Imagine:

A lazy Sunday morning, coffee in hand, and just about to attend to that growing pile of laundry.

However:

After loading your Maytag washer, it won’t start.

Fear not.

Even the best washers have off days, and it happens even to the best of us.

This guide delves deeper into the causes and fixes. From stealthy electrical issues to worn-out components, I’ll show you how to get your washer up and buzzing again.

Why Your Maytag Front Load Washer Won’t Start

There are several reasons why your Maytag washer is not starting. It could be due to a faulty control board, a broken door switch or latch, a damaged timer, or a bad capacitor. User errors, like activating the child lock or a delayed start, and issues with the power supply can also cause this.

To ensure no culprit escapes my radar, I’ve joined forces with Todd Hofer, a Manhattan-based repair technician.

How To Troubleshoot a Maytag Washer That Won’t Start

Now:

Before diving into the heart of the matter, let’s establish a solid groundwork for this topic

Maytag washers’ startup problems can be grouped into three categories.

• A washer that won’t power on when connected to power.
• Situations where the washer will only start when set on a specific cycle, and
• A washer that won’t start a washing cycle but has the lights on.

Whichever is your case, there are two things that Todd suggests you do before getting into complex troubleshooting.

To reset the washer and then run the diagnostic mode.

1. How To Reset Your Washer Maytag Washer

Resetting your washer restores it to its default settings by clearing any ongoing processes or temporary data.

Todd says…

“If the startup problem was caused by a software glitch, the issue will be resolved“

The most effective reset technique for Maytag washers is unplugging and plugging it in after a few minutes.

Other reset techniques to consider include

• Holding the Start/Pause button for 3 secs.
• Opening and closing the lid 6 times in 12 seconds
• Turning the dial knob following specific steps as indicated in the owner’s manual.

2. How To Run The Diagnostic Mode

Now:

If a reset doesn’t work, run the diagnostic mode to look out for error codes that will point you in the right direction.

How to put your Maytag Washer into Diagnostic mode

• Step 1: Unplug the washer and plug it back in after about 15 seconds.
• Step 2: Rotate the selector dial anticlockwise a few times and set it to normal.
• Step 3: Turn the dial 3 clicks to the right, 1 click to the left, and then 1 click to the right.
• Step 4: When done correctly, all the light displays should start blinking except the lid lock light.
• Step 5: Turn the dial one click to the right to enter the error code mode.
• Step 6: Press the start button. All the lights will start blinking.
• Step 7: Turn the dial one click to the right.
• Step 8: The washer will display any stored error code. However, reading and encoding the errors is quite technical.

So, you will need your owner’s manual for reference.

Keep your eyes peeled for these error codes.

Error	Potential Culprit
F1 E1	Control unit error
F5 E3	A problem with the door or lid lock.
F1 E2	Motor control error
F2 E1	Stuck keys
F7 E6	A problem with the motor or capacitor
F8 E1	No or long fill

“Any of these error codes points you to the possible culprits”, Todd says.

For instance:

This user on Reddit had the same problem with their MVWC200XW1 Maytag Centennial Washer.

When he ran the error code mode, the washer displayed the F7E1 error code, which is a speed sensor error and is caused by the capacitor.

The problem was resolved when he replaced the capacitor.

Note:

The diagnostic mode comes in handy when dealing with other issues, such as not draining and not spinning. 

9 Causes and Fixes For a Maytag Washer That Won’t Start

Now, buckle up!

We’re about to dive deep into the different causes and fixes for a Maytag washer that is refusing to kick into gear.

1. No Incoming Power

Problem:

If your Maytag washer is not powering on, check the incoming power— it’s often the mastermind.

Some of the most common power-related issues include

• A loose wall outlet.
• Damaged or broken washer power cord.
• A tripped circuit breaker.
• Damaged, bent, or corroded plug prongs.
• A loose connection between the washer plug and the outlet.
• If the power cord has a built-in fuse and it has blown.

Identification and Solutions:

According to Todd…

“Diagnosing incoming power problems is pretty easy since it’s just a matter of visual inspection.”

For instance:

If you suspect the wall connection, plug another device into the same outlet to see if it will work.

In the event of a tripped circuit breaker, simply switch it back on. And if the washer’s power cord is damaged, replace it.

2. User Oversight

Problem:

It’s also possible that the reason your Maytag washer won’t start is because of a basic oversight.

In our Simply Swider Appliance Repair Community, based on my observations, which Todd also affirms, user errors are more prevalent among first-time owners.

