Maytag Washer Troubleshooting: Why won’t it start?

How to Fix Maytag Washer Wont Start

Having a washing machine that won’t start is never a fun experience. When repair services arrive, you’ll have a huge pile of laundry and a hefty repair bill.

However, if you fix your washer yourself, you most likely won’t have to worry about any downtime. Believe it or not, repairing a malfunctioning washer is easier than you think.

Even with zero repair knowledge or experience, our easy-to-follow guide can walk you through all the steps and get your washer back up and running in no time.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to troubleshoot a Maytag washer that won’t start. We’ll delve into all the possible causes and teach you how to repair each one.

Why won’t my Maytag washer start?

Before performing any repairs on your Maytag washer, here are a few things that you can do to try and resolve the problem.

  • Verify that the power cord is plugged in.

A washer that won’t start isn’t always malfunctioning. Sometimes, its power cord gets knocked out, preventing the washer from receiving ample power supply to start.

  • Confirm that the outlet has power.

Unplug the washer’s power cord. Then, plug in another electronic device to confirm that the outlet has power and has no problems.

If the outlet has no power, it could just be a tripped circuit breaker, which we will delve into in our guide below. However, if you’re certain that its lack of power isn’t caused by a tripped breaker, call a licensed electrician.

Keep reading our guide below to find out other possible causes of this error. We will explain everything you need to know to fix the issue yourself.

Causes and Solutions

Let’s take a look at the possible reasons why a Maytag washer won’t start. 

Tripped Circuit Breaker

A clear indicator of a tripped circuit breaker is when power goes out in one part of the house instead of the entire household. This is a safety precaution to prevent the circuit from further overheating, which may increase the risks of fire or electrocution.

Most of the time, resetting the circuit breaker will fix the issue, but not when other underlying electrical issues need to be resolved. One such example is when the circuit is overloaded. 

Ideally, you have to plug the washing machine, as well as other major appliances, into a dedicated circuit to prevent overloading.

  • Step 1: Locate the circuit breaker where the washer is connected. 
  • Step 2: Turn the switch to the OFF position.
  • Step 3: After a few seconds, flip the switch back to the ON position to reset the circuit.
  • Step 4: Plug in your Maytag washer’s power cord. Then, check if it turns on and run a test cycle.

Observe the power for a few minutes. If the circuit doesn’t trip, your washer most likely doesn’t have any issues and should function properly from here on out.

  • Step 5: Turn the lights on one at a time. Then, plug in the rest of the appliances and electronics one at a time.

If an appliance or light causes the circuit to trip, it may have faulty wiring, which will require servicing. 

Contact a licensed electrician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Engaged Control Lock

Maytag washers have a Control Lock function that prevents curious hands (or paws) from making unintentional changes to the wash settings. It does so by locking the controls, preventing any further inputs into the system until the feature is disengaged.

Simply put, there is nothing wrong with your washer and it doesn’t require any fixing. In a few simple taps of a button, you can disengage the Control Lock and get back to washing the laundry.

  • Step 1: Press and hold the Control Lock button for 3 seconds. A countdown timer should appear on the washer’s display once the button has been engaged.
  • Step 2: If the timer doesn’t appear, click on the Power button to turn off the washer. Click it again to turn on the appliance, then repeat Step 1.
  • Step 3: If the washer still won’t start, reset it by unplugging its power cord or turning off the power at the circuit breaker. 

After a minute or two, restore power to the washer. Repeat Step 1.

  • Step 4: Once unlocked, push the Start button to pause the cycle, or press the power button to turn off the washer.

Contact a licensed electrician who can help you diagnose and resolve the issue.

Overloaded Drum

If the washer does not fill or start, the load might be too much for your washing machine. You can confirm this by doing the palm trick.

Just stick a hand inside the drum. If there isn’t enough space for it to fit, then it is overloaded.

To get your washer to start, you must remove a few items and redistribute them evenly around the drum.

  • Step 1: Empty the pockets of your laundry before loading them into the drum.
  • Step 2: Add heavily soiled items first. Place items one at a time to prevent them from getting tangled.
  • Step 3: Evenly distribute the laundry around the wash plate.
  • Step 4: Push the Start button.

Dirty Door Gasket

Does your washer beep when you press start? It could indicate an open door. 

If the door appears closed and nothing is sticking out of it, preventing it from latching shut, there might be something trapped inside the rubber gasket. The door seal keeps the water in the tub during operations.

