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

If your Maytag washing machine is fooling with you by lighting up and not starting, there are a few things you can check to fix it yourself.

This problem usually results from a bad lid lock or main control, both of which can be tested so you can know exactly what part you need to replace.

If you need any replacement parts for your Maytag washer, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of DIY guides to help you install your new parts.

Let’s get your washer back to its usual spinning self.

Disclaimer: The troubleshooting 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.

READ MORE: Maytag washer not spinning or agitating: A troubleshooting guide

What you need

• Multimeter
• Flat-head screwdriver
• 1/4-inch nut driver
• Washer tech sheet

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 washer 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 washer 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 washer 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 washer or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the washer 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.

READ MORE: How to Decide What Water Temperature to Use for Laundry

Troubleshooting instructions

Step 1 – Test the main control

LIVE POWER WARNING: For this test, you’ll need to check live voltage, so the washer needs to be plugged in and powered on. Always take extreme care when checking live voltage so you can protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Never test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Use the 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws from the rear console and harness covers.
2. Set the console cover to the side.
3. Plug the washer’s power cord in.
4. Use the washer’s tech sheet to set it into diagnostic mode, then select the manual test option.
5. Set the multimeter to Volts AC, which looks like a V with a squiggly line.
6. Test connection J15 from the yellow wire at pin 1 to the white wire at pin 3 for 120 Volts AC.
7. Press the start button.

You should see 120 Volts if the control is working correctly. If you don’t see 120 Volts AC, then the control has failed and needs to be replaced.

If you do get 120 Volts AC and the lid doesn’t lock, then the lid lock might be the problem, but you can test it just to make sure.

Step 2 –  Test the lid lock

1. Unplug the washer.
2. Disconnect the wires at connection J15.
3. Set the meter to continuity, which looks like a sideways wifi symbol.
4. Test from the white wire to the blue wire while the lid is closed.
5. Lift the lid to see if you lose continuity, which is what should happen.

You should get continuity when the lid is closed, and no continuity if the lid is open. If the reading isn’t in line with this, then the lid lock has failed.

If the reading is good:

1. Set the meter to resistance, which looks like an upside-down horseshoe.
2. Test from the white wire to the yellow wire.

You should get a reading between 85 to 155 Ohms here. If the resistance isn’t within this range, then the lid lock has failed and needs to be replaced.

When you’re done, reinstall the wires into the control and secure the back covers.

READ MORE: Washing Machine Leaving Marks on Clothes: Top 5 Problems and Fixes

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

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