Maytag washers are widely used in the United States and Canada and are available in numerous front-load and top-load configurations. Modern machines use electronic control modules, sensors, motor-control electronics, door or lid-lock systems, water-level monitoring, drain-pump monitoring and other diagnostic systems.

When the washer detects an abnormal operating condition, it may display a code such as F9 E1, F8 E1, F5 E2, Sud, LOC or Int.

An error code should be treated as a diagnostic starting point rather than automatic proof that a particular component must be replaced.

This distinction is particularly important with Maytag because error-code definitions can differ according to model, platform and washer type. Maytag itself cautions that its published front-load error-code information does not necessarily contain every code applicable to every model. Always check the model-specific owner's manual or technical documentation before replacing components.

Official support and model-specific documentation can be obtained through Maytag.

Quick Maytag Washer Error Code Reference

Error Code	Typical Meaning
LOC / LC	Control Lock activated
dET	Detergent cartridge not detected
Int	Cycle interrupted, paused or canceled
rL / F34	Items detected during Clean Washer cycle
Sud / Sd	Excessive suds
F5 E2	Door not locking correctly
F5 E3	Door unlocking problem on applicable platforms
F7 E1	Motor speed sensing / motor unable to reach expected speed
F7 E2	Drive/control-related fault; model-specific diagnosis required
F8 E1 / Lo FL	Low or insufficient incoming water flow
F8 E2	Dispenser-system problem
F8 E3	Overflow / excessive water or foam condition
F8 E4	Model/platform-specific; verify manual before diagnosis
F9 E1	Long drain / washer unable to drain correctly
F1 E1	Electronic/control fault family; model-specific
F3 E1	Sensor/control fault family; model-specific
F6 E1 / E2 / E3	Electronic communication/control fault family

Because Maytag uses multiple control platforms, do not assume that a code found for one washer applies identically to another model.

LOC / LC — Control Lock Activated

Meaning

LOC or LC generally means the washer's Control Lock feature has been activated. This is normally a user-interface status condition rather than a hardware failure.

Control Lock prevents accidental operation of buttons, particularly useful around children or when cleaning the control panel.

Solution

Locate the Control Lock control on the panel.

Depending on the model, you may need to:

1. Touch Control Lock.
2. Press and hold the designated Control Lock button for several seconds.
3. Press and hold another button identified by a lock symbol.

The exact procedure varies by model.

If LOC will not disappear

Disconnect power to the washer for approximately five minutes and reconnect it.

If the control remains permanently locked, possible causes can include a malfunctioning user interface, stuck touch control, wiring problem or electronic-control fault.

dET — Detergent Cartridge Not Detected

The dET message applies to select Maytag models equipped with an automatic detergent dispensing system.

It means the washer is not detecting the detergent cartridge correctly.

Troubleshooting

Remove and reinstall the detergent cartridge.

Check that:

• The cartridge is correctly seated.
• The detergent drawer is fully closed.
• Detergent buildup is not interfering with cartridge installation.
• The dispenser area is clean.

If using individual detergent doses rather than the cartridge system, Maytag indicates that the message can be ignored on applicable machines.

Int — Interrupted or Canceled Cycle

Int normally means the washing cycle has been paused or canceled.

This does not necessarily indicate a component failure.

After cancellation, the machine may require approximately 20–30 minutes to stop spinning and complete its drain routine. The Int indication may remain during this process.

Clearing Int

On applicable models:

1. Press Pause/Cancel twice.
2. Press Power once.

If the indication remains, disconnect the washer from power for approximately five minutes and reconnect it.

The exact reset method can vary by model.

rL / F34 — Load Detected During Clean Washer Cycle

rL or F34 indicates that the washer detected items inside the drum while the Clean Washer cycle was being performed.

The Clean Washer program is designed to operate with an empty drum.

Solution

1. Cancel the cycle.
2. Remove all clothing and other objects from the drum.
3. Verify the drum is completely empty.
4. Restart the Clean Washer cycle.

If the error occurs with an empty drum, perform a power reset. Persistent recurrence can require model-specific diagnosis.

Sud / Sd — Excessive Suds

Sud or Sd means the washer has detected excessive foam or suds.

Maytag washers may automatically extend rinsing and pause normal tumbling while attempting to eliminate excess foam.

Common causes

• Too much detergent
• Non-HE detergent
• Incorrect detergent concentration
• Very soft water combined with excessive detergent
• Certain thickened "no splash" or "easy pour" bleach products
• Drain restriction

Solution

Allow the washer to complete its automatic suds-reduction process.

