the bulkhead. Plug the wire connectors back into the door switch on the front panel.
Step 9. Snap the front panel on the cabinet, then tighten the screes at the bottom using a screwdriver. Reconnect your dryer to the outlet.
Stator
If your washing machine uses a stator, it could produce a burning smell if it gets damaged. Follow the steps below to check this part…
Front Loaders
To inspect the stator in your Maytag front loader washing machine, take the following steps…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrical damage, it is advised that you disconnect your washing machine from the outlet before starting this procedure.
Step 2. Using a 1/4 socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the rear access panel to the cabinet. Lift the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Secure the rotor assembly using a strap wrench. Loosen the rotor bolt using a 24mm socket wrench. Carefully pry the rotor off the tub and set it aside.
Step 4. Inspect the stator mounted at the back of the tub. If the part is damage or burnt, you’ll need to replace it.
Step 5. If the stator is in good condition, remount the rotor onto the back of the tub, then tighten the bolts using the 24mm socket wrench.
Step 6. Place the rear access panel on the cabinet, then apply all the bolts using a 1/4 inch nut-driver. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet.
Top Loaders
To inspect the stator in your Maytag top loader washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Unplug your washing machine from the outlet and turn the water faucets off before starting this repair in order to prevent electrocution or water leaks.
Step 2. Using a pair of pliers if needed, disconnect the two water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of your machine (we recommend keeping a towel nearby to clean any leaks).
Step 3. Squeeze the retaining clamp holding the drain hose to the port at the back of the machine, then slide it out of place. Disconnect the drain hose from the machine.
Step 4. Place some tape on the lid of your washing machine to help secure it. With someone assisting you, tip your washer backwards carefully, then set it on the floor.
Step 5. Using a 1/4 inch Allen wrench, loosen the bolt holding the rotor assembly to the bottom of the tub. Pry the rotor off the machine and set it aside.
Step 6. Carefully inspect the stator at the bottom of the tub for burn marks or other signs of damage. If the stator is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Step 7. If you’ve determined that the stator is in good condition, remount the rotor onto the bottom of the tub, then tighten the bolt using your Allen wrench.
Step 8. Lift your washing machine back onto its feet, then peel the tape off the lid. Reconnect the main outlet hose to the back of the cabinet, then slide the retaining clamp into place to secure the connection.
Step 9. Reconnect the HOT and COLD water supply hoses to the ports at the back of the cabinet (ensure that the hoses are secured properly in order to prevent water leakage).
Step 10. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet, then turn the water supply taps back on.
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2. Burnt Capacitor (Top Loaders)
If your Maytag washing machine smells burnt, the next thing you should check is the capacitor. Here’s how to do this…
Step 1. Ensure that you turn the water taps off and disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet before starting this procedure in order to prevent water leaks and electrocution.
Step 2. Disconnect the two water inlet hoses from the ports at the back of the machine (keep a rag nearby to clean any leaks).
Step 3. Using pliers, release the spring clamp holding the drain hose to the back of the cabinet. Pull the hose off the machine and set it aside.
Step 4. Secure the lid of your washing machine using some tape. Tip the appliance backwards carefully, then set it on the floor (get someone to help you if needed).
Step 5. Using a 5/16 inch socket wrench, loosen the bolts holding the belt guard to the bottom of the tub. Take the belt guard off and set it aside.
Step 6. Inspect the capacitor at the bottom of the tub for any signs of damage such as burning. If the capacitor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
Step 7. If the capacitor is in good condition, put the belt guard back on and secure it by applying the bolts using your nut-driver.
Step 8. Lift your washing machine back onto its feet and peel the tape off the lid. Reconnect the drain hose to the port at the back of the machine, then slide the spring clamp into place.
Step 9. Reconnect the two water supply hoses to their appropriate ports. Turn the water taps back on, then plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet.
3. Damaged Control Board
If your washer’s control board gets damaged, the machine will begin to produce a burning smell. To replace a burnt control board in your Maytag washing machine, follow the steps below…
Front Loaders
Take the following steps to replace the control board in your Maytag front loader washing machine…
Step 1. Ensure that your washing machine is disconnected from the outlet before starting this repair in order to avoid electrocution.
Step 2. Take out the three bolts at the back of the machine holding the top panel to the cabinet using a 1/4 inch nut-driver. Slide the top panel backwards, then lift it off your washer.
Step 3. Pry the plastic cap off the control board at the side of the cabinet. Note the positioning of the connectors attached to the board, then disconnect each one. Pull the wire retainers out of the board.
Step 4. Slide the control board to the right a bit, then pull it off the cabinet. Discard the old board and take the new one out of its packaging.
