Maytag Washing Machine Troubleshooting
Nothing is worse than a washing machine down and you haven’t a clue what to do. We have your back at Parts Town and will give you all the helpful troubleshooting tips you need. Below we will go over common Maytag washing machine troubleshooting and what might be the cause. The following troubleshooting tips are for Maytag front loading washing machines.
Door Won’t Lock or Unlock
- Lock is dirty - Check that the lock isn’t blocked with build-up or debris. Thoroughly clean the lock and see if that resolves the issue.
- Cycle just started - When the machine first starts, the door locks for about 10 seconds and won’t unlock until after this time. This is a normal function.
- Door locked at end of cycle - Sometimes, when you use an extra cycle, i.e “Fresh Hold”, the door will remain locked. If the washer doesn’t unlock at the end of a cycle, unplug the washer or disconnect it from power. Wait 2 minutes then plug it back in.
Washing Machine Not Turning On
- Machine is not plugged in - Make sure that the machine is plugged into an outlet with power.
- Circuit breaker tripped - Check that the circuit breaker hasn’t been tripped and it is in the ON position.
- Control lock is on - If the control lock is turned on, the controls won’t let you turn the machine on. Set the control lock and deactivate it to allow the washer controls to work.
- Door not closed - If the door isn’t closed all the way, the machine won’t start. Make sure that the door is firmly closed, then try again.
- Start button wasn’t held - The start button needs to be pushed and held for 3 seconds for the machine to start.
Machine Not Draining
- Drain pump filter is dirty - Dirt, debris or lint can clog the drain filter and not allow the machine to drain. Clear the filter of any clogs to resolve the issue.
- Drain hose is overextended - If the drain hose is too far down inside the drainpipe, it will cause drainage issues. Make sure that the drain hose doesn’t extend more than 4.5 inches into the drainpipe or laundry tub.
- Drain hose too short - The drain pipe needs to be 30 inches high for the drain to function. Make sure your drain pipe is at least 30 inches.
Machine Not Filling or Takes too Long to Fill
- Drain hose is overextended - Make sure that the drain hose doesn’t extend more than 4.5 inches into the drainpipe or laundry tub.
- Drain hose incorrectly installed - If the drain hose isn’t installed correctly, it can cause draining or filling issues. Remove the drain hose and reinstall it following the recommended guidelines.
- Water isn’t turned on - Ensure that the hot and cold water valves are turned to the ON position.
- Water inlet screens clogged - Clean out any excess debris or clogs from the water inlet screen to see if that helps with the tub filling.
- Water inlet hose kinked - A kinked inlet hose will restrict water flow, so check that they aren’t kinked.
- Water hose clogged - Clean out any excess debris or clogs from the water hose to see if that helps with the tub filling.
Machine Vibrating
- Shipping bolts not removed - Shipping bolts should be removed before operation, but if any haven’t it will cause vibration. Check to make sure they are removed.
- Washer isn’t level - If all four machine feet aren’t firmly on the ground, it will cause the machine to be off balance and rock. Adjust the feet as needed.
- Washer overloaded - Single items in the washer will cause it to be overloaded and unbalanced. Make sure that there is enough in the machine to balance it.
Machine Leaking
- Inlet hose disconnected - Check that the inlet hose is connected to the washer and the faucet.
- Drain hose is loose - A loose drain hose will cause leaking. The hose should be secured, but not sealed in the drainpipe.
- Wrong detergent type - If you have an HE machine, you need to use high efficiency detergent. Using regular detergent can cause excess suds and leakage.
- Wrong chlorine bleach - Using no splash or easy pour liquid chlorine bleach can cause excess suds in the machine that cause leakage.
- Dispenser drawer not closed - The dispenser drawer needs to be fully closed or water will leak through.
- Dispenser drawer clogged - Any detergent build-up will cause clogs and leakage. Remove the drawer and clean it of any clogs, then place it back in the machine.
- Door glass/seal is dirty - Dirty doors or seals will cause build-up and leakage. Maintain the seal and clear it of clogs frequently.
- Door seal is blocked - Any items or clogs blocking the seal from fully sealing will cause the machine to leak. Clear any debris you see in the seal.
- Washer isn’t level - If all four machine feet aren’t firmly on the ground, it will cause the machine to be off balance and rock. Adjust the feet as needed.
- Washer overloaded - Single items in the washer will cause it to be overloaded and unbalanced. Make sure that there is enough in the machine to balance it.
Looking for more information on your Maytag washing machine troubleshooting? We have a large library of manuals and diagrams that are filled with helpful tips and tricks.