Maytag washer won't start cycle
Common reasons your Maytag washer won't start cycle
The most common reasons your Maytag washer won't start cycle are a malfunctioning electronic control board, jammed door lock assembly or a faulty user interface.
67% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board
19% of the time it's the
Door Lock Assembly
8% of the time it's the
User Interface Control
6% of the time it's the
Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a Maytag 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.
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.
User Interface Control Replacement
A faulty user interface control may become unresponsive and won’t allow you to change wash cycle settings or turn the washer on and off. In some failures, only one or two buttons or dials on the interface are affected, but in some cases the entire interface will be completely dead. Cycle status such as time remaining in the cycle won’t display properly on a defective user interface. Control keys or buttons on the user interface may also stick, causing the washer to exhibit inconsistent behavior, such as starting or stopping unexpectedly during a cycle. Error codes may also be present.
What to expect when you experience a Maytag washer won't start a cycle issue
How is the won't start a cycle problem fixed?
Correcting most won't start a cycle problems usually involves replacing the electronic control board, door lock assembly or user interface control. 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 won't start cycle
When the washer won't start a cycle it can be for many reasons. To avoid replacing unneeded parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional 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 won't start a cycle 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.
Why is my Maytag washer not starting the wash cycle?
When your Maytag washer is getting power but doesn't start, 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.
Check the lid or door switch
Unplug the washer and check the lid or door switch for damage.
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.
Front-load washer door switch/lock assembly
When the door switch/lock assembly on your Maytag 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.
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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.