You expect Maytag washers to transition through each cycle automatically. If you keep manually turning the knob to stop a rinse or wash cycle, something has gone wrong. One or more of the following may explain your predicament:
1). The Valve Has Jammed
The washer uses hot and cold water faucets to execute its task. If the cold water faucet malfunctions, the rinse cycle won’t commence because it needs cold water. This may compel the washer to remain in the wash cycle.
Water supply issues of this nature can occur because of a jammed valve. A defect won’t allow the valve to open. Or maybe it opened, but it has a blockage. If you’ve ruled out the valve and the faucets are open, check the pipes bringing water to the washer.
Are they blocked? Do you see signs of corrosion? Many people blame water supply issues on the Maytag washer when the problem lies with their plumbing system. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention blames pipe corrosion on stray electric currents, the soil around the pipe, and the water’s attributes.
The experts at Kinetico Water Systems have confirmed that hard water can corrode water pipes. Corrosion won’t stop at tainting the water. It can also influence water pressure.
2). The Timer Has A Fault
The timer governs the Maytag washer’s functions, allowing the machine to transition from one cycle to another. A faulty timer can prevent the washing machine from leaving the wash cycle. Test it with a multimeter. The timer is the last component many experts test after ruling out every other potential culprit.
3). The Machine Has Loose Connections
Loose connections and faulty wiring can create malfunctions in the timer. They can also interfere with the machine’s power supply. Ifixit has highlighted a scenario where the washer loses power when it reaches the rinse cycle.
It may even shut down completely instead of switching to the next cycle. Look for damaged and burned-out lines. Besides interfering with the washer’s functions, they can cause arcing, which is dangerous because it starts fires all the time.
You need an expert to identify faulty wiring because it means disassembling the washer. It is worth noting that allowing a third party to disassemble the Maytag unit may void your warranty, which is the last thing you want.
4). The Control Board Is Faulty
The control board has a fault. Because it runs everything, that fault will disrupt the washer’s functions, particularly the cycles. It can prevent the cycles from starting or completing. You can blame faulty control boards on surges and spikes and factory defects.
5). The Drain Is Blocked
If the rinse cycle won’t start, the machine is stalling because the drain is blocked. Therefore, the dirty water cannot escape the unit. Blocked drains are tricky because the device won’t open until the cycle ends.
If the cycle keeps repeating, you cannot open the lid to check the drain. You can bypass the locking mechanism, but doing so may void your warranty, especially if it damages the door lock assembly.
The drain in the tub isn’t your only concern. You should inspect the drain pump. Has it passed the continuity test? Is it blocked? What about the motor? Have you checked the hoses for kinks and obstructions? Have you looked inside the vents leading the dirty water out of the Maytag washer?
Troubleshooting the drainage system takes a while because you have many parts to inspect and diagnose.
6). The Machine Is Overloaded
The machine keeps trying to recalibrate and redistribute because the load is unbalanced. Drums tend to generate grinding and knocking sounds in response to overloading and unbalanced loads.
How To Fix It?
Troubleshoot the Maytag washer for as long as you need. Once you identify the problem, you can apply one of these solutions:
1). Continuous Test Mode
If a washer runs continuously or refuses to start a new cycle, this Maytag guide blames ‘Continuous Test Mode.’ The manual will show you how to deactivate continuous test mode in your device. Maytag thinks the procedure is too complicated, and you are better off scheduling a service.
2). Control Board
- Perform a reset by unplugging the Maytag washer, waiting five minutes, and plugging it back in. A basic glitche disappears once you reset the electronics.
- If a reset fails to produce the results you want, get a new control board. Use the machine’s serial number to order a suitable replacement. You may pay $265 or more, depending on the model.
3). Replace The Timer
Timers can short out. When they fail, you should install a replacement. Otherwise, the machine will keep repeating cycles:
- Turn the device off.
- Remove the disc holding the timer’s knob.
- Remove the knob.
- Remove the front panel to access the timer.
- Remove the screws holding the timer in place. Take the timer out and disconnect the wires.
- Install the replacement.
4). Check The Water Supply
- Make sure the water supply is open.
- Fix or replace damaged and corroded water pipes.
- Unclog blocked pipes.
- Replace defective water valves.
- Unclog blocked valves.
- Hire a plumber to resolve the low water pressure in your plumbing system.
5). Check The Drain
- Check the drain for obstructions. Remove them without causing further damage.
- Check the drain hoses for obstructions. Remove the blockages without damaging the hose.
- Replace kinked hoses. You can remove the kinks, but this is a temporary measure. Those kinks will reform.
- Unclog a blocked drain pump.
- Replace a damaged drain pump and motor.
- Clear the vents that carry dirty water out of the washing machine.
6). Check The Power Supply
- Replace a damaged power cord, plug, and outlet.
- Make sure the plug is firm in the outlet.
- Tighten loose connections.
- Replace damaged wires. Electrical tape can patch holes and tears, but it is a temporary solution.
7). Check The Load
- Reduce the load. Stay below the unit’s capacity.
- Distribute the load evenly.