Maytag Dishwasher: randomly starts wash cycle, stops mid-cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing issues with your Maytag dishwasher? It may randomly start a wash cycle without your input and then stop mid-cycle, often accompanied by erratic lights or behavior. This can disrupt your cleaning routine and leave your dishes unwashed. Understanding the potential causes can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag support specifically suggests resetting control power to address mid-cycle stopping and other control symptoms. (producthelp.

Possible Causes

Faulty control panel / touchpad or electrical glitch

How to Identify: Random cycle starts or stops, unresponsive buttons, random lights flashing, symptoms persist after resetting.

Part: Control panel / user interface board

Internal control board (main PCB) malfunction

How to Identify: Cycle stops mid-process without error code; resetting the dishwasher does not solve; visible signs of board damage or burnt components.

Part: Main control board

Water inlet / supply issues

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops because it detects no or insufficient water; may display fill-related error if equipped.

Part: Water inlet valve

Door latch or switch problem

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops when door is not fully latched; cycle may stop as safety reaction; doors may appear closed but not fully engaged.

Part: Door latch and safety switch

DIY Solutions

Reset dishwasher control

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Turn off the dishwasher and disconnect power at the breaker or unplug unit.
  2. Wait 30–60 seconds.
  3. Reconnect power and attempt a new cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before disconnecting.

Professional Repairs

Replace control panel/touchpad or main control board

Estimated Cost: $150 - $450

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher continues to start or stop erratically after resetting.
Unresponsive or damaged control panel/buttons.
Signs of electrical damage or burning inside control components.

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean and inspect door latch and control buttons: Unintended button signals and latch-related cycle interruptions
    Frequency: every 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher randomly starting wash cycle and stopping mid-cycle?
Common causes include a faulty control panel, internal control board malfunction, water supply issues, or door latch problems.
How do I fix my Maytag Dishwasher that randomly starts wash cycle and stops mid-cycle?
Try resetting the dishwasher by turning it off, disconnecting power for 30-60 seconds, then reconnecting and starting a new cycle.
How much does it cost to fix a dishwasher that randomly starts wash cycle and stops mid-cycle?
Professional repairs typically range from $150 to $450, depending on whether the control panel or main control board needs replacing.
When should I call a technician for my dishwasher's issue?
If the issue persists after a reset or if you're uncomfortable troubleshooting electrical components, it's best to call a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

75%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty control board causing erratic behavior
  • Loose or damaged wiring connections within the dishwasher
  • Defective door latch preventing proper cycle completion

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect and secure all wiring connections. Open the dishwasher and check for any loose or damaged wires. Tighten connections and replace any damaged wires.

  2. Reset the dishwasher by turning off the power at the circuit breaker for 5 minutes, then restore power and test the appliance.

  3. Replace the control board. Disconnect power, remove the old control board, and install the new one following the manufacturer's instructions.

  4. Check the door latch for damage or misalignment. If faulty, replace the door latch to ensure it closes properly during operation.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag Dishwasher [MDBH979SAM1] starting on its own

Community Discussions

starts wash cycle randomly, stops halfway through wash cycle

Resetting the breaker may help; if not, replacing the control board is a potential solution.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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