Maytag Dishwasher: stops mid-cycle

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag Dishwasher stopping mid-cycle, leaving dishes unwashed? This frustrating issue can occur unexpectedly and may involve several underlying causes, such as power interruptions, faulty door latches, or clogged filters. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective troubleshooting.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Official Maytag guidance highlights door interruptions, power outages, and error codes; specific error code diagnostics from Maytag manual may help pinpoint issues

Possible Causes

Power interruption or control reset

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops abruptly with no error codes; may resume after power reset or after opening/closing door.

Part: Electrical system / control board

Faulty door latch or door switch

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops mid-cycle and may indicate door is open; door doesn’t latch securely or cycle won’t resume until door is firmly closed.

Part: Door latch assembly / door switch

Water inlet valve issues (restricted or failing)

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops after fill stage or runs unusually long; inadequate water leads to shutdown or error codes.

Part: Water inlet valve

Clogged filter or drainage issues

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops mid-cycle with water remaining in bottom; drainage errors or unusual pauses.

Part: Filter / Drain hose / Drain pump

Control board or touchpad failure

How to Identify: Dishwasher stops unpredictably, buttons unresponsive, error codes or no indication; resetting sometimes temporarily fixes.

Part: User control board / main control board

Overheating / thermal safety cut-off

How to Identify: Dishwasher halts after extended run or heating phase; may not resume until cooled.

Part: Thermal fuse / high limit thermostat

DIY Solutions

Reset dishwasher control

Easy 5–10 minutes
  1. Turn off power to the dishwasher by unplugging or tripping circuit breaker for ~30 seconds
  2. Restore power and attempt to restart the cycle
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before accessing control panel

Inspect and secure door latch

Moderate 15–30 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdriver, multimeter (optional)
  1. Open dishwasher and inspect door latch area for debris or misalignment
  2. Ensure latch closes smoothly and engages the door switch
  3. Test door switch continuity with a multimeter; replace if faulty
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before testing electrical components

Clean filter and check for clogs

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: Warm water, soft brush
  1. Remove bottom rack and locate dishwasher filter
  2. Clean filter of debris and rinse thoroughly
  3. Check drain hose for obstructions
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off dishwasher power before cleaning

Professional Repairs

Replace water inlet valve

Estimated Cost: $40–$120

Replace control board or touchpad

Estimated Cost: $100–$300+

Replace door latch/switch assembly

Estimated Cost: $30–$100

When to Call a Professional

Dishwasher stops with error codes and diagnostics needed
Control board or harness wiring suspected
Water inlet valve or pump replacement required
Electrical issues like tripping breakers recur

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean filter and drain regularly: Drain clogs causing mid-cycle stops
    Frequency: monthly
  • Check door latch for wear: Unexpected stops due to door switch failure
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Dishwasher stops mid-cycle?
Common causes include power interruptions, faulty door latches, and water inlet valve issues.
How do I fix Maytag Dishwasher stops mid-cycle myself?
You can reset the control, inspect the door latch, and clean the filter to troubleshoot.
How much does it cost to fix stops mid-cycle?
Professional repairs can range from $30 to $300+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for stops mid-cycle?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if it's complex, consider contacting a technician.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Faulty heating element causing the dishwasher to stop mid-cycle
  • Clogged or malfunctioning drain pump preventing proper drainage
  • Defective door latch or door switch causing interruption in operation

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Inspect the heating element for continuity using a multimeter. If it's defective, replace it with a new one. Ensure power is off before starting.

  2. Check the drain pump for clogs or debris. Remove any blockages and test the pump for functionality. Replace if necessary.

  3. Examine the door latch and switch for proper operation. Replace the latch or switch if it's faulty or not engaging properly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag dishwasher stops mid-cycle with blink code

Community Discussions

stops mid-cycle with blink code

Likely a heating element issue; inspect and possibly replace the heating element.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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