Step 5. Snap the new control board on the cabinet and pry the cap off. Plug each wire connector to its appropriate terminal on the new control board. Snap the retainers into the slots on the new board.
Step 6. Snap the cap back onto the control board. Mount the top panel on the cabinet, then secure it by applying the three screws at the back using your nut-driver.
Step 7. Plug your washing machine’s power cord back into the electrical outlet, then ensure that the issue has been fixed by running a wash cycle.
Top Loaders
To replace the control board in your top loader Maytag washing machine, follow the steps below…
Step 1. Prevent electrical damage by disconnecting the power cord from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. using a 1/4 inch nut-driver, loosen the bolts at the back of the machine holding the control panel. Lift the panel out of place, then set it face-down on the cabinet.
Step 3. Note the positioning of the connectors attached to the control board, then disconnect each one. Pull the wires out of the retainers on the board.
Step 4. Pull the air pressure tube off the port on the control board. Using your nut-driver, loosen the bolts holding the control board to the panel. Take the board off the panel and set it aside.
Step 5. Prepare your new washing machine control board for installation by removing it from its packaging.
Step 6. Mount the new board on the control panel, then tighten the screws using a 1/4 inch nut-driver.
Step 7. Plug each connector into its appropriate terminal on the new control board. Secure the wires in the retainers.
Step 8. Plug the air pressure tube into the port on the new control board. Lift the control panel and snap it back onto the cabinet. Secure the panel by tightening the screws at the back using a nut-driver.
Step 9. Plug your washing machine back into the electrical outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that everything works properly.
Dryers
To replace the control board in your Maytag dryer, follow the steps below…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution, it is advised that you disconnect your washing machine from the power outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Go to the back of the machine, then use a Philips screwdriver to loosen the bolts holding the control panel. Lift the panel out of place and set it face-down on the cabinet.
Step 3. Unplug the wire connectors attached to the control board on the cabinet (make sure to note where each plug goes).
Step 4. Loosen the bolt holding the control board to the mounting bracket using a 1/4 inch socket wrench. Pry the board off the bracket and discard it.
Step 5. Prepare your new control board for installation by taking it out of its packaging. Mount the new board on the bracket, then secure it by applying the bolt with your nut-driver.
Step 6. Plug each connector into its appropriate terminal on the new control board. Lift the control panel and snap it back on the cabinet. Secure the panel by applying the screws at the back with a Philips screwdriver.
Step 7. Plug your dryer back into the electrical outlet, then ensure everything works properly by running a cycle.
4. Damaged Idler Pulley (Dryers)
To replace a damaged idler pulley in your Maytag dryer, follow the steps below…
Step 1. In order to prevent electrocution, it is advised that you disconnect the dryer from the outlet before starting this repair.
Step 2. Loosen the bolts holding the lower front access panel to the cabinet using a 5/16 inch nut-driver. Pry the panel off the machine and set it aside.
Step 3. Use the nut-driver to take out the bolts holding the main front panel. Lift the panel off the cabinet, then unplug the door switch wires (make sure to take note of where each connector goes).
Step 4. Loosen the screws at the front of the cabinet securing the top panel. Lift the top panel and support it.
Step 5. Unplug the light assembly wires from the front bulkhead (ensure that you note where each wire goes).
Step 6. Using your nut-driver, take out the bolts holding the front bulkhead to the cabinet. Lift the bulkhead off the machine and set it aside.
Step 7. Reach underneath the drum, then take the drive belt off the motor shaft and idler pulley. Carefully lift the belt and drum out of the cabinet, then set them aside.
Step 8. Using needle-nosed pliers, pull out the retaining ring holding the idler pulley wheel to the arm. Take the idler pulley and washer nut off the arm and discard them.
Step 9. Take your new dryer idler pulley out of its packaging. Slide the new idler pulley and washer onto the arm, then secure them by snapping the retaining clip on using pliers.
Step 10. Carefully lift the drum and belt, then guide them back into the cabinet. Reach under the drum, then loop the belt around the motor pulley and new idler pulley in a zig-zag formation.
Step 11. Slowly rotate the drum by hand to ensure that the belt is properly aligned. Remount the front bulkhead on the cabinet, then use your nut-driver to apply the bolts.
Step 12. Plug the light assembly wires back in. Lower the top panel on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the front using your nut-driver.
Step 13. Reconnect the door switch wires to the front panel. Mount the front panel on the cabinet, then tighten the screws at the bottom using your nut-driver.
Step 14. Snap the lower front access panel on the cabinet, then use the 5/16 inch nut-driver to apply the bolts at the bottom.
Step 15. Reconnect you washing machine to the power outlet, then try running a cycle to ensure that everything works properly.
