How to replace the motor capacitor in a top-load Maytag washer

Is your top-load Maytag washer refusing to spin or agitate? If your motor capacitor is damaged or failed testing, you’ll need to replace it.

Swapping out a bad motor capacitor is a straightforward DIY process that shouldn’t take very long. By the end, your washer should be happily humming along again.

If you need a replacement motor capacitor, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com. You can also find more compatible Maytag washer parts here.

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article is based on general service manuals and 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.

What is a motor capacitor & why would it need to be replaced?

A motor capacitor is a small electrical component that works together with the washing machine motor. It helps provide the jolt of power needed to turn on the motor and get it running at the start of the wash cycle.

The capacitor stores energy and releases it to the motor when the washer first turns on. This gives the extra boost required to overcome inertia and start the drum spinning. Once the motor is up to speed, the capacitor stops discharging and the motor runs normally.

Over time, a motor capacitor can fail or lose its ability to hold a charge. This may be happening if:

• The washer isn’t starting
• The washer is starting then quickly stopping
• A loud humming noise is coming from the washer, but it’s not spinning or agitating
• The washer is taking unusually long to start
• The motor capacitor is damaged

If your troubleshooting points to a bad capacitor, replacing it with a new one will restore the kick of power needed to start the motor.

READ MORE: Washing Machine Won’t Agitate: Top 8 Problems and Fixes for Top-Loading and Side-Loading Washers

What you need

• 5/16-inch nut driver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Flat-head screwdriver
• Replacement motor capacitor (make sure it’s compatible with your washer model)

READ MORE: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

Safety precautions

When working on any appliance, always keep safety first to avoid personal injury or damage to the appliance or parts. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of electric shock.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• 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.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.
• Consider wearing safety glasses and/or a dust mask when working with chemicals, dust or a large amount of debris to prevent irritation or injury.

Replacement steps

1. Turn off the washer and unplug it.
2. Turn off the water supply.
3. Lean the washer back.
4. Use a 5/16-inch socket to remove the belt shield bolts.
5. Set the shield off to the side.
6. Carefully disconnect the wires.
7. Use a screwdriver to discharge the capacitor. DO NOT touch the metal of the screwdriver. Set the tip on one terminal post and create a bridge to the other one, then leave the screwdriver there for a few seconds. Repeat this one time.
8. Remove the wire harness from the capacitor bracket by pulling on it.
9. The capacitor will come out one of two ways. If your capacitor has a black plastic case, you’ll rotate it counterclockwise, and you should be able to lift it out at about a 45-degree angle. If the capacitor has a metal bracket, you’ll need to remove the 1/4-inch screw.
10. Install the new capacitor.
11. Put the mounting screw into the hole just next to the square port by the transmission pulley.
12. Install the wire harness onto the capacitor.
13. Re-install the belt shield and secure it with the 5/16-inch bolts.

READ MORE: How to replace the main control board in a top-loading Maytag washer

More 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. We can also help you troubleshoot common washer problems here.

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