Maytag Dishwasher: not completing cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dishwasher not completing its cycle? This common issue can manifest as the machine stopping mid-wash or mid-rinse, often indicated by flashing lights or error codes. Understanding the root causes and potential fixes can help you get your dishwasher back in working order efficiently.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag official guidance emphasizes control resets for unresponsive or stalled cycles, highlighting control electronics as a common reset target.

Possible Causes

Control Board or Electronic Glitch

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops without apparent mechanical issue; error codes or unresponsive control panel visible; resetting power/controls sometimes restores function temporarily.

Part: Main control board / electronic control

Faulty Door Latch or Door Switch

How to Identify: Dishwasher halts mid-cycle and door may appear ajar or not fully latched; cycle stops immediately when door loses proper engagement.

Part: Door latch assembly / door switch

Drainage / Filter Blockage

How to Identify: Cycle stops during drain/rinse phases; water remains in bottom; debris visible in filter or drain pathway.

Part: Filter, drain hose, drain pump

Water Inlet / Water Supply Issue

How to Identify: Dishwasher slowly fills or fails to fill; cycle delays and stops due to insufficient water detection.

Part: Water inlet valve / supply line

Sensor or Thermal Protection Triggered

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops after overheating or incorrect water level detection; may exhibit extended filling/draining or unusual pauses.

Part: Water level sensor / thermal fuse / temperature sensor

DIY Solutions

Reset Control Panel/Power Cycle

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Press Cancel/Drain on control panel (if available) and let it drain.
  2. Turn off power by unplugging or switching off breaker for 1 minute.
  3. Restore power and start a new cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before touching electrical connections.

Clean Filter and Check Drain Path

Moderate 10–30 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver (if needed for access), soft brush, gloves
  1. Remove bottom rack to access filter assembly.
  2. Unscrew or twist filter out and rinse under warm water.
  3. Inspect drain hose for debris and gently clear blockages.
  4. Reassemble filter and run a rinse cycle to test.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before accessing internal components.

Verify Door Latch Engagement

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Open and firmly close the dishwasher door to ensure a secure latch.
  2. Check for debris in the latch area that might prevent proper closure.
  3. Observe if the door click is heard when closing.

Professional Repairs

Replace Main Control Board

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Replace Door Latch / Door Switch

Estimated Cost: $50–$150

Diagnose and Replace Sensors or Thermal Components

Estimated Cost: $80–$250

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher continues to stop mid-cycle after resetting and cleaning filters
Visible electrical faults or error codes persist
Internal components like control board or sensors need testing

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filters and drain weekly: Drain blockages leading to mid-cycle stops
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check door latch for wear: Door engagement issues causing early cycle termination
    Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not completing cycle?
Common causes include control board glitches, faulty door latches, and drainage issues.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not completing cycle myself?
Try resetting the control panel, cleaning the filter, or verifying door latch engagement.
How much does it cost to fix not completing cycle?
Professional repair costs range from $50 for a door latch to $400 for a main control board.
When should I call a technician for not completing cycle?
If DIY solutions fail or if you suspect complex issues like control board problems, contact a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

67%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Control board failure (3 mentions)
  • Electrical issues (wiring/connectors) (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the control board and repair wiring/connectors

    Success rate: 25.0%

  2. Power cycle the dishwasher to resolve error codes

    Success rate: 25.0%

  3. Purchase a new dishwasher

    Success rate: 0.0%
Analysis based on 4 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. Maytag MDB4949SHZ0 won’t complete a cycle
  2. Maytag/Whirlpool Dishwasher Self Repair
  3. Maytag Dishwasher Stops In 3 Minutes
  4. Maytag MDB4949SDH Dishwasher Won't Complete Cycle

Community Discussions

continuously running, countdown timer getting stuck

Replace the control board, repair wiring and connectors.

DIY View on Reddit →

Stops after 3 minutes in pre-wash cycle

Power cycle the dishwasher to resolve error codes.

DIY View on Reddit →

won’t complete a wash cycle

User ended up getting a new dishwasher.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!