Over time, lint, hair, and other foreign objects can get lodged into the rubber seal around the washer’s door. Eventually, the build-up will prevent the door from closing shut.

Most washing machines, including Maytag models, won’t run until it detects that the door is closed. This is a safety feature to prevent flooding and other potential disasters. 

  • Affresh Machine Cleaning wipes
  • Step 1: Open the washer door.
  • Step 2: Carefully pull back the door seal and inspect the entire area for dirt build-up and other possible obstructions.
  • Step 3: Remove any small items like coins or buttons that might have gotten stuck in the door seal.
  • Step 4: Get your Affresh wipes. Then, clean the entire surface of the rubber seal using the textured side of the wipes.

Faulty Lid Switch

Faulty Lid Switch

Whether the switch has a mechanical or electronic issue, it can’t be repaired. You can, however, replace it with a brand-new component, which you can get from Maytag and other retail stores.

The best way to determine if the lid switch is defective is through a continuity test. Using a multimeter, the test will determine if the component has an open or closed circuit.

If the circuit is open, it means that the lid switch has no continuity and is defective. On the bright side, you can perform the fix yourself. 

  • ¼” nut driver
  • Holding strap
  • Tape
  • Flathead screwdriver
  • New lid switch
  • Step 1: Unplug the washer or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
  • Step 2: Shut off the water supply to the washer.
  • Step 3: Disconnect the drain and water supply hoses. Tape the door shut.
  • Step 4: Move the washer away from the wall to access the back panel.
  • Step 5: Use the ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws on the small cover and the rear access panel. Set the cover and panel aside.
  • Step 6: Unplug the lid switch’s wire connector. Refer to your user manual, if necessary.
  • Step 7: Remove the plastic retainer clip. Then, squeeze the two prongs on the wire harness retainer and push it down to release it.
  • Step 8: Use the ¼” nut driver to remove the two screws securing the top panel.
  • Step 9: Pull the washer’s top forward and lift it up until the tabs on the rear panel fit into the slots on the top.
  • Step 10: Get the holding strap and attach the hooks to the washer’s top and main body.
  • Step 11: Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the lid switch out. 
  • Step 12: Remove the wire harnesses from the retaining clips. Then, pull the harness out and set it aside.
  • Step 13: Rotate the dial on the multimeter to the lowest ohms of resistance.
  • Step 14: Touch each of the probes to the switch’s power input terminals. Then, actuate the switch.

The multimeter will show close to 0 ohms of resistance if the switch has continuity. However, if the multimeter shows little to no change when you actuate the switch, it means that the component is defective and requires a replacement.

To replace your top-load Maytag washer’s faulty lid switch, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Unplug the washer or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
  • Step 2: Shut off the water supply to the washer.
  • Step 3: Disconnect the drain and water supply hoses. Tape the door shut.
  • Step 4: Move the washer away from the wall to access the back panel.
  • Step 5: Use the ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws on the small cover and the rear access panel. Set the cover and panel aside.
  • Step 6: Unplug the lid switch’s wire connector. Refer to your user manual, if necessary.
  • Step 7: Remove the plastic retainer clip. Then, squeeze the two prongs on the wire harness retainer and push it down to release it.
  • Step 8: Use the ¼” nut driver to remove the two screws securing the top panel.
  • Step 9: Pull the washer’s top forward and lift it up until the tabs on the rear panel fit into the slots on the top.
  • Step 10: Get the holding strap and attach the hooks to the washer’s main top and body.
  • Step 11: Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the lid switch out. 
  • Step 12: Remove the wire harnesses from the retaining clips. Then, pull the harness out and set it aside.
  • Step 13: Get the new lid lock assembly and slide it into position until it is seated properly.
  • Step 14: Insert the wire harness into the opening on the main top. Then, slip the wire under the retaining clips to keep it secure.
  • Step 15: Push the wire harness retainer into the slot on the washer’s top until it snaps into place.
  • Step 16: Unhook the holding straps. Close the washer’s top by simply pressing it down until it is secure.
  • Step 17: Attach the retaining clip of the lid switch’s wire harness. Then, reconnect the wire to the control board.
  • Step 18: Use the ¼” nut driver to reinstall the two screws that secure the top panel.
  • Step 19: Reinstall the rear access panel and its screws. After, mount the small cover.
  • Step 20: Reconnect the hoses and turn on the water supply.
  • Step 21: Restore power to the washer. Run a test cycle to confirm that the door latches and the unit drains properly.

Not Filling Properly

Maytag washers will display an LF error code if the appliance is taking too long to fill. One of the most common causes is a blocked inlet screen.