Identification and Solutions:

Some of the blunders and slip-ups that users often make include

User Oversight	Solution
Activating the child lock	Refer to the user manual for instructions on how to deactivate the child lock.
Activating delayed start	Cancel the delay start function as per the user manual so that the washer can start immediately.
Not pressing the start button long enough	Some washers require you to press and hold the start button for a few seconds.
Water valves are not fully open	Both the hot and cold water supply valves should be fully open
Not selecting a wash cycle	The machine can’t start if you haven’t selected a wash cycle.
The power cord is not properly plugged in	Check the power cord to ensure it’s properly plugged into a functioning electrical outlet.
Overloading or underloading the machine	Make sure the machine is not overloaded.
The door or lid is not properly closed	Some washers won’t start if the door isn’t locked. Ensure that the door or lid is fully closed and locked.

3. The Washer is Stuck

Problem:

Every now and then, a washer might get itself jammed, which can prevent it from starting.

“Often, the culprit behind this gridlock is a software glitch,” Todd explains.

Examples of glitches that can prevent a washer from starting include

• Glitches in the communication network between different components of the washer.
• A glitch in the control panel’s software can disrupt the communication between the user inputs and the control board.
•  If the timer encounters a glitch, it may fail to initiate the appropriate signals to begin a wash cycle.
• After a power outage, the washer may fail to reset itself when power is restored.

Identification and Solution:

The only way to diagnose and resolve a software glitch is by resetting the washer.

Consult your washer’s user manual for specific instructions on how to do it.

4. A Faulty Lid Switch

Part	Lid switch
Location	Under the lid
Ease of troubleshooting	Medium
Replacement part cost	$10-$50 depending on the model
Repairable	Yes
Note	The lid switch is only available on top-load washers

Problem:

The lid switch is the mechanism that detects and alerts the control board when the lid is open or closed.

However, if the lid switch is faulty, it won’t detect when the lid is locked.

“In such a case, the washer won’t start since it will mistakenly assume the lid is open,“ Todd explains.

Identification:

Start by checking if the washer is displaying any error codes related to the lid switch.

For most Maytag washers, this will be the F5 E1, E2, or E error codes.

Secondly:

Locate the lid lock switch and check for physical damage and if it’s loose.

Next:

Bypass the lid lock by using duct tape or a magnet, and see if the washer will detect the lid as closed.

Finally, use a multimeter to test for continuity. If it does not show any readings, it may be faulty. 

Solution:

While it’s possible to repair a faulty lid lock, it’s often more practical and safer to replace the entire lid lock assembly.

Luckily, they are cheap and easy to replace.

5. A Damaged Door Lock

Part	Door switch
Location	Inside of the door frame where the door closes
Ease of troubleshooting	Medium
Replacement part cost	$20-$100
Repairable	Yes
Note	The lid lock is only available on front load washers

Problem:

By design, a front load washer won’t start if the door is open and that’s where the door switch comes in.

This switch sends a signal to the machine’s control board when it’s safe to start a cycle.

If the door switch is faulty, it won’t inform the washer that the door is closed.

Some of the most common door switch problems include

• Worn-out or broken internal components.
• Damaged internal circuits or connectors.
• Loose, damaged, or corroded wiring.
• The lock can get misaligned.
• Something is stuck on the door.

Identification:

Start by locating the lid lock and switch. On most Maytag washers, they are typically located on the inside of the door frame, where the door closes.

Then check for any visible signs of damage, like burns, cracks, or excessive wear. 

“Don’t forget to inspect the door and the rubber seal around it for any obstructions or debris”, Todd says.

Finally, use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. If there is a break in continuity, it indicates a fault.

Solution:

If you encounter a misaligned or loose door strike, rectify the problem by adjusting or tightening it. Other repairable issues include damaged wiring and loose connections.

When all else fails and the lock just won’t comply, swap it out.

6. Problems with The Control Panel

Part	Control panel
Location	Top front of the machine
Ease of troubleshooting	Medium
Replacement part cost	$50-$300
Repairable	Yes

Problem:

A faulty control panel or user interface could also be to blame.

If the control panel has a problem, it won’t receive or relay the necessary signals to start a washer.

“The problem could be a small issue like a stuck start button or a complex cause such as damaged components”, Todd says.  

The common control panel woes include

• A software glitch preventing the signals from the control panel from reaching the control board.
• Loose or corroded contacts.
• Malfunctioning components such as sensors.
• Faulty or sticky buttons especially when it’s cold.

Identification:

To inspect the user interface, you will need to carefully detach and remove it from the washer.

Then inspect for visible burns, corroded terminals, and damaged wires.

Other assessment methods include

• Looking for control panel error codes.
• Pressing and assessing each of the buttons
• Test for continuity on connectors, buttons, and other test points.

Solution:

The fix here will depend on the specific issue.

For instance, if there are corroded terminals, (which is very common),  use alcohol wipes to wipe the terminals.

Then apply a silicon coating to coat the terminals.

“This shields the contacts from steam that penetrates into the console”, Todd expounds.