For future loads:

• Use only HE — High Efficiency detergent where specified.
• Check detergent concentration such as 2x, 4x or 8x.
• Follow the detergent manufacturer's dosing instructions.
• Reduce detergent quantity if necessary.

If Sd repeatedly occurs despite correct detergent use, inspect the drainage system.

Check the drain hose for:

• Kinks
• Crushing
• Blockage
• Improper standpipe installation

Persistent drainage problems can make the machine interpret retained foam and water as a suds condition.

F5 E2 — Door Not Locking Properly

F5 E2 indicates that the washer door is not locking correctly.

Check first

Open the door and inspect:

• Clothing trapped between the door and seal
• Foreign objects around the latch
• Damaged door strike
• Misaligned door
• Detergent buildup around the latch
• Door not being firmly closed

Close the door firmly and restart the washer.

On applicable models, the displayed code may be cleared by pressing Pause/Cancel twice followed by Power once.

If F5 E2 returns

A technician may need to investigate the:

• Door-lock assembly
• Door strike
• Lock wiring harness
• Connector terminals
• Electronic control

Disconnect power before inspecting internal electrical components.

F5 E3 — Door Unlock Error

On applicable Maytag platforms, F5 E3 is associated with the washer being unable to unlock the door.

Possible causes include:

• Jammed door latch
• Damaged latch
• Mechanical misalignment
• Lock assembly failure
• Wiring problem
• Electronic-control problem

A Maytag technical sheet for one platform identifies F5 E3 as a door-unlock error, demonstrating why model-specific technical documentation is important.

Do not force the washer door open. Doing so can damage the latch, door or cabinet.

F7 E1 — Motor Speed Sensing Error

F7 E1 means the motor cannot achieve the expected speed for the selected cycle. Maytag describes this as a motor speed sensing error.

Check for a newly installed washer

Verify that all shipping bolts and their associated plastic spacers have been removed from the rear of a front-load washer.

Operating the washer with transportation bolts installed can prevent proper drum movement and cause vibration, noise or error codes.

Check the load

An overloaded drum can prevent the motor from reaching the required speed.

Remove some laundry and retry the cycle.

If F7 E1 persists

Potential service-level areas include:

• Motor
• Motor wiring
• Rotor/stator system on applicable models
• Motor speed feedback
• Drive components
• Motor-control electronics
• Main electronic control

Component diagnosis should follow the service procedure for the exact model.

F7 E2 — Motor / Drive Control Fault Family

F7 E2 appears in Maytag's official front-load error-code library, but the public troubleshooting page does not provide one universal component definition and primarily recommends resetting the control.

Therefore, do not automatically replace a motor or control board based solely on F7 E2.

Start by:

1. Disconnecting power for approximately five minutes.
2. Reconnecting power.
3. Running a test cycle.
4. Checking whether the error returns.

If it returns, use the model-specific service documentation to diagnose the drive system and electronic controls.

F8 E1 / Lo FL — Low Water Flow

F8 E1, Lo FL or a No Water Detected message generally means the washer is not detecting the expected quantity of incoming water.

Check the water supply

Make sure both hot and cold water valves are completely open.

Inspect both inlet hoses for:

• Kinks
• Crushing
• Incorrect connection
• Internal blockage

Check inlet screens

Sediment and mineral deposits can accumulate in the inlet screens.

Turn off the water supply before disconnecting hoses.

Do not damage or unnecessarily remove inlet-valve screens.

Check drain installation

Incorrect drain-hose installation can create siphoning, causing water to leave the machine while it is filling.

If all external conditions are correct and F8 E1 continues, possible service-level causes include:

• Water inlet valve
• Water-level sensing system
• Wiring
• Electronic control

F8 E2 — Dispenser System Problem

F8 E2 indicates a problem with the dispenser system on applicable Maytag models.

Inspect the detergent drawer or cartridge system for:

• Hardened detergent
• Fabric-softener residue
• Blocked dispenser passages
• Incorrectly installed cartridge
• Drawer not fully seated

Clean the dispenser according to the owner's manual.

If the fault remains, dispenser components, wiring or control electronics may require service.

F8 E3 — Overflow / Excess Water or Foam

F8 E3 indicates an overflow condition caused by excessive water or foam in applicable Maytag front-load washers.

First check detergent

Excessive HE detergent—or use of non-HE detergent—can create enough foam to produce this condition.

Use the correct detergent and dosage.

