Maytag Washing Machine: not starting

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not starting? This issue may manifest as a completely unresponsive unit or one that appears powered but won't initiate a wash cycle. Common causes include a faulty door switch or electronic control board failure. Understanding these problems can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Some models require holding the Start button for up to ~3 seconds to initiate cycle.

Possible Causes

Faulty door/lid switch or lock assembly preventing start

How to Identify: Washer won’t start and may indicate door not closed; front‑load models may show door lock errors; no start until door fully engages

Part: Door/lid switch or lock assembly

Electronic control board failure

How to Identify: Washer unresponsive or fails to start and control panel doesn’t respond; error codes related to control board; intermittent electrical behavior

Part: Electronic control board

Start/Control panel or user interface malfunction

How to Identify: Buttons unresponsive or stuck; display doesn’t register cycle selection; control lock might be enabled

Part: Control panel / user interface

Line or thermal fuse blown

How to Identify: No power to washer or blown fuse on continuity test; underlying short present

Part: Line fuse / thermal fuse

Faulty timer or motor control board

How to Identify: Older models with mechanical timer may fail to advance; no start, tested lack of continuity

Part: Timer / motor control board

DIY Solutions

Check door/lid closure and lock

Easy 5-10 minutes
  1. Ensure washer door/lid fully closes and latches.
  2. Clean around door catch to remove obstructions.
  3. Attempt a restart and listen for lock engagement sound.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not force the door closed if it feels stuck.

Reset control board

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Unplug washer or shut off power at breaker.
  2. Wait 2–5 minutes.
  3. Restore power and attempt to start a cycle.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before unplugging.

Professional Repairs

Replace door/lid switch or lock assembly

Estimated Cost: $40 - $150 parts

Electronic control board replacement

Estimated Cost: $100 - $400 parts

Control panel/user interface repair or replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $300 parts

When to Call a Professional

Electric components fail continuity testing (door switch, fuses)
Control board or user interface shows visible damage or does not respond after reset
Error codes indicate internal electronic faults

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean door latch and seal area: Debris buildup that can interfere with door switch operation
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run maintenance wash and inspect control panel: Control board and electronic glitches
    Frequency: quarterly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not starting?
Common reasons include a faulty door/lid switch, electronic control board failure, or a malfunctioning control panel.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not starting myself?
Check if the door/lid is properly closed and reset the control board by unplugging the washer for 2-5 minutes.
How much does it cost to fix not starting?
Professional repair costs range from $40 to $400 depending on the issue, like replacing the door switch or control board.
When should I call a technician for not starting?
If basic troubleshooting fails or if you suspect a faulty control board or complex electrical issue, it's time to call 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

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Lid switch malfunction (2 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Restarting the cycle

    Success rate: 33.0%

  2. Replacing the lid switch

    Success rate: 33.0%
Analysis based on 2 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Help! Maytag washer circa 1985
  2. I changed the suspension springs and the leveling spring on ...

Community Discussions

machine seems dead, tub is full

Restarting the cycle resolved the issue.

DIY View on Reddit →

motor won't start

The lid switch was broken during the repair process.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

User Comments (0)

Share your experience or solution below.

Be the first to comment!