Maytag Washing Machine: unusual odor, excessive noise, display issue

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Experiencing unusual odors, excessive noise, or display issues with your Maytag washing machine? These problems often stem from mildew buildup, mechanical wear, or unbalanced loads. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Maytag Models

  • Maytag recommends using HE detergent and running Clean Washer cycles regularly to prevent odors; flashing lights often indicate stored error codes that can be interpreted per model manual.

Possible Causes

Mildew and residue buildup causing musty or unpleasant odor

How to Identify: Smell is musty or moldy, odor persists after wash cycles, visible residue around gasket or in dispenser

Part: Drum, gasket, detergent dispensers

Mechanical wear on drum bearings, drive pulley, or drive belt causing excessive noise

How to Identify: Loud rumbling, grinding, or roaring during spin cycles, inconsistent drum motion

Part: Tub bearing, drive pulley, drive belt

Unbalanced load or improper leveling causing noise

How to Identify: Noise predominantly during spin, heavy vibration, machine rock, noise reduces after redistributing clothes

Part: Load distribution, machine feet

Flashing lights or display error due to power reset or error codes

How to Identify: Display lights blink without apparent error code, may follow power outage or surge

Part: Control panel, control board

DIY Solutions

Run a clean washer cycle with appropriate cleaner

Easy 60 minutes
Tools Needed: Washer cleaner tablets or vinegar/bleach per manual
  1. Remove any laundry and debris from washer drum and gasket.
  2. Add appropriate washer cleaning agent (affresh or hot-water plus bleach/vinegar per manual).
  3. Run designated 'Clean Washer' cycle or a hot water cycle to thoroughly wash interior.
  4. Wipe down gasket and dispenser after cycle and leave door open to dry.
⚠️ Safety First: Do not mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners

Redistribute load and level washer

Easy 10 minutes
Tools Needed: Level (optional)
  1. Stop the cycle and open the washer door.
  2. Redistribute clothes to balance heavy and light items evenly.
  3. Check machine feet and adjust height to ensure the washer is level.
  4. Restart the cycle to verify noise reduction.
⚠️ Safety First: Turn off washer before adjusting leveling legs if necessary

Reset control panel for flashing or unresponsive display

Easy 5 minutes
  1. Unplug the washer or turn off its breaker for 5 minutes.
  2. Restore power and observe if lights reset normally.
  3. Check for specific error codes displayed and refer to manual for next steps.
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure power is safely disconnected before handling plug

Professional Repairs

Replace drum bearings or drive pulley

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

Control board or motor stator replacement

Estimated Cost: $150 - $400

When to Call a Professional

Burning smell persists after removing load and cleaning
Loud grinding or metal scraping noise during spin cycles
Display shows error codes that do not reset with power cycle
Water leaks or other mechanical failures in addition to odors or noise

Preventive Maintenance

  • Run Clean Washer cycle: Mildew odor buildup
    Frequency: monthly
  • Leave washer door open between uses: Moisture buildup and mildew growth
    Frequency: After each use

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Maytag Washing Machine unusual odor, excessive noise, display issue?
Common causes include mildew buildup, mechanical wear on parts, or unbalanced loads causing noise and odors.
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine unusual odor, excessive noise, display issue myself?
Run a clean cycle, redistribute your load for balance, or reset the control panel to address these issues.
How much does it cost to fix unusual odor, excessive noise, display issue?
Professional repairs typically range from $80 to $400, depending on the necessary parts and labor.
When should I call a technician for unusual odor, excessive noise, display issue?
If DIY solutions don't resolve the issue or if you notice severe mechanical problems, it's time to consult 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

  • Dirty or clogged drain pump filter causing odors and noise
  • Worn out or damaged drive belt leading to excessive noise
  • Faulty control board causing display issues and incorrect cycle completion

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Clean the drain pump filter: Unplug the washer, locate the drain pump filter (usually at the front bottom), remove it, clean any debris, and reassemble.

  2. Replace the drive belt: Unplug the washer, remove the back panel, inspect the drive belt for wear, and replace it if necessary.

  3. Inspect and replace the control board: Unplug the washer, access the control board, check for burnt components, and replace if needed.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

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

  1. Maytag on it's way out..what next?

Community Discussions

weird diesel smell while washing, loud noise, display stuck on one minute remaining

Recommendations for new washers include Speed Queen, LG, and Electrolux.

Pro needed View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair

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