Maytag also warns that some thickened "no splash" or "easy pour" chlorine bleach formulations can contribute to excessive suds.

After resolving the condition, running a Clean Washer cycle can help remove detergent accumulation.

If actual overfilling occurs

If the drum is visibly receiving too much water, stop using the machine and turn off the water supply.

A technician may need to investigate the:

• Water inlet valve
• Water-level sensor
• Pressure hose/system
• Wiring
• Electronic control

F8 E4 — Verify the Exact Model

F8 E4 should be treated as a model-specific code rather than assigning one universal meaning across every Maytag washer.

Maytag's currently published general front-load code index includes F8 E1, F8 E2 and F8 E3, while codes available on individual platforms can differ.

For F8 E4:

1. Record the complete model number.
2. Record the complete code.
3. Check the model's owner's manual.
4. Check its technical/service documentation.
5. Avoid ordering parts based on a generic internet code list.

This approach prevents incorrect diagnosis.

F9 E1 — Long Drain

F9 E1 indicates that the washer is taking too long to drain.

This is one of the most important Maytag washer codes because drainage problems can have several external causes before the drain pump itself is condemned.

Check the drain hose

Look for:

• Kinks
• Crushing
• Blockages
• Incorrect insertion into the standpipe

On applicable Maytag front-load installations, the hose should not extend more than approximately 4.5 inches (113 mm) into the standpipe or laundry tub.

Do not create an airtight seal between the drain hose and standpipe.

Check the drain-pump filter

Some models have an accessible drain-pump filter.

Coins, lint, hair, buttons and other debris can restrict water flow.

Disconnect power before servicing the filter and prepare for residual water.

Other possible causes

If the hose and filter are clear, service-level possibilities include:

• Blocked tub-to-pump hose
• Drain-pump obstruction
• Failed drain pump
• Wiring problem
• Water-level sensing problem
• Electronic-control problem

Excessive suds can also increase drain time.

F1 E1 — Electronic Control Fault Family

F1 E1 is included in Maytag's official front-load washer fault-code library.

Its precise diagnostic definition can depend on the washer platform.

Start with a power reset:

1. Cancel the cycle.
2. Disconnect the washer from power.
3. Wait approximately five minutes.
4. Restore power.
5. Run a short cycle.

If F1 E1 immediately returns, model-specific diagnostics should be performed before replacing the electronic control.

Technicians should inspect supply voltage, wiring connections and the applicable control module according to the service sheet.

F3 E1 — Sensor / Control Fault Family

F3 E1 is also included in Maytag's official front-load diagnostic-code library.

Because sensor-related definitions can vary by platform, use the exact model's technical documentation.

Service diagnosis may involve checking the relevant sensing circuit, wiring, connectors and control module rather than automatically replacing a sensor.

F6 E1 / F6 E2 / F6 E3 — Communication and Electronic-Control Faults

The F6 family frequently concerns communication between electronic modules, but the exact relationship depends on the washer platform.

For example, one Maytag technical sheet defines F6 E1 as a communication error between the Central Control Unit (CCU) and Motor Control Unit (MCU).

Other platforms use different electronic-control architectures.

F6 E1

Potential areas include:

• Main control
• Motor control
• Wiring harness
• Connectors
• Door-switch circuit on certain platforms
• Drive system

F6 E2

Treat F6 E2 as a model-specific communication/control error requiring the exact service sheet.

Do not replace a user interface or main board solely because a generic error-code website associates the code with that component.

F6 E3

On applicable Maytag top-load platforms, Maytag describes F6 E3 as a problem involving the appliance control unit, user interface or associated wiring.

First step

Disconnect power for approximately five minutes and reconnect the washer.

If the code returns, inspect according to the model's service procedure.

Possible checks include:

• UI-to-control wiring
• Loose connectors
• Harness damage
• Corroded terminals
• Main control
• User-interface assembly

How to Reset a Maytag Washer After an Error Code

A control reset can clear temporary electronic conditions but cannot repair a failed component.

A commonly recommended troubleshooting reset is:

1. Stop or cancel the current cycle.
2. Switch off the washer where applicable.
3. Unplug the washer.
4. Wait approximately five minutes.
5. Reconnect power.
6. Select a normal cycle.
7. Start the washer.
8. Observe whether the code returns.

Maytag specifically recommends a five-minute power disconnection for several error conditions.

If the same code repeatedly returns, further diagnosis is appropriate.

Diagnostic Strategy for Maytag Washer Error Codes

A good technician should diagnose the system, not simply replace the component most commonly associated with the code.