Each washer has two inlet screens—one for each water supply hose. This tiny mesh filter traps dirt and debris from the water supply to keep the clothes clean.

If there’s too much dirt blocking the screen, it will restrict the flow of water into the tub, eventually causing an LF error code.

There are other possible causes of a filling error, such as obstructed hoses, a broken pressure switch, and a malfunctioning water inlet valve. If you suspect it’s any of these issues, we have a more detailed guide to help you troubleshoot an LF error code.

  • Pliers
  • Cotton swab
  • Soft cloth
  • Step 1: Disconnect the washer from its power source.
  • Step 2: Remove the hot water fill hose by rotating the coupling by hand. Use pliers, if necessary.
  • Step 3: Repeat the same step for the cold water fill hose.
  • Step 4: Use pliers to pull out the inlet screens on both valves.
  • Step 5: Wipe the mesh screens using cotton swabs or soak the screens in soapy water.
  • Step 6: Wipe the screens with a soft cloth or let them air dry before reinstalling them into the washer.
  • Step 7: Use pliers to reinsert the inlet screens.
  • Step 8: Attach the hot water fill hose to the inlet valve to the right. Rotate the coupling by hand until it is snug, then secure the connection using pliers.
  • Step 9: Repeat the same step to attach the cold water fill hose.
  • Step 10: Restore power to the washer. 
  • Step 11: Turn it on and run a test cycle to check if the washer fills and starts.

Damaged User Interface Board

Damaged User Interface Board

A user interface (UI) board is located right behind the control panel of your washing machine. Once you input the settings, the buttons on the panel will interact with the UI board, signaling the washer to carry out the commands.

If the UI board is faulty, your washer might not start or perform other functions. It can be quite tricky to diagnose, but the best way to confirm the issue is through a continuity test.

Luckily, a UI board won’t cost an arm and a leg. Plus, the fix isn’t impossible—even for someone with very limited repair knowledge.

  • ¼” nut driver
  • Tape
  • Channellock pliers
  • Multimeter
  • New UI Panel
  • Step 1: Unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
  • Step 2: Close the water supply to the washer. Then, disconnect the hot and cold hoses and the drain hose.
  • Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall to access the back panel.
  • Step 4: Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the bolts on the small metal plate behind the washer. Then, set it aside.
  • Step 5: Unfasten the remaining screws on the UI panel.
  • Step 6: Tape the lid shut to the main top.
  • Step 7: Pull the washer’s main top toward the front. Gently lift then push it back before raising it up.
  • Step 8: Use Channellock pliers to squeeze the clips on both sides of the washer to release the UI panel.
  • Step 9: Carefully lift up the UI panel. Disconnect the wire connectors from the panel to the main control board.
  • Step 10: Flip the UI panel over and inspect the area around the terminal. If it looks dirty, clean it using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Plug everything back in to check if the panel lights up and turns on. You most likely need a replacement if it doesn’t.

You can also perform a continuity test to confirm that the UI panel is defective and requires replacement.

  • Step 11: Rotate the dial on the multimeter to the lowest setting for ohms of resistance.
  • Step 12: Touch each probe to a terminal on the connector. If the multimeter display doesn’t change, the UI panel has no continuity and requires replacement.
  • Step 13: Repeat the step for the other connector. If the display shows little to no change, it has no continuity and requires replacement.

To replace a defective user interface panel on a Maytag Bravos washer, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
  • Step 2: Close the water supply to the washer. Then, disconnect the hot and cold hoses and the drain hose.
  • Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall to access the back panel.
  • Step 4: Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the screws on the small metal plate behind the washer. Then, set it aside.
  • Step 5: Unfasten the remaining screws on the UI panel.
  • Step 6: Tape the lid shut to the main top.
  • Step 7: Pull the washer’s main top toward the front. Gently lift it, push it back, and raise it.
  • Step 8: Use Channellock pliers to squeeze the clips on both sides of the washer to release the UI panel.
  • Step 9: Lift the UI panel and unplug the wires that connect it to the control board.
  • Step 10: Prepare your new UI panel. Plug in the wire harnesses to the panel and to the control board.
  • Step 11: Install the new panel on the washer’s main top.
  • Step 12: Reinstall all the screws to keep the panel secure.
  • Step 13: Reattach all the hoses.
  • Step 14: Turn on the water supply. Then, reconnect the washer to power.
  • Step 15: Try turning on the washer. Check if it can start a cycle.

