Maytag Dryer MED9700sq0 problems after pulley repair

[Mrswnke]

I just finished repairing the idler pulley on my Maytag Epic dryer because it was squealing. I got it all put back together, plugged the wires back in as far as I can tell. I plugged it into the wall and turned it on for a test to make sure it works. It started, and looks like it is working fine. But after a few seconds of running, it feels super hot inside, and when I tried to change the temperature setting to air only, it won't change. It just beeps when I press the button. It also smells hot in the drum, like something could be burning. Looking at the coils underneath, I don't see anything that could be causing it. It also doesn't seem to smell as strongly outside of the machine/under the machine. Did I somehow knock it about too much and displace the wiring to the temperature setting button? Is my dryer going to go up in flames? Is the smell just coming from displaced lint from moving everything about? I also vacuumed the interior of the machine when I fixed the idler pulley, should I not have? I am not a tech, just DIY my own dryer. Thank you!

[16345Ed]

41 minutes ago, Mrswnke said:

I just finished repairing the idler pulley on my Maytag Epic dryer because it was squealing. I got it all put back together, plugged the wires back in as far as I can tell. I plugged it into the wall and turned it on for a test to make sure it works. It started, and looks like it is working fine. But after a few seconds of running, it feels super hot inside, and when I tried to change the temperature setting to air only, it won't change. It just beeps when I press the button. It also smells hot in the drum, like something could be burning. Looking at the coils underneath, I don't see anything that could be causing it. It also doesn't seem to smell as strongly outside of the machine/under the machine. Did I somehow knock it about too much and displace the wiring to the temperature setting button? Is my dryer going to go up in flames? Is the smell just coming from displaced lint from moving everything about? I also vacuumed the interior of the machine when I fixed the idler pulley, should I not have? I am not a tech, just DIY my own dryer. Thank you!

Probably jostled element enough it’s shorting against the housing. You now likely need a new element. 

[Mrswnke]

So the shorting element is causing the dryer to get too hot? I did take the front control panel off, disconnected and reconnected it, and the temperature setting button works again. And I can turn it on with just air, and extra low, and it doesn't feel too hot then. But when I dry on medium setting, it still feels a bit too hot. I don't smell the burning scent anymore though. But if it's the element, I shouldn't be messing around with it until I get a new one right?  

[16345Ed]

47 minutes ago, Mrswnke said:

So the shorting element is causing the dryer to get too hot? I did take the front control panel off, disconnected and reconnected it, and the temperature setting button works again. And I can turn it on with just air, and extra low, and it doesn't feel too hot then. But when I dry on medium setting, it still feels a bit too hot. I don't smell the burning scent anymore though. But if it's the element, I shouldn't be messing around with it until I get a new one right?  

Well you’ve provided new information now. 
 

If shorted it would heat on air dry setting as you described earlier. Now you say that’s not happening anymore. 
 

Sounds like you freed switch up or something. 
 

Run it again on air dry. Make sure it’s not heating. If it’s not heating in air dry you’re probably ok now. 

Edited March 4, 2020 by 16345Ed

[Mrswnke]

Thank you! It must have been a loose wire or something causing it to be stuck on high with the temp button not working right, and me disconnecting, and fiddling with it fixed it. My husband says the heat feels normal now, and not hotter than it should be. Again, thanks for your suggestions!