For instance:

One member of our Simply Swider Appliance Repair Community had the exact problem, and this solution worked for him. He ended up saving over $200 in repair costs.

Next:

If you have determined that the user panel is stuck because of a software glitch, try resetting the washer.

Finally:

If the control panel feels extra hard, switch on a room heater to loosen the buttons.

7. A Faulty Timer

Part	Timer
Location	in the control console
Ease of troubleshooting	Hard
Replacement part cost	$100-$400
Repairable	Yes

Problem:

The timer is the mechanism that coordinates and sequences the various operations of a washer.

“During startup, the timer sends a signal to the motor and water inlet valves to start operating“, Todd explains.

Sometimes, the timer can develop problems that prevent the washer from starting.

For instance:

• Faulty or broken connections within the timer.
• Damaged or worn-out internal components such as cams and gears.
• Worn or corroded contacts, leading to poor or intermittent electrical connections.
• An issue with the internal circuitry, such as a blown fuse.

Identification:

Start by locating the timer. For most models, it’s found in the console area of the washer.

When you have it, visually inspect it for any visible signs of damage, such as frayed wires, burned components, obstructions, or loose connections.

Finally:

Use a multimeter to measure the resistance and continuity between different terminals.

Solution:

The fix here will depend on the issue at hand.

While some issues, such as a damaged timer motor, broken contacts, and burned circuitry, are repairable, issues with the internal components will require you to replace the entire timer.

8. A Faulty Capacitor

Part	Capacitor
Location	Bottom of the washer
Ease of troubleshooting	Medium
Replacement part cost	$50-$100
Repairable	No

Problem:

When the motor is starting, it requires an initial power boost, which is where the capacitor comes in.

When the capacitor is faulty, the motor does not receive the initial burst of power it needs to start.

Identification:

The first way to assess if the motor is faulty is to refer to the washer’s performance.

For instance:

“If the washer had started getting slow or the motor was overheating, that could be a sign that the capacitor was slowly developing problems,” Todd explains.

The next thing to do is a visual inspection. Examine the capacitor for any visible signs of damage, such as bulging, swelling, leaking, or burnt marks

Finally, test the capacitor using a multimeter with a capacitance measurement mode.

Solution:

If you have determined the capacitor to be faulty through testing or inspection, replace it with a new one.

9. A Problem with The Drive Motor

Part	Drive motor
Location	At the bottom of the machine.
Ease of troubleshooting	Hard
Replacement part cost	$100-$400
Repairable	Yes

Problem:

Another rare cause of startup problems on Maytag washers is the motor.

Motor problems range from minor issues such as faulty wiring and connections to major issues such as motor burnout.

Identification:

“The easiest way to tell if the motor is the cause is to check how the washer behaves when you press the start button,” Todd says.

For instance:

In some washers, the motor is only engaged when it’s time to rotate the drum.

If the motor has a problem, the washer will lock the door and then fill the tub, but it won’t progress.

Next:

Locate the motor, which is usually at the bottom of the washer, and check for signs of wear or damage, such as burned wires and corrosion.

Finally:

Use a multimeter to measure the resistance across the motor’s terminals.

Solution:

If the drive motor is confirmed to be the cause, the solution is either repairing or replacing the motor.

Repairing is only applicable in the case of loose or damaged wiring connections.

Issues such as excessive wear, damaged windings, and burned-out motors are not repairable.

Most Affected Models

This guide applies to every Maytag washer model including

Washer Series	Model Number
Maytag Bravos	MVWX655DW1
Maytag Neptune	MAH6700AWW
Maytag Maxima	WH10-MHW4200B/
Maytag Commercial Technology	MVWB765FW
Maytag Neptune	MAH6500AWW
Maytag Neptune	MAH5500BWW
Maytag Maxima	WH10-MHW4200B
Maytag Centennial	MVWC300VW0
Maytag Bravos XL	MVWB835
Maytag Centennial	MVWC400XW
Maytag Washer	A8340
Maytag Ensignia	MAV7657EWW
Maytag	MVWB865GW
Maytag	MAV8000AWW
Maytag	SE9900
Maytag	LAT8226AAE
Maytag	950
Maytag	LSG7806AAE
Maytag	MVWX550XW1
Maytag	3000
Maytag	MAV8000AWW
Maytag	MAV6457AWW
Maytag	MVWC415EW1
Maytag	LSG7806AAE
Maytag	MVWB865GW0

Conclusion

A Maytag washer may fail to start due to various reasons, including both simple user oversights and complex mechanical or electrical issues.

The post has discussed nine of the most common causes and how to fix them.

While some issues, like user oversight, are easy to troubleshoot and fix, that’s not the case with a faulty timer or broken motor.

In that case, consider hiring a professional repair technician.

In the meantime, check out our ‘Ask the Expert’ page for free consultation and help with your appliances.

Frequently Asked Questions