E13 error on a Maytag over-the-range microwave: A troubleshooting guide

Microwaves are supposed to make cooking quick and convenient, so when your Maytag microwave starts displaying an E13 error instead of heating your food, it can be frustrating. In most cases, the E13 error is an easy-to-fix issue that just needs some basic troubleshooting.

If you need any replacement parts for your microwave, 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.

Let’s go over some common causes of the E13 error code and find out how to resolve it and prevent it from happening again in the future.

Disclaimer: The error code 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 does an E13 error mean?

The E13 display usually indicates a “T1 Max Time” error has occurred in your over-the-range microwave oven. This means the microwave has failed to preheat during a convection or combination cooking cycle.

When you select a convection or combination cooking option, it unit uses microwaves and specialized convection and grill heating elements to rapidly preheat its internal cavity to 300-500°F.

If the microwave fails to reach the target preheat temperature within 30 minutes, it will cancel the cooking cycle and display an E13 error to alert you that it didn’t preheat correctly.

Read more: 10 reasons why a microwave won’t heat

Safety precautions 

Please be very careful while working on a microwave since it contains high-voltage parts. Keep these tips in mind:

• Always unplug the microwave and discharge the high-voltage capacitor before working on it to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
• Never power on the microwave without the cover in place.
• Wear insulating gloves and use insulated tools when testing any microwave 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.
• 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.

Potential causes of the E13 error code

Here are some of the most common culprits behind the E13 error message:

A faulty convection or grill heating element

The most frequent cause of E13 errors is a damaged convection or grill heating element inside the microwave. These elements are responsible for heating the air and food during convection and combination modes. If either element fails, the microwave can’t preheat correctly.

Defective sensors or thermostats

The microwave relies on several sensors and thermostats to regulate temperature. The thermal fuse, thermal cut-off, and temperature sensor all help monitor the cavity temperature. If any of these parts are faulty, they may provide inaccurate readings that will prevent the unit from heating to the right temperature.

A damaged oven cavity or internal convection fan

Physical damage to the metal oven cavity or issues with the internal convection fan can also lead to poor airflow or incorrect heating. This prevents the oven from reaching the target temperature and can trigger the E13 code.

A bad control board

Like any electronic device, the microwave’s control board can fail over time. If the logic circuits on the control board malfunction, the microwave can experience preheating problems.

Read more: How To Clean A Microwave Grease Filter

Troubleshooting instructions

Step 1: Check the elements

1. Make sure the microwave oven is turned off and unplugged or the associated circuit breaker is turned off.
2. Remove the outer case so you can gain access to the internal parts.
3. Carefully examine the internal convection and grill heating elements for damage such as broken or distorted coils or connection points.
4. Use a multimeter to check each element for continuity. You’ll need to set the meter to the continuity setting, which looks like a sideways WiFi symbol. Then place the leads on the element terminals. You should get a reading of around 15-25 ohms for each element.

If either element is damaged or doesn’t show continuity, it will need to be replaced.

Read more: How To Use A Multimeter To Check Appliance Parts

Step 2: Check the sensors and thermostats

1. See if the thermal fuse has continuity by putting the meter leads on its terminals. If you don’t get continuity, that means it’s blown.
2. Check the thermal cut-off for continuity. It should show an open circuit above 302°F and a closed circuit when cool. When the thermal cut-off is cool, the multimeter should make a beeping sound and you should see a 0 on the meter display if it’s good. If the multimeter doesn’t beep and there’s an open circuit, then the thermal cut-off should be replaced.
3. Disconnect the oven temperature sensor and use a multimeter to check its resistance, which has a symbol that looks like this (Ω). You should get a reading of around 30 ohms at room temperature.
4. Test the oven thermostat for continuity in the same way you tested the thermal cut-off. Set the meter to the continuity setting and put the leads on each terminal to test it.

If any sensor or thermostat is damaged or fails testing, replace it with a new part.

Step 3: Check the oven cavity and convection fan

1. Look for dents, cracks, or holes in the metal cavity that could prevent proper airflow and heat transfer.
2. Make sure the convection fan spins freely. Use a multimeter to check its resistance, which should be between 14.5-17 ohms.

If the convection fan is damaged or fails to test, swap it out with a new one.

Step 4: Test the control board 

If microwave parts check out OK, the main control board may be defective:

1. Once you access the board, remove it and look it over. Check for damage like burnt spots or blown capacitors.

LIVE POWER WARNING: You’ll need to check live voltage here, so please be very careful. Always take extreme care when checking live voltage so you can protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Please don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter. If you’re uncomfortable dealing with live voltage, please stop and call someone who can do this testing for you.

2. Plug the microwave back in and place a small dish of food or water inside, then turn the microwave on.
3. Place the multimeter leads onto the board. You should get a reading of 120 Volts AC.

If the board is damaged or you don’t get the correct amount of voltage, replace it with a new one.

Step 5: Test the microwave

1. Reinstall all the parts based on your unit’s tech sheet or user manual.
2. Place a small dish of food or water inside the microwave and run a test cycle to make sure the error code is gone and the contents inside heat correctly.

Read more: How to Clean a Microwave

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your microwave 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 microwave problems here.

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