How to Fix Maytag Washer Control Board Issues?
Recently, washers have become part of our daily lives, and Maytag washers offer all the features that homeowners want. But, sometimes when using it, you might encounter issues with its control board.
In general, Maytag washer control board issues include not responding to touch or buttons, weird behavior, defective parts, and power issues. While some of these issues are easy to fix, others require experience and advanced knowledge.
However, here we’ve outlined the troubleshooting and fixing procedures in a way that you can easily follow without any prior experience. So, let’s get started.
Troubleshooting and Fixing Maytag Washer Control Board Issues?
The control boards in Maytag washing machines are compact electronic circuits responsible for overseeing the majority of the appliance’s operations. They receive input from user-configured settings and process these inputs.
However, due to several reasons, the control board can malfunction and prevent the washer from functioning normally.
So let’s check out some common control board issues with their troubleshooting and fixing methods.
1. No response to touch or buttons
In a Maytag washing machine, users basically set or change different settings using buttons or touchpads.
But when the control panel is locked or the control board becomes damaged or malfunctions it can’t analyze and doesn’t respond to any inputs/commands. As a result, you can’t operate or even start your washer.
To solve this issue, first ensure that the control panel is not locked. In some models, you can activate or disengage a control lock by pressing and holding a specific button. Check your user manual to know about it.
Besides, sometimes, by resetting the control board you can easily solve this issue. To do it, unplug the washer from the power source and after 3 minutes plug it in again.
But if it doesn’t work, then unplug it for 10 minutes and plug it again.
2. Weird behavior
Sometimes the Maytag control board behaves erratically like showing the different error codes without any reason, lights blinking or flashing erratically, or making noises, etc.
Usually, this issue arises when the control board can’t communicate with the washer’s different parts, gets multiple false commands, or does not understand your command.
**Here, if the main control board fails to communicate with the motor control board, the Maytag Maxima shows an F6E1 error code. It also shows F6E2 or F6E3 error codes if the communications fail with the user interface control.
**N.B.: Depending on the model, these codes may vary
Besides, if any of its parts are damaged or a software glitch, the control board can behave like this. Here, along with the control board, the washing machine also behaves weirdly.
Some common weird behaviors are:
- The washer gets stuck in the middle of a cycle and won’t complete it.
- When the washer is turned on or a cycle is run, it cycles on/off continuously every minute or two.
- The washer automatically shuts off after starting.
In this situation, to solve this issue, first, you have to reset it ( previously we mentioned it ). If the problem is caused by a minor glitch, resetting it will solve this issue.
But, if it exists, then carefully inspect the control/settings buttons and find out if any buttons are pressed. Due to long usage, these buttons’ surroundings become filled with dirt and when you press them they don’t pop back up.
**Most of the time, this issue occurs with the on-off switch, which is why the washing machine shuts down soon after it is turned on.
So, try to find those buttons, clean their surroundings, and make sure they aren’t stuck.
However, if the buttons look fine but the weird behavior exists, then there may be a problem with the connections of the control board. Check the next steps to troubleshoot it.
3. No lights or signs of power on the control board
This is another common issue with the Maytag control board which basically occurs because of faulty electrical connections, defective LEDs, and damaged components.
Additionally, if dirt or moisture somehow gets inside the control board, it disrupts the electrical connections and creates this type of issue.
To solve this, first open the control panel and carefully inspect the circuit board as well as check the LEDs that weren’t on.
Here, if you notice any moisture or dirt, then clean it using a soft brush or cotton cloth but if any LED is found faulty, replace it.
Moreover, due to prolonged use and exposure to a damp environment, some connection terminals may become rusted. In this case, clean them thoroughly or replace them if necessary.
4. Power-related issue
The Maytag washers’ control board distributes power throughout the washer to operate several functions. But when this board can’t get enough power or somehow malfunctions, it can’t do it properly.
To solve this issue, first make sure that the control board is getting enough power. So inspect the power cord and make sure it’s totally fine.
Then make sure that the power cord is securely plugged into a working power outlet and the circuit breaker isn’t tripped.
Also, Check the AC line connections at the control panel to ensure they are not loose or damaged and are in good condition. Next, check the fuse in the control board. If the fuse is blown, replace it. This will cost around $2-$4.
Most of the time this will solve the control board’s power-related issues.
5. Dead or not responding
This is considered the most serious issue on a Maytag washer control board. In fact, control boards are the brains of a washer and it’s made with a lot of tiny SMD components like resistors, transistors, diodes, capacitors, ICs, etc.
When any of these components become damaged or blown, the control board stops working or shows several issues which we already mentioned above.
**Additionally, when a control board fails, the Maytag Maxima washer shows several error codes on its control panel. These error codes are F1E1, F1E2, and F2E3.
**N.B.: Depending on the model, these codes may vary.
In this case, to troubleshoot it, take out the control board and look for any burned or discolored components.
If you see any, these will need to be replaced. But, if you don’t have enough knowledge it’s best to take it to an expert mechanic.
Remember, any minor issues can be easily solved by replacing the defective parts. But if the problem is severe and cannot be fixed, you may need to install a new one. This may cost around $400 to $600.
Follow this video to learn how to replace it:
How Do You Prevent Maytag Washer Control Board Issues?
You might have realized by now that if there is a problem with the control board of the Maytag washing machine, the whole machine becomes unusable. It’s a big issue if you live somewhere where it’s hard to find technicians.
In this instance, the most important thing you can do is to take preventative measures so that you will not have to face such difficulties.
Here, the following tips might help you:
- Unplug the washer when you’re not using it
- Don’t use the control panel with a wet hand
- Keep the washing machine a clean and dry place
- If possible always try to use use a surge protector with your washing machine
- Don’t apply too much pressure on control buttons or touchpad
- If you spill detergent or other liquids on the control board, clean them up immediately
FAQs
Although we tried to cover the most common washer control board issue, you may be interested in knowing some other things related to it. Don’t worry, we’ve answered some of those questions in this FAQ section.
How Long Does It Take To Solve This Issue?
The time required to resolve these issues mostly varies depending on the specific causes. In most cases, simple fixes usually take a few minutes to hours, while more complicated repairs might take a whole day.
In Case Of A Control Board Issue, Is It Better To Fix It Or Replace It?
Usually, repairing or replacing a control board fully depends on the damage and the repair cost. Any minor issues can be repaired at a low cost. But, if the damage is severe or the board is old, it’s better to replace it.
What Error/Diagnostic Code Indicates Control Board Issues on Maytag Washer?
Diagnostic codes like 11, 18, 25, 34, 3E, 91, 92, 6, 15, and, Error codes like F1E1, F1E2, F6E1, F6E2, or F6E3, F7E1, F7E2 indicate control board issues. If your washer shows any of these codes, then immediately fix them.
Final words:
As every washing machine is made up of several tiny and sensitive electronic devices, they need extra care and maintenance. Otherwise, they’ll start showing several issues and finally stop working.
So whenever you notice any minor problem, you should fix them immediately. Because, in the long run, these minor issues will lead to serious ones.