Maytag makes some of the most reliable washers and is rightly loved by Americans. Mine has been through hundreds of sets of clothes and has proven to be a great purchase.
But despite its efficiency, sometimes, the washer will not start no matter what you do.
In this article, I will show you several ways to fix a Maytag washer that won’t turn on so that you can clean your next batch of clothes in no time.
Maytag Washer Won’t Start
A Maytag washer may not start due to incorrect settings or faulty parts like the motor, control lock, or timer. These issues can be fixed by replacing these parts.
You can take the following steps in case your washer is not starting.
1. Reset the washer
Modern Maytag washers are great machines that require little to no effort from the user’s side. What makes them so great is that they run their calculations digitally on algorithms.
Sometimes, these algorithms can fail due to many causes- maybe there was a sudden power spike, or you might have replaced a part incorrectly.
Before we move on to more complex and complicated methods, it is always best to try the more straightforward solutions first. This solution is to reset the washer.
The easiest way to do this is by unplugging the washer for about 5 minutes and then plugging it back in.
If this does not work, unplug it again and wait 10-30 minutes before plugging it back in. This usually resets the board and clears any errors.
You can press pause/cancel on the washer and pick the correct cycle. Then select start/pause to move it to the following process, using it to clear the hidden error code.
2. Turn off the control lock
One of the other possibilities that can cause the washer not to turn on is the control lock function being activated.
Your Maytag washer has this function to prevent accidental starts. It does this by locking all tasks on the control panel, including the start button, which lets you turn the dyer on.
The control lock feature can be turned on due to various reasons that you might not have known. However, it can also be turned off just as quickly:
- After plugging your Maytag washer into the wall, wait for the load and press the start button.
- If the washer’s control lock is activated, the control panel screen will display the letters’ CL’ or ‘LOC.’ Note that this depends on your washer’s year and model.
- To disable the control lock, press the ‘Cycle Signal’ button and hold it for 3 seconds, after which the letters from the control panel should go away.
3. Use the correct setting
Here is one more thing you need to check before we move on to replacing the washer’s parts. You might have the incorrect settings in your washer, which might cause it not to start.
Firstly, ensure that you haven’t accidentally turned-on Delay Start and forgotten about it. And if you have, check if it occupies your current cycle time.
Once clear, change your washer settings to reflect your load at the main control panel. Here, select ‘Adjust Cycles,’ which will display a range of wash settings for you to pick.
If the washer displays an error code during this process, you have an incorrect wash cycle set. You can also run a diagnostic test to find the root cause of the problem.
You can get into diagnostic mode by:
- Unplug your washer for about 30 seconds, then wait for two minutes.
- Turn the knob in this order Left-> Right-> Right-> Right-> Left -> Right
- Once all the lights are flashing, turn the knob to the right once, press start, and turn it to the right again.
- The washer will now be in ‘error code mode’ and display its error codes if any.
4. Replace the lid switch
All Maytag washers have a lid switch mechanism to prevent the washing machine from turning on when the lid is not securely in place.
It is also called the door switch, kick plate switch or lid lock. You should be able to identify when the lid is securely in place by listening for a ‘click’ when it is closed.
You can verify this by checking if the lid lock light is on. If it is off or blinking, a faulty lid switch might be why your Maytag washer isn’t starting.
Once you are sure that the lick lock mechanism is faulty, you can replace it by completely removing the upper console and pulling the lid lock unit out.
One thing you must remember while buying the replacement lid lock unit is to match it to the exact model of your Maytag. Since this might be confusing, you should let a technician take care of it.
5. Replace the control board, timer, or motor
Not sure when to replace the control board, timer, or the motor? Read on to find out.
Control Board
If you notice that some buttons on your Maytag washer work only sporadically while others do not when pressed, the issue might lie with a faulty control board.
This board is behind the control panel, at the top of the washer, and is responsible for starting functions like washing and drying in the machine.
Timer
Maytag washers have a timing system made up of timers, which control all washer functions like spinning and cycling. It is responsible for advancing the washer through its cycles.
The timer might be at fault if your washer doesn’t start or only works in some cycles but not in others. Replacing a timer assembly requires much knowledge and is best left to the professionals.
Motor
The drive motor or the rotor is the most critical element of any washer as it is the instrument powering it. It can get chipped away over years of use.
Suppose there’s a burning smell or a humming noise whenever you try to start your Maytag washer. In that case, a professional should check your motor out ASAP to avoid any more damage.
How Can I Know If My Maytag Washer Is Defective?
Although Maytag makes excellent machines known to stand the test of time, carelessness on the user’s part may make its lifetime shorter.
If you notice problems with your dryer, here are a few ways you can make sure that it is faulty and needs repair:
- The Maytag washer makes abnormal noises or vibrations during use.
- There is a burning smell when you try to start the dryer.
- The control panel shows fault codes or a light doesn’t stop blinking.
To avoid any more malfunctions in the future, I’ll give you a few tips to follow-
- Do not slam the door shut, and always be gentle. Being rough with the door might cause damage to the latch mechanism over time.
- To prevent blockages, clean the lint trap once a month and check for clogs in any vents and wall openings near your Maytag washer.
- Always plug your dryer directly into the wall, and do not use cord extensions. These can cause more harm to the washer than good.
- Make sure the water pressure in your house is within the recommended pressure for your washer
Final Remarks
A Maytag washer that doesn’t start when you want your clothes clean is not something you want to be stuck with. However, there are several easy fixes to overcome this-
- Reset the washer
- Turn off the control lock
- Use the correct setting
- Replace the lid switch
- Replace the control board, timer, or motor
My name is Rick Kinney and I am the founder of ExHandyman. I have worked as a handyman for many years, and fixing stuff is my greatest pleasure in life.