Maytag Performa Pye2000ayw won't turn on-tried taping wires

My Maytag Performa Pye2000ayw won't turn on suddenly. I unclogged the vent (yes, it appeared clogged). Taped the 2 wires to the thermal switch together (above the element), and plugged it back in. Still doesn't work. Checked online for more help, but not sure what's next. If the thermal fuse is blown, will taping the two wires together really turn it on? The wires are pinched together with a flat ending so they don't really interconnect--just taped them flat together. The dryer has not been performing well for over a year--dry cycle is about 1 hour. Never overheated. My husband said the last time he dried clothes it took even longer to dry. I don't know if the heat was on or not. Will the element stop the dryer from turning on, too?