Defective Main Control Board

Defective Main Control Board

After ruling out the most common causes of this error, you can entertain the possibility of a defective main control board. This component is the brain of the washing machine, which regulates all of its functions.

If the control board is faulty, it can cause a variety of issues like spinning, draining, and filling. It can also prevent the washer from starting.

Since the symptoms will vary, a defective main control board is challenging to diagnose. As with other components, the best way to determine if the board is functioning properly is through a continuity test.

  • Flathead screwdriver
  • ¼” nut driver
  • Pliers
  • Multimeter
  • New main control board
  • Step 1: Unplug the power cord or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
  • Step 2: Close the water supply to the washer. Then, disconnect the hot and cold hoses and the drain hose.
  • Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall to access the back panel.
  • Step 4: Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the bolts mounting the panel.
  • Step 5: Insert the flathead screwdriver under the front control panel housing, then pry it open.
  • Step 6: Disconnect the wire harness and set the control panel aside.
  • Step 7: Take a photo of the wires connected to the main control board. Use it as a reference for the reassembly process.
  • Step 8: Disconnect the switch wire connectors on the control board, including the power wire. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to release the bracket and retainer.
  • Step 9: Detach the air pressure tube.
  • Step 10: Use a ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws securing the control board.
  • Step 11: Remove the center knob, then lift the control board to isolate it from the washer.
  • Step 12: Check the control board for burns and discoloration, which are tell-tale signs of damage.
  • Step 13: Get a multimeter and test the pump for continuity. Rotate the dial to the Continuity Test mode.
  • Step 14: Place each probe on each side of the fuse on the control board.

If the multimeter beeps, the fuse is good and the control board is functioning well. However, if you hear nothing, the fuse is defective, which means that the control board needs replacement.

To replace the main control board of a Maytag top-load washer, follow these steps:

  • Step 1: Unplug the washer or turn off the power at the circuit breaker.
  • Step 2: Turn off the water supply, then disconnect both inlet hoses.
  • Step 3: Move the washer away from the wall and turn it around to access the back panel.
  • Step 4: Use a ¼” nut driver to remove the bolts mounting the panel.
  • Step 5: Insert the flathead screwdriver under the front control panel housing, then pry it open.
  • Step 6: Disconnect the wire harness and set the control panel aside.
  • Step 7: Take a photo of the wires connected to the main control board. Use it as a reference for the reassembly process.
  • Step 8: Disconnect the switch wire connectors on the control board, including the power wire. Then, use a flathead screwdriver to release the bracket and retainer.
  • Step 9: Detach the air pressure tube.
  • Step 10: Use a ¼” nut driver to unfasten the screws securing the control board.
  • Step 11: Remove the center knob, then lift the faulty control board to remove it from the panel.
  • Step 12: Get your new control board. Before installing it, transfer the wire retaining bracket from the old assembly to the new one.
  • Step 13: Align the control board with the slots on the panel. 
  • Step 14: Reinstall the screws to secure the board. Then, return the center control knob.
  • Step 15: Plug all the wire connectors to the correct terminals on the new control board. Refer to your photo to confirm the original placement.
  • Step 16: Secure the wires on the bracket and retainer.
  • Step 17: Reattach the air pressure tube.
  • Step 18: Align the control panel with the rear panel, then push down until it snaps into place.
  • Step 19: Reinstall the screws on the rear panel.
  • Step 20: Reconnect all the hoses.
  • Step 21: Turn on the water supply and restore power to the washer.
What safety precautions should be taken while troubleshooting a washing machine?


When you’re repairing a washing machine, always unplug the power cord to prevent the risk of electric shocks and other mishaps. If you’re disassembling the washer and replacing components, you can wear protective gloves.
Depending on the repair, you might have to turn off the water supply valves and unplug the hoses to prevent unnecessary spills. 

Is it better to repair or replace a washer?


Most washing machine errors are minor. Typically, you won’t need professional technicians to repair or replace any components in your washer.
If you have a faulty component, it will usually cost less to get a replacement for that specific part instead of buying a new washer. However, if the main control board is defective, it can be quite expensive to replace.
In such cases, you might want to consider replacing your washer, especially if you’ve been using it for a decade or more.

When should a washing machine be serviced?


Any washing machine can benefit from regular monthly servicing as it helps minimize malfunctions and prevents existing issues from worsening. However, it can be quite expensive.
A budget-friendly alternative is to perform the routine care and maintenance yourself. By sticking to a cleaning schedule, you can reduce breakdowns and costly component damage.

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