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  1. Repair
  2. Maytag
  3. Maytag Washer
  4. Symptom Center
  5. Washer not working

Maytag washer not working

Common reasons your Maytag washer is not working

The most common reasons your Maytag washer is not working are a jammed door lock assembly, malfunctioning electronic control board or a defective timer.

  • 67%

    67% of the time it's the
    Door Lock Assembly

  • 19%

    19% of the time it's the
    Electronic Control Board

  • 8%

    8% of the time it's the
    Timer

  • 6%

    6% of the time it's the
    Something else

Schedule your washer repair now!

We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 200,000 Maytag washers. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.

Call (646) 440-2692 or schedule online now.
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag washer

Door Lock Assembly Replacement

When a washer door lock assembly is jammed, you may encounter difficulty in opening or closing the washer door. The door may not latch properly, leading to issues in starting or completing a wash cycle. The washer might display an error code indicating a door lock problem. During operation, the door lock may make unusual clicking sounds or fail to engage, preventing the washer from starting. Additionally, if there is a malfunction, the door lock indicator light may not illuminate as expected. Users might notice water remaining in the drum even after the wash cycle has finished, indicating a potential problem with the door lock assembly preventing proper drainage.


How to replace the door lock assembly on a washer

Electronic Control Board Replacement

A malfunctioning electronic control board can lead to various failures in a washer. This is because the board serves as the brain of the washer, controlling crucial components such as the water valve, drive motor, drain pump, and cycles. If the electronic control board fails, the washer may not power up or display the cycle status. Additionally, it might fail to fill, agitate, spin, or drain. In some cases, a shorted board may emit a burning smell.

Timer Replacement

A defective washer timer can exhibit various erratic behaviors, impacting the normal operation of the washing machine. The timer might stall or not progress through the different stages of the cycle, causing the washer to get stuck at a particular point. A malfunctioning timer may also prevent the washer from starting or stopping, or cycles may pause unexpectedly. You might also hear unusual sounds or clicks coming from the timer’s internal cams and gears.

What would cause a Maytag washer to stop working?

When your Maytag washer is getting power but doesn't work, the lid or door switch may be bad. A failed timer, main electronic control board, user interface board or motor control board can also prevent a Maytag washer from starting. An error code on the washer will also prevent the machine from working.

Check the lid or door switch

Unplug the washer and check the lid or door switch for damage.

washer-lid-switch-replacement-part-image

Top-Load washer lid switch

Examine the lid switch and replace it if it’s damaged. Here’s a DIY repair video that shows how to replace the lid switch on an older Maytag washer:

For newer Maytag top-load washers manufactured after 2009, follow the procedure in this DIY video to replace the lid lock/switch assembly when it’s broken:

If you’re not completely confident that you can safely replace the lid switch on your own, schedule washer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician install a new lid switch for you.

whirlpool-washer-door-switch-part-image

Front-load washer door switch/lock assembly

When the door switch/lock assembly on your Maytag front-load washer is broken, replace the part using the basic procedure shown in this DIY video:

Your Maytag washer may differ slightly from the one shown in the video but the basic procedure for replacing the door lock/switch assembly is the same.

If you’re not completely confident that you can replace the door lock/switch assembly on your own, schedule service and we’ll send a technician to your home to install the part.

Check for an Error Code

Maytag washers with an electronic control system often signal an error code on the control panel display when the washer won't start.

If your washer display signals a code, use our washer error code charts to determine the cause of the code and fix the problem.

If you’re unable to determine the cause of the starting failure using the error code chart and the other troubleshooting tips provided above, schedule washer repair service to have a technician examine and fix your Maytag washer.

What to expect when you experience a Maytag washer not working issue

How is the not working problem fixed?

Correcting most not working problems usually involves replacing the door lock assembly, electronic control board or timer. However, there are many potential causes, so a thorough diagnosis is key to fixing the problem. An accurate diagnosis is essential to understanding how much the repair will be.

Sears Home Services recommendations for a washer that is not working

When the washer is not working it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts, we recommend scheduling Maytag washing machine repair with a local Sears Home Services professional who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the root cause of the problem. Our technicians are experienced at diagnosing all types of washer failures.

What to look out for with a washer not working diagnosis

Diagnosing modern appliances without proper knowledge and training can be difficult. Without using proper diagnostic techniques, fixing your washer problem will only be achieved through changing parts on a hunch. Appliances, especially in the last 10 years, have become extremely advanced, and many models have electronic parts that are difficult to test. DIY repairs on the latest appliance models are becoming increasingly difficult.

Maytag Washing Machine Not Working

When you find your Maytag washing machine not working, check the lid to make sure it’s fully closed. Some Maytag washers won’t start the cycle unless the lid switch detects that the lid is fully shut.

Check the lid strike to see if it’s broken or damaged. Replace that part if necessary.

Unplug the washer and check the lid switch mounting screws. Tighten those lid switch mounting screws if you find them loose.

Follow these steps to check the washer for power:

  1. Plug a small lamp or night light into the washing machine’s electrical outlet to see if it has electrical power.
  2. If the electrical outlet is dead, reset the house circuit breaker for the washer outlet.
  3. If this doesn’t restore power to the washing machine’s electrical outlet, have an electrician fix the outlet.

If these basic troubleshooting tips don’t help you resolve the problem with your Maytag washing machine not working, schedule washer repair service and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the problem.
A non-functioning Maytag washer means no lights, no spin, no water—in other words, no clean clothes. Repeated attempts can’t fix a truly dead system. Rather than a mounting hamper, trust a washing machine repair near me. Once revived, your Maytag regains its place in a smooth laundry routine.

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Glossary Terms

Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. It contrasts with soft water, which has lower concentrations of these minerals.

A washing machine pedestal is a platform that raises the washer off the ground, providing easier access to the appliances and often includes additional storage space such as drawers.

A washer tub is the interior part of a washing machine where clothes are placed for washing, typically made of stainless steel, plastic, or porcelain-coated metal, designed to hold water and withstand the agitation or spinning during the wash cycle.

Fabric softener is a laundry additive used to soften and freshen clothing, reduce static cling, and make fabrics feel smoother.

Additional possible Maytag washer symptoms you may experience