Maytag Washing Machine: not functioning properly

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not functioning properly? Common issues include it failing to start, not responding to controls, or not completing cycles. This can manifest as no filling, spinning, or draining. Understanding the root causes can help you troubleshoot effectively and get your washer back to optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Some models require holding the Start button for several seconds to initiate a cycle.

Possible Causes

Lid or door not properly closed/latched

How to Identify: Washer does not start or respond; lid/door feels slightly ajar; no start unless door locks engage

Part: Lid/door latch and switch

Control Lock feature active

How to Identify: Control panel unresponsive; control lock light illuminated

Part: Control panel lock

Washer control needs resetting

How to Identify: Unresponsive controls or erratic behavior; no error codes; resetting power temporarily restores function

Part: Electronic control board

Faulty lid/door switch

How to Identify: No click when closing door; washer doesn’t detect closed door though visibly closed

Part: Door/lid switch assembly

Unbalanced or overloaded wash load

How to Identify: Washer starts cycle but stops mid-cycle or does not spin or drain; heavy items on one side

Part: Drum / load distribution

DIY Solutions

Ensure lid/door is fully closed and control lock is off

Easy 2-5 minutes
  1. Check that washer lid or front door is completely closed and latched.
  2. If a Control Lock light is on, deactivate it per your model's instructions (often by holding a specific button).
  3. Attempt to start a wash cycle again.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force the door closed if it feels blocked.

Reset washer control panel

Easy 10 minutes
  1. Unplug the washer or disconnect its power.
  2. Wait at least 5 minutes.
  3. Reconnect power and attempt to start a cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before touching electrical connections.

Redistribute laundry load

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Open the washer and redistribute clothes evenly around the drum.
  2. Remove some items if load seems heavy on one side.
  3. Restart the cycle or select a spin/drain cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not overload beyond manufacturer’s recommended capacity.

Professional Repairs

Replace faulty lid/door switch or latch mechanism

Estimated Cost: $30 - $120 (part)

Control board diagnostics and repair

Estimated Cost: $150 - $350

When to Call a Professional

Washer repeatedly fails to start after basic checks (lid/door, control lock, power reset).
Error codes appear that you cannot interpret or resolve.
Signs of electrical component failure (burn smell, sparks).

Preventive Maintenance

  • Regularly clean door/lid latch area: False open-lid detection and start issues
    Frequency: monthly
  • Avoid overloading washer drum: Unbalanced load‑related spin/drain failures
    Frequency: each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not functioning properly?
Common causes include a lid not closed, active control lock, or an overloaded wash load.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not functioning properly myself?
Check that the lid is latched, reset the control panel, or redistribute the laundry load.
How much does it cost to fix not functioning properly?
Professional repairs range from $30 to $120 for parts or $150 to $350 for control board diagnostics.
When should I call a technician for not functioning properly?
If DIY solutions fail or if the issue seems 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?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Replace the capacitor

    Success rate: 33.0%
Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Washing machine run capacitor toast?

Community Discussions

stopped working, doesn't do the usual spins, goes to done within 20 seconds

Replace the capacitor

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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