What Is Maytag Washer LO FL- How To Fix?
Are you experiencing a Lo Fl code flashing on your Maytag washer display? For this code, your washer might fail to work nominally, resulting in a bad laundry day.
The Lo Fl error code means your Maytag washer is not receiving a sufficient amount of water inside the drum to run the task. This could happen for several major or minor causes including valve issues, pressure sensor faults, etc.
Nevertheless, you must know how to fix the Maytag washer Lo Fl error code preliminary to avoid additional expenses.
What Does Lo Fl Means In Maytag Washer?
Maytag washers have a preprogrammed control board. It is meant to supervise all the electricals of the washer to ensure optimum performance.
The “Lo FL” or “Low Flow” error code in your washer is a diagnostic code signaling an issue concerning the water supply system.
When this error code is displayed on the washer’s display, it shows a problem when the washer chamber is not receiving a sufficient amount of water.
It also means that water is not flowing into the machine at a nominal rate. This error code is crucial for your washer’s optimum functionality and ensures the overall effectiveness of the cleaning process.
What Causes “Lo Fl” Error Code In Maytag Washer?
The “Lo FL” or “Low Flow” error code in your Maytag washer models, can be triggered by various causes which are related to the water inlet system. Some of the most common causes you should know about include:
- Clogged Water Inlet Filter
- Problem With Water Inlet Hoses
- Low Water Pressure From Supply Line
- Fault In Water Inlet Valve
- Pressure Sensor Issues
Troubleshooting And Fixing The Maytag Washer LO FL Error?
It’s time to get to know what troubleshooting procedures are to get rid of the Lo Fl code from your Maytag washer. Here are some basic fixes that you can attempt before reaching out to a mechanic.
1. Clean & Clear Water Inlet Filter
In the Maytag washers, filters are fitted inside the water inlet valves. Over time, tiny particles, first, and debris from the water supply can accumulate within the plastic filter.
Hence it creates a barrier restricting the water from entering the washer at the required rate.
To fix it, first remove the water inlet filters located at the back of the washer where the hoses connect. You’ll find the filters inside the hose connections on the washer.
They are usually small mesh screens acting as filters. You can use a soft brush or toothbrush to gently remove debris and buildup from the filters. Check and inspect to ensure they are completely clean before reassembling.
2. Inspect & Repair Water Inlet Hoses
When the water inlet hoses are physically damaged, kinked, or bent, they restrict the water flow into your Maytag washer.
Firstly, inspect the water inlet hoses for kinks, twists, bending, or any physical damage and restore it.
If required you might have to replace hoses that are worn out or have leaks. While restoring the hoses make sure they are not pinched or stuck behind the washer, as this can restrict the free flow of water.
Clean the hoses from mineral deposits, or any other debris. For this, you can run high-pressure water from the supply. Finally re-secure the hoses to both the washer and the water supply valves.
3. Ensure High Flow Water Pressure From Supply
Similar to other washers, Maytag washers also require a constant steady flow of water to keep their wash cycle running.
If the water pressure from the main supply line drops, naturally, your washer won’t be getting enough water to carry on.
Hence, it fails to detect sufficient water inside and throws the Lo Fl code. You can start by checking other water supply lines in your house to ensure the water pressure is optimum.
Besides you can check if the water supply valve is completely open and free of any kind of clogging or deposits. If everything looks fine, reset and restart your washer to see if the code persists.
4. Check and Restore Water Inlet Valve or Fill Valve Assembly
The fill valve assembly in the Maytag washer ensures a steady and required amount of flow of water from the supply.
If there’s a fault on the inlet valve and fill valve assembly, there won’t be any sufficient amount of water inside the washer and it shows Lo Fl code.
Firstly, check out the two inlet valves for any damage or restriction. If the inlet valves are working fine, the problem is with the fill valve assembly.
Replacing it is the only fix to get rid of this issue. Open up the top control panel to access the fill valve assembly.
From the diagnostic mode in your washer, check which valves are out of order. For a temporary fix, you can swap the oxy and softener fill valve plugs with the hot and cold water valve plugs.
The hot and cold valves or coils become faulty due to wearing out over time usage and start to fail. For a permanent fix, you might need to replace the entire unit.
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5. Restore Water Pressure Sensor
Sometimes fabric softener residues clog the pressure sensor and show the Lo Fl code. To get rid of the issue, you need to clean and restore the pressure sensor. You can try running heavy-duty cycles for a better result.
Besides, you can try using cleaning tablets such as Affresh during a wash cycle to remove the stuck residues from the washer.
6. Install Drain Hose Correctly
Improper installation of the drain hose can also show the Lo Fl code in your Maytag washer. The drain tubes on these new units are down at the bottom. You need to keep 4.5” of drain hose dipped inside the drain pipe.
Again, ensure the washer is at a maximum of 41 inches from the ground. Keep the drain hose secure but not too tight.
To facilitate airflow, You must keep a space between the drain hose and the drain pipe. For a better understanding, you can refer to the user’s manual.
Tips to Prevent Maytag Washer LO FL?
By Following some basic procedures, you can prevent your Maytag washer from the Lo Fl code and keep on doing laundry for a long time.
- Check the supply valves are open before starting a wash cycle.
- Regularly clean the water inlet hoses with clean running water.
- Clean the inlet filter or screen to prevent debris or residues.
- Do not overuse water softener.
- Use the diagnostic mode to detect all error codes and fix them as soon as possible
FAQs
You might need to take a look at the following answered queries regarding the Maytag Washer’s Lo Fl code and to fix it.
How much does it cost to fix the Lo Fl error on Maytag Washer?
The inlet water filler valve unit costs around $40-$50. Besides, if you need inter hoses replacement, you might be charged around $30 for a new pair. The labor charges for installation are extra.
Can you run the Maytag washer with a Lo Fl code?
You cannot run a Maytag Washer with a Lo Fl code until you fix it. The Lo Fl code shows that the washer is not getting enough water which interrupts the wash cycle.
How to enter a diagnostic mode in the Maytag washer?
Press the Spin, Temp, and Soil buttons in your Maytag washer three times in a consecutive order to enter the diagnostic mode. From here, you can navigate to the reset option to rest your machine to remove all error codes.
Final Words
Out of other causes, the main cause seems to be the inlet valve assembly. Although other reasons can be fixed by yourself at home.
But it is recommended to seek a professional while replacing it so that you don’t mess up the machine and get rid of the Maytag washer Lo Fl code effectively.