Maytag Dishwasher: not functioning

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag dishwasher not functioning? If you hear no sounds, see no lights, and the control panel is unresponsive, it may be due to common issues like a door not closing properly or a power supply problem. This guide will help you troubleshoot and fix your appliance effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag dishwasher will not operate if delay wash or control lock features are active; clearing these can restore normal function
  • Lower dish rack installed backward can prevent door from latching properly and thus dishwasher won’t start

Possible Causes

Door not fully closed or latched

How to Identify: Dishwasher won’t start and clicking sound not heard when door is shut; lower rack may block door closure.

Part: Door latch & switch

Power supply issue (breaker or outlet)

How to Identify: Dishwasher shows no power or lights; circuit breaker tripped or outlet not supplying power.

Part: Electrical supply/circuit breaker

Blown thermal fuse

How to Identify: Dishwasher has no response even with power and correct latch; thermal fuse may show no continuity on multimeter.

Part: Thermal fuse

Faulty control board

How to Identify: Dishwasher receives power but no functions engage; visible damage on board or after other causes eliminated.

Part: Main electronic control board

Defective wiring or harness

How to Identify: Intermittent or no start after inspecting harness for frayed/broken wires; continuity issues.

Part: Internal wiring harness

DIY Solutions

Ensure door fully closes and latches

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Open dishwasher door and inspect lower rack position
  2. Push lower rack back fully so it does not block door closing
  3. Close door firmly until latch clicks

Clear control lock/delay wash settings

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Check control panel for lock indicator
  2. Press appropriate sequence to disable control lock/delay (e.g., CANCEL/DRAIN then START/RESUME)
  3. Confirm display returns to normal

Reset dishwasher power

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Turn off dishwasher circuit breaker or unplug unit
  2. Wait 30–60 seconds
  3. Restore power and attempt to start
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure breaker is off before touching power sources

Inspect and test thermal fuse with multimeter

Moderate 30–45 minutes
Tools Needed: Multimeter, Screwdriver
  1. Disconnect power at breaker
  2. Remove control panel to locate thermal fuse
  3. Disconnect and test continuity with multimeter
  4. Replace fuse if no continuity and other causes ruled out
⚠️ Safety First: Power must be off before internal access

Professional Repairs

Replace control board

Estimated Cost: $150–$400

Repair internal wiring harness

Estimated Cost: $100–$300

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher still doesn’t start after basic troubleshooting steps and DIY tests
Thermal fuse, control board, or wiring harness replacement required

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly check and clean door latch area: Failure to start due to latch blockage or debris
    Frequency: monthly
  • Perform periodic power resets: Minor control errors preventing start
    Frequency: every few months
  • Inspect wiring for damage annually: Unexpected wiring failure causing non-operation
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher not functioning?
Common causes include an unlatched door, power supply issues, or a blown thermal fuse.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher not functioning myself?
Ensure the door is closed properly, reset power, and clear control locks.
How much does it cost to fix not functioning?
Professional repairs can cost between $100 to $400 depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for not functioning?
If DIY solutions fail or if issues like a faulty control board arise, consider a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Whirlpool or Maytag recommended for DIY repairs due to parts availability

    Success rate: 25.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. DIshwasher: Maytag Vs Bosch 300 (lowes) vs Bosch 500
  2. Most repairable dishwasher?

Community Discussions

broken down

Whirlpool or Maytag recommended for DIY repairs due to parts availability.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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