How to test the power cord on a Maytag washer that won’t light up

When your Maytag washer suddenly stops responding and won’t light up, the problem may be with the power cord. This part is responsible for supplying voltage to the appliance. 

Before you call for a repair technician, you can quickly test the part yourself to determine if it’s the source of the issue. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have the knowledge to troubleshoot the problem and get your appliance back up and running.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your appliance while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

The part replacement information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or appliance. 
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury. 
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it. 
• Take pictures or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting to prevent any problems with reassembly.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.

Read more: Maytag washer lights up but won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

Tools and materials needed

• Multimeter
• Putty knife
• 1/4 inch nut driver

The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How to replace the power cord for a Maytag washer  

Troubleshooting steps

1. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet.
2. Using a 1/4-inch nut driver, remove the screws securing the rear console cover. Set the cover aside.
3. Use a putty knife to press into the lock tabs at the bottom front corners of the console.
4. With the tabs pressed in, lift the front of the console up and slide it forward.
5. Set the console on its face.
6. Unplug the power cord from the outlet and the J7 connection on the control board.
7. Set your multimeter to continuity (Ω).
8. Test the continuity of the power cord by placing one probe on one prong and the other probe on the corresponding wire at the plastic connector.
9. Repeat this for the other prong.
10. If you do not get continuity on one of the wire sets, the power cord has failed and needs to be replaced.
11. If you have continuity, there may be an electrical supply issue.

Read more: How to replace the main control board in a top-loading Maytag washer

Additional information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Maytag washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos. 

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

Be sure to subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!