Maytag Refrigerator: not staying powered on

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag refrigerator unexpectedly losing power or shutting down? This common issue can lead to food spoilage and requires immediate attention. If your fridge isn't cycling correctly or won't restart without intervention, it may be due to power supply problems, control board failures, or overheating from dirty coils. Act quickly to avoid more significant repairs.

Urgency: High

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag models can experience control board or compressor start relay issues leading to short cycles or shutdowns.

Possible Causes

Power supply issues

How to Identify: Unit loses power completely; internal light off; other appliances on same outlet don’t work; breaker tripped.

Part: Power cord / outlet / circuit

Control board or relay/component failure causing shutdown

How to Identify: Refrigerator powers on lights/fans but compressor doesn’t start or shuts off soon after; repeated clicking; random power loss pattern.

Part: Control board, start relay, capacitor

Overheating or protection shutdown due to dirty coils/poor ventilation

How to Identify: Runs briefly then shuts off, back hot to touch or dust-clogged coils; overheating protection triggers.

Part: Condenser coils/fan

Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor misreading

How to Identify: Incorrect temperature control, unit cycles off incorrectly; may run too briefly.

Part: Thermostat / thermistor

DIY Solutions

Check and secure power supply

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: none or basic tester
  1. Unplug refrigerator and inspect the power cord for damage.
  2. Test outlet by plugging another device to confirm power.
  3. Reset circuit breaker if tripped and ensure fridge is on a dedicated circuit.
⚠️ Safety First: Always unplug before inspecting power cord.

Clean condenser coils and ensure ventilation

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator.
  2. Locate condenser coils (rear or underneath unit).
  3. Carefully vacuum and brush to remove dust/debris.
  4. Ensure clearance around fridge for airflow and plug back in.
⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before cleaning to avoid shock.

Professional Repairs

Replace control board or start relay/capacitor

Estimated Cost: $150–$450

Electrical system inspection and outlet repair

Estimated Cost: $100–$300+

When to Call a Professional

Appliance fails to restart after checking power supply and coils
Frequent shutdowns continue and involve internal components (relay/control board)
Signs of electrical issues such as sparks or burning smell

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils: Overheating and thermal shutdowns
    Frequency: every 6–12 months
  • Check power cord and outlet condition: Unexpected power loss due to electrical issues
    Frequency: annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Refrigerator not staying powered on?
Common causes include power supply issues, control board failure, and overheating from dirty coils.
How do I fix Maytag Refrigerator not staying powered on myself?
Start by checking the power supply and cleaning the condenser coils for better ventilation.
How much does it cost to fix not staying powered on?
Professional repair costs range from $100 to $450, depending on the needed service.
When should I call a technician for not staying powered on?
Call a technician if DIY fixes don't work, or if the problem persists, as it may indicate a serious issue.

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

  • Loose or damaged power cord connections
  • Faulty power outlet or circuit breaker issues
  • Defective control board or thermostat

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check and secure the power cord connections at the back of the refrigerator. Ensure the cord is not damaged and is firmly plugged into the outlet.

  2. Test the power outlet by plugging in another appliance. If the outlet is not working, check the circuit breaker and reset it if necessary.

  3. Inspect the control board and thermostat for any visible signs of damage or malfunction. If defective, replace the control board or thermostat.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag refrigerator turning entirely off and on when shaken.

Community Discussions

turning entirely off and on when shaken

Check the power cord connections at the back of the refrigerator.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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