Maytag washer won’t start? Well, you’re in luck! We’ve put together a full guide on how to troubleshoot and repair this common problem. If your Maytag washer stops working or not starting, there are a few things you should check before calling for professional help. If you’re handy with basic home repairs and can handle small appliances, you’re probably able to fix the problem yourself.
When the washer won’t turn on, it can be a total frustration. But before we go any further, make sure you have the time to diagnose and fix whatever is wrong with the machine. Some issues, like a tripped circuit breaker or a failed power supply, are easy enough to remedy. Other problems — like a broken door switch or faulty control panel — will require you to take the washer apart and possibly even replace an internal component.
| Problem | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Incoming Power Problem | Faulty power supply, outlet, or circuit breaker | Check power supply, test outlet, reset circuit breaker |
| Do a Hard Reset | Various issues causing the washer to malfunction | Unplug the machine and follow the reset process |
| Maytag Washer Start Button Stuck | Foreign material stuck around the start button | Apply light pressure or tap around the button to dislodge the material |
| Control Lock is Turned ON | Control lock feature activated | Deactivate the control lock feature by pressing the appropriate button |
| Incorrect Washer Settings | Wrong settings, delay start, or error code | Adjust settings, check for error codes, run diagnostic test |
| Faulty Lid Switch | Broken or malfunctioning lid switch | Check and replace the lid switch if necessary |
| Defective Control Board | Malfunctioning user control board | Access the control board, check for defects, replace if needed |
| Broken Timer | Damaged timer mechanism or components | Replace the entire timer assembly |
| Faulty Motor | Issues with the motor or related components | Seek professional assistance for repair or replacement |
Maytag Washer Won’t Start – Troubleshoot and Diagnosis
When your Maytag washer does not start, you probably start searching for answers immediately. Fortunately, recognizing the source of starting problems to identify the root cause of your Maytag washer problems is a simple process.
Incoming Power Problem
Washing machine troubleshooting is one of the most common complaints that plagues appliance owners. There are many moving parts in a washing machine, and things can easily go wrong. The first thing to check when you find your Maytag washer won’t turn on is the power supply. There are a few ways to check if power is getting to your Maytag washing machine and fix the problem.
The washer is plugged in and not getting power. To test this, plug another appliance in the same outlet to make sure voltage is adequate. If you’re unsure whether an outlet is working, use a multimeter to test it. If you don’t have a multimeter, try plugging in another appliance like a lamp or your cellphone. An outlet that works will light up and the device should charge.
If the outlet is faulty, you may need to replace it. Most outlets in the United States are wired to provide 110-120V AC, alternating current. You can test this by plugging a lamp into the outlet and checking if it turns on. If it doesn’t, your outlet may be faulty or overloaded. You may also test this by plugging another appliance into the outlet to make sure it’s providing power.
If your washer is not getting power, check the circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, set it to the on position. Wait 5 seconds and try the switch again.
Do a Hard Reset
If you’ve tried everything and your washing machine is still not working, you may need a hard reset to put it back into operation.
This is how to properly reset a Maytag washer:
Step 1: Unplug the machine.
Step 2: Press and hold the POWER/START button for 5 seconds.
Step 3: Hold down the PLAY/PAUSE button for 5 seconds.
Step 4: Plug the machine back in and press POWER to restart.
Maytag Washer Start Button Stuck
If you need to repair your Maytag washing machine start button or any other appliance or electronic device, apply light pressure to the regions around the start button. You can also tap the areas around the button; this may help dislodge any foreign material that might be stuck between the button and make it function normally again.
Control Lock is Turned ON
Your Maytag washer has a Control Lock feature to prevent you from using it when plugged in. It may be activated by either pressing the Lock/Unlock button or pressing the Start button for three or more seconds. The Control Lock feature locks all functions to prevent an accidental start. To disable this feature, turn the lock off by pressing it again for three seconds or hold down the Start button until all the display lights go off.
When you need to deactivate the Control Lock feature on the washer, press and hold the power button for 5 seconds to deactivate. If this does not work, press and hold one of the following buttons for 10 seconds to deactivate: “Delay” or “Delay/Extra Rinse.
Incorrect Washer Settings
If your washer won’t start, there are a few things to check. If you have Delay Start activated, make sure that’s not occupying the time you wanted your cycle to run. Also, make sure your washer door is closed and that you’ve selected the right setting for your wash load. To change the settings in your washing machine, select “Adjust cycles” from the main menu on the display screen.
The washing machine displays an error code, which impacts the amount of time it takes to run and the cycle selected. Select a different cycle or run a diagnostic test from the control panel. If necessary, refer to your owner’s manual. For troubleshooting, press the Start button for at least three seconds, which turns on the washing machine and initiates the wash cycle.
Faulty Lid Switch
“Lid switch” is the generic name for the mechanism that prevents a clothes washer from turning on when the lid isn’t in place. The switch may be called something else by a particular brand, such as “door switch” or “kick plate switch.” The sensor is usually located near an access door for a clothes washer.
Check the door switch — Remove any clothing from the washer and look for a small plastic tab. Sometimes this tab breaks off and gets stuck in the door hinge. Use a flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic tab from your Maytag washer’s door hinge.
If your Maytag washer fails to start, the lid switch might be broken. To test if it’s working correctly, close the washer lid; don’t hear a click? The lid switch may be responsible for your Maytag washer not starting and needs to be replaced.
Defective Control Board
Maytag washers typically have a user control board — also called a display board — that can be defective. The board is located on the inside top of the washer, behind the panel that has lighted buttons for functions like washing and drying. If a button isn’t responding when it’s pressed, it’s usually due to a defect on this board. Some buttons will only work sporadically; others won’t work at all.
To access the user control board, unplug the washer and remove the three screws holding the control panel. Use a multi-meter to check continuity on all wires and check that wires are not burned through. If there is no continuity or the wire is found to be burned, then a new user control board is needed.
Broken Timer
The timing system of a Maytag washer is made up of timers, which control the spinning and washing functions of a machine. The timer advances the washer through its cycles until the cycle is complete. In addition, the timer also monitors and maintains the water level in the tub by continuously adding water to compensate for lost water due to evaporation or drainage.
The timer mechanism in multiple-cycle Washers also consists of gears and springs that can break. If a gear or spring breaks, your washer will still advance through some cycles but not others. Or it may not turn on at all.
Repairing a washing machine component requires a lot of experience and knowledge. Even if just one timer component is broken, the entire timer assembly should be replaced. The repair process can be time-consuming, and it’s important to have a professional do it for you.
Faulty Motor
A humming motor is a telltale sign of a washer on its way towards the repair shop. The cause can be many things — such as a build-up of lint or the buildup of calcium deposits in the water line — but it’s not worth tackling at home. Older washers have been known to have worn out main pumps, bearings, and sometimes even switches and circuit boards.
Most washers have a motor installed near the bottom of the tub area. If you need to access the motor, you will need a multimeter (or some technical knowledge), or you can replace it — as a last resort — with an exact replacement. This repair is best left to professionals; if you cannot find one in your area, contact the store where you purchased your appliance.
Hi there! I’m Sam Hendricks, and I’m a repair technician and expert. I created this website to help people like you save money and time by fixing your own appliances.
Over the years, I’ve seen people spend a lot of money on unnecessary repairs or replacements. That’s why I decided to share my expertise and create easy-to-follow guides for fixing appliances on your own.