Maytag Washing Machine: not working

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Maytag washing machine not working? If your washer is completely unresponsive, displaying no lights or control responses when you try to start a wash cycle, several issues may be at play. Common causes include power supply problems, a faulty door latch, or control panel errors. Understanding these factors can help you troubleshoot effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Some models display error codes and require holding the Start button for ~3 seconds; door lock mechanism on front load models may take ~10 seconds to engage after closure.

Possible Causes

Power supply or electrical issue

How to Identify: No lights, no sounds, outlet not supplying power, tripped breaker, blown fuse in home panel

Part: Power cord, outlet, circuit breaker

Door/lid latch or switch not engaged or faulty

How to Identify: Washer shows no start unless door is fully closed and engaged; front‑load models require firm door closure for lock to engage.(Product Help | Maytag

Part: Door/lid switch or latch assembly

Control Lock or incorrect settings preventing start

How to Identify: Control Lock indicator illuminated, Start delay or incorrect cycle selected; requires holding Start button ~3 seconds.(Product Help | Maytag

Part: Control panel settings

Faulty control panel or user interface

How to Identify: Control panel unresponsive, buttons not registering, lights flickering or no response; cleaning contacts might help.

Part: Control panel / interface

Failed internal component (thermal fuse/control board)

How to Identify: Machine remains unresponsive after power resets and lid/door properly closed; requires diagnostic testing.

Part: Thermal fuse or main control board

DIY Solutions

Check and Restore Power

Easy 5–15 minutes
Tools Needed: Circuit tester or plug‑in appliance tester
  1. Inspect washer power cord for damage and ensure it is fully plugged into a working outlet.
  2. Test outlet with another device or multimeter to confirm power.
  3. Check home circuit breaker/fuse panel; reset any tripped breakers and replace any blown fuses.
⚠️ Safety First: Always avoid working with live electrical circuits; cut power at panel before touching exposed wiring.

Ensure Door/Lid Is Fully Closed and Latched

Easy 2–5 minutes
  1. Open and close the washer door or lid firmly, ensuring it engages the latch.
  2. Inspect latch area for clothing or debris preventing full closure.
  3. For front load washers, wait ~10 seconds after closing for the latch lock to engage before starting cycle.

Reset Control Panel

Easy 10–20 minutes
  1. Unplug the washer from the outlet or shut off its breaker.
  2. Wait at least 5 minutes to let internal capacitors discharge.
  3. Plug back in and attempt to start a cycle, holding the Start button as recommended (~3 seconds).
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is off before disconnecting.

Disengage Control Lock and Correct Settings

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Check control panel for Control Lock or Lock indicators and follow model’s specific method to deactivate.
  2. Ensure a wash cycle is selected correctly and hold the Start button for the required time.
  3. Refer to your owner’s manual to confirm correct button sequence for your model.

Clean Control Panel Contact Pads

Moderate 30–45 minutes
Tools Needed: Screwdrivers, Isopropyl alcohol, Cloth
  1. Unplug the washer from power.
  2. Remove control console cover to access user interface contacts.
  3. Clean corrosion or residue on contact pads with alcohol and allow to dry.
  4. Reassemble and test panel responsiveness.
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before opening control panel to avoid shock.

Professional Repairs

Replace Door/Lid Switch or Latch Assembly

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150

Control Panel or Main Control Board Replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400+

Thermal Fuse or Internal Electrical Component Replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

No response after all DIY power and panel resets
Visible electrical burning smell or smoke
Repeated fuse blows or breaker trips
Error codes persist after troubleshooting

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean and test door/lid latch regularly: Issues where washer does not detect closed door
    Frequency: monthly
  • Run occasional control panel reset: Control panel lockups and unresponsive interface
    Frequency: every few months

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine not working?
Common causes include power supply issues, a faulty door latch, or control panel errors.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine not working myself?
Check power supply, ensure the door is closed, reset the control panel, and clean contact pads.
How much does it cost to fix not working?
Professional repair costs range from $50 for a door latch to over $400 for a control panel replacement.
When should I call a technician for not working?
If DIY solutions don't work or if you suspect a complex internal issue, 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?

100%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: DIY

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Measure the volume of the washer tub to determine capacity.

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

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

  1. How do I figure out the capacity of an old washing machine I...

Community Discussions

stopped working

Measure the volume of the washer tub to determine capacity.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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