Maytag Washer Error Codes: What Do They Mean?

One of the great benefits of modern appliances, such as washing machines, is that when an issue arises, they will display an error code to tell the user what the problem is. However, if you are unfamiliar with what each individual error code means, like most people, an error code is no help without a guide to explain them.

If you have a Maytag washer, this guide will help you make sense of the different numbers and letters that your Maytag washer may throw at you.

Read on for an explanation of the most common Maytag washer error codes.

This guide applies to most Maytag washers, including the following models:

A101

A102

A102S

A103

A103S

A104

LAT9416AAE

MAH3000AWW

MAH4000AWW

MAH5500BWW

MAH8700AWW

MAV6200AWW

MAV7600AWW

MHWE200XW00

MVWC300VW1

MVWC415EW2

MVWC6ESWW1

MVWX655DW1

PAV2200AWW

PAV2300AWW

PAVT234AWW

How to clear an error code

Aside from fixing the issue causing the error code, it is often possible to clear an error code by unplugging the washer for a few minutes. Depending on the issue, when you reconnect the power, the error code will often no longer be displayed (at least for now).

While the error code may have been cleared, if the issue remains, the error code will eventually appear again. It is important to fix the problem rather than trying to avoid it which will likely cause more damage to the washer or perhaps flood the laundry.

However, occasionally, an error code is caused by a control board glitch, in which case, disconnecting the power is all you need to do to fix the problem.

Error Codes for both top and front-loader Maytag Washers

SUD or SD (May appear as 5UD or 5D): Too many soap suds

If your Maytag washer detects excess soap suds, a SUD or SD error code will appear on the display. The washer may correct the issue itself if you leave it for a few minutes. If not, you will need to remove the soap suds yourself.

Excess soap suds are caused by using too much detergent or not using a high-efficiency (HE) detergent when the washer requires it. A buildup of detergent residue in the washer can also cause the problem.

Maytag Washer Front-Loader Error Codes

dET or DET: Detergent Cartridge Not Detected

If your Maytag washer uses detergent cartridges, you may have forgotten to put a cartridge in the dispenser, the cartridge may not be inserted correctly, or the dispenser may not be shut properly.

F5 E2: The door is not locking correctly

You will need to inspect the door lock to resolve this issue. It may be as simple as shutting the door properly, or you may need to replace the door lock.

Pressing the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once may also clear the error code.

F7 E1: Motor speed sensing error

It may be possible to resolve this issue by balancing the load or removing some items from the washer. Pressing the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once can also clear the error code.

If the washer has been recently installed, the error code can be caused by the shipping bolts that keep the tub in place during shipping not being removed.

F8 E1 or LO FL: Low water flow

This error code is triggered when the washer is not receiving enough water. The water supply to the washer may be turned off, or the hot and cold water inlet valve filters may be clogged. The error code can be cleared by pressing Pause or Cancel twice, then the power button once.

F8 E2: Problem with the dispenser system

The detergent drawer will need to be checked to resolve this issue. Typically, the issue is caused by too much detergent residue in the detergent drawer, so the drawer will need to be cleaned to stop the error code from occurring.

F9 E1: Drain times are longer than expected

The washer is taking too long to drain (usually more than eight minutes). The issue is likely caused by a blocked drain hose or a defective drain pump. Using the wrong detergent or a kink in the drain hose can also cause the issue. A repair technician may be required to diagnose and fix the problem.

Int: The cycle has been paused or canceled

If you see this error code, the washer may take 20 to 30 minutes to stop spinning and drain. If unpausing the washer or waiting for it to drain does not clear the error code, press the Pause or Cancel button twice and the Power button once. If the error code remains, disconnect the power to the washer for one minute to clear it.

LOC or LC: The control lock is on

If the control lock is on, the washer may not be able to start or change cycles. Disabling the control lock will solve the problem.

rL or F34: Items detected in the washer drum during a Clean Washer cycle

Remove items from the washer drum to resolve the error code.

Maytag Washer Top-Loader Error Codes

drn: The washer is not draining properly

The drain hose may be clogged or not installed to the correct specifications. There may also be a problem with the drain pump or a blocked internal filter.

F8 E1: The washer is not filling fast enough

See LF below.

HC: Hot and cold water inlet hoses not installed correctly

The cold water hose is connected to the hot water inlet on the washer and vice-versa. Connect the hoses correctly to fix the issue.

LdL: The washer lid is not locking

Check that the lid lock is not blocked and clean any detergent residue that may be around it. The lid lock may need to be replaced.

LdU: The washer’s lid cannot unlock

There is something on top of the washer that is preventing the lid lock from being able to unlock.

LF, Lo FL, or F8 E1: The washer is not filling fast enough

Check that the water supply to the washer is turned on, the hot and cold faucets are turned as far as they will go (completely open), and that water inlet valve filters are not clogged.

lid: The washer lid is not closed

Make sure the lid is properly closed to resolve the error code. If the error code remains, the lid assembly or lid switch may need to be replaced.

Ofb: The load is unbalanced

The washer will pause the cycle and try to rebalance the load itself. You can help clear the error code faster by removing some items or rebalancing the load yourself.

OL: The washer is overloaded

When the washer detects it is overloaded, it will initiate a drain cycle, and you will need to remove items and begin the wash cycle again (including adding detergent).

PF: There was a power failure during the wash cycle

Hold Start for ten seconds or press Power to clear the error code. Unplugging the washer for a few minutes should also fix the issue.

Other error codes

If your Maytag washer error code is not listed above, there is likely a more serious issue with a component inside the washer. Maytag advises that you check the washer’s manual and schedule a trained technician to troubleshoot the issue.