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I have a Maytag gas-based dryer (Model # PYG2000AWW) from about 10-12 years ago that started getting much louder a few months ago. Then I started noticing that it needed 2 or 3 cycles just to dry a normal load of clothes. Now, the clothes will barely get even lukewarm despite 5+ cycles.
I'd rather not spend $600+ to replace the dryer if it means cheaply fixing it. Also, I am not sure if the excessively noisy tumbling is related to the heating process (or lack thereof).
I am a complete newbie at appliance repair, but I am willing to fiddle around with the D-I-Y route, and/or possibly professional repair (as long as the repair doesn't cost as much as replacing the unit). Research online is sporadic; some say it might gas coils valves, some say it is the igniter, some say it is as basic as cleaning the ducts. Many others online say fixing a dryer is not too difficult.
For everyone's reference, I took a very quick video of the noise this morning. Apologies in advance that the video is pretty dark (my basement is barely finished so lighting is limited). However, the : http://youtu.be/C9jlR0F7Ro8
1. Would you guys be able to tell me roughly what you think is wrong with the dryer? If I can at least have an idea as to what may be wrong, I can diagnose next action steps.
2. If possible, do you think it is an easy fix? Again, I am hoping to save money (especially if this is a quick and easy fix).
3. Do you think there are any safety issues with the dryer? Besides the video, I attached a photo of the dryer. The back grill (in the middle of the picture) seems a little darkened/burnt. I'm not sure what that means, though, if anything.
Any help or advice you guys can provide would be most appreciated!
I don't have any experience with a gas dryer, but the first thing I would do is clean out all the lint from the vents and pipe. Poor airflow could be causing the slow drying times. There may be a way to access to the back where could vacuum out all the lint. Do a search on cleaning a gas dryer.
First thing to determine is if the burner is coming on. Turn on the dryer and waits for a minute or so, you should be able to hear it come on, and the inside with get warm right away if you open the door.
Of course make sure the vent is clear and moving air too.
If the vent is moving air OK, but the burner is not coming on, it is usually the ignitor. A fairly inexpensive part and a fairly easy fix if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. You can probably Google a repair process for your dryer.
First thing to determine is if the burner is coming on. Turn on the dryer and waits for a minute or so, you should be able to hear it come on, and the inside with get warm right away if you open the door.
Of course make sure the vent is clear and moving air too.
If the vent is moving air OK, but the burner is not coming on, it is usually the ignitor. A fairly inexpensive part and a fairly easy fix if you are somewhat mechanically inclined. You can probably Google a repair process for your dryer.
Would the ignitor be the culprit if the clothes get slightly warm? In other words, wouldn't it NOT get slightly warm if the ignitor wasn't igniting?
Also, do you think the loud tumbling noise is related to the heating? Or is the loud tumbling noise more indicative of a drum (or other part) that is wearing out?
I don't have any experience with a gas dryer, but the first thing I would do is clean out all the lint from the vents and pipe. Poor airflow could be causing the slow drying times. There may be a way to access to the back where could vacuum out all the lint. Do a search on cleaning a gas dryer.
Be sure to check the outside (outdoors) vent, too - make sure it's not clogged or blocked in some way.
Check the vent FIRST!! Make sure it is flowing freely.
You need to make sure the burner is coming on. Usually you can hear it come on, and you can sometimes see it if you lie on the floor and look at the bottom.
The loud noise you hear might be the belt that turns the drum wearing out. Are you sure the drum is turning OK?
I cannot tell you what is wrong with it, but for about $75. you can get a service call. The guy will tell you how much to fix it and you can go from there. I can tell you that my dryer (electric) is at least 20 years old, and every time it breaks we think it's the last roundup, but for the price of a fuse or the tightening of a wire it is renewed yet again.
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There are two kinds of igniters. The type that's an electric coil is simple to replace and they do burn out, just like an old incandescent light bulb, the filament breaks. The other type is an electric spark, like a car spark plug. You can tell these by the clicking soon after you turn it on. From the heating and cooling over time they can lose the optimum gap distance and fail to spark, but they too are pretty easy to fix. Harder, more dangerous and expensive is the actual gas valve. If it goes you are better off having a technician do the service because you are subject to gas leaks if not done correctly. If the dryer is older than 8-10 years I'd just get a new one. It's bound to have something else go like the drive belt or motor soon anyway.
Thank you Barking Spider for the igniter suggestion. The dryer is a hand-me-down from my parents, and after inquiring about it with them last night, they mentioned that the igniter broke about 6-7 years ago.
It wouldn't shock me if it's the igniter ($30 part) again. I could vaguely smell the gas after initiating a cycle for a minute but heat wasn't being generated (akin to the scent when you try to unsuccessfully light the flame with your gas stovetop).
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The dryer is a hand-me-down from my parents, and after inquiring about it with them last night, they mentioned that the igniter broke about 6-7 years ago. 
