Maytag MDE17CS - Testing the Centrifugal Switch

5-7
Test the other contacts of the centrifugal
switch following the chart below.
If any test fails, replace the centrifugal
switch.
7.
8.
Electrical Shock Hazard
Disconnect power before servicing.
Replace all parts and panels before operating.
Failure to do so can result in death or electrical shock.
Unplug dryer or disconnect power.
Turn off gas supply to dryer.
Pull individual wire connectors from motor
centrifugal switch as needed for testing.
Set ohmmeter to the R X 1 scale.
Set digital ohmmeters to lowest scale.
Touch one meter test lead to pin 5 of the
centrifugal switch and the other test lead
to pin 3. The meter should should indicate
Continuity (3 - 4 Ω).
Depress the brown disc located behind the
motor switch on the motor shaft. The meter
should indicate an open circuit (infinite Ω).
NOTE: The brown disc actuates the lever
of the motor switch when the motor is at
rest. At optimum motor speed, the disc
moves away from the switch lever. When
the disc is pressed in toward the windings,
the actuator arm of the centrifugal switch
will be relaxed. This allows the contacts to
close, completing the heater circuit.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
CENTRIFUGAL SWITCH
Side View Of Motor
“Brown” Disc
Switch Actuator
Motor
Switch
Actuator Position Switch Position
Switch Body
Switch Body
Switch Body
Motor Running
Motor Starting/Stopping
Motor Off
Actuator Detail
5-3 5-6 1-2
O X X
O X X
X O O
O = Open
X = Closed