For example, an F9 E1 drainage problem could result from:

Blocked hose → clogged filter → foreign object → pump problem → wiring problem → sensing problem → control problem

Similarly, F8 E1 could result from:

Closed valve → kinked hose → blocked inlet screen → poor water pressure → siphoning → inlet valve → sensing circuit → control

Following this sequence can prevent unnecessary parts replacement.

Front-Load vs Top-Load Maytag Codes

Do not assume that a code on a Maytag front loader has exactly the same meaning on a top loader.

Maytag maintains separate troubleshooting information for front-load and top-load washers, and both official resources warn that the published lists may not include every error code for every model.

Always identify:

Brand → Model number → Washer type → Exact displayed code → Symptoms

before beginning component-level diagnosis.

When Should You Call a Technician?

Professional service is recommended when:

• An F-code repeatedly returns after reset.
• The washer is leaking.
• Water continues entering when it should stop.
• The drain pump runs continuously.
• The drum will not rotate.
• The washer repeatedly trips a circuit breaker.
• There is a burning smell.
• Wiring or connectors appear damaged.
• The door remains permanently locked.
• Communication errors repeatedly return.
• Internal electrical measurements are required.

Disconnect the washer from electrical power before opening service panels.

If uncontrolled filling is occurring, also close the household water-supply valves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does LOC mean on a Maytag washer?

LOC or LC normally indicates that Control Lock is activated. Disable Control Lock using the appropriate control-panel button or the procedure specified in your model's manual.

2. Is an Int code a serious failure?

Usually not. Int indicates that the cycle was interrupted, paused or canceled. The washer may need 20–30 minutes to stop spinning and drain.

3. What does Sud or Sd mean?

It means excessive suds have been detected. Use the correct amount of HE detergent and allow the washer's suds-reduction process to finish.

4. Why does my Maytag washer show F9 E1?

F9 E1 indicates a long-drain condition. Check the drain hose, drain installation, pump filter where accessible and drainage system.

5. What does F8 E1 mean?

F8 E1 or Lo FL means the washer is not detecting sufficient incoming water. Check the water valves, inlet hoses, screens and drain-hose installation.

6. What does F5 E2 mean?

F5 E2 indicates that the door is not locking properly. Check for trapped clothing, foreign objects, door alignment and latch problems.

7. What does F7 E1 mean?

F7 E1 is a motor-speed sensing error. The motor cannot achieve the expected speed. Check for overload and, on newly installed front loaders, verify that all shipping bolts were removed.

8. Can too much detergent cause an error code?

Yes. Excessive detergent can produce Sud/Sd and can contribute to other filling, spinning and draining problems. Always use the appropriate HE detergent and dosage.

9. What does rL or F34 mean?

The washer detected items in the drum during the Clean Washer cycle. Remove everything from the drum and restart the cleaning cycle.

10. What does dET mean?

On select models, dET indicates that the detergent cartridge is not detected correctly. Reinstall the cartridge and ensure the dispenser drawer is completely closed.

11. Can I reset a Maytag washer by unplugging it?

For many electronic errors, disconnecting power for approximately five minutes is an appropriate initial reset procedure. However, resetting does not repair a persistent mechanical or electrical failure.

12. Why does an error return immediately after resetting?

A recurring error usually means the underlying condition still exists. For example, a blocked drain will cause F9 E1 to return even after the control has been reset.

13. Does F6 always mean the control board is bad?

No. F6-family errors can involve communication between electronic modules, wiring, connectors or associated components. Diagnose the circuit before replacing a control board.

14. Should I replace the drain pump immediately for F9 E1?

No. First check the drain hose, installation, accessible pump filter and other restrictions. A blocked drainage path can generate the same symptom as a failed pump.

15. Why does my washer keep displaying F8 E1 even though the water is on?

Possible causes include partially closed valves, kinked hoses, clogged inlet screens, low water flow, incorrect drain installation, inlet-valve problems or a sensing/control problem.

16. Can shipping bolts cause an F7 E1 error?

Yes. Maytag specifically instructs users of applicable front-load machines to verify that all shipping bolts and plastic spacers have been removed when troubleshooting F7 E1.

17. Why is my Maytag washer showing F8 E3?

F8 E3 indicates an overflow condition involving excessive water or foam on applicable front-load models. Check detergent usage first and investigate actual overfilling if present.

18. Are all Maytag washer error codes universal?

No. This is extremely important. Codes and diagnostic procedures can vary by washer model and platform. Maytag explicitly states that its general published lists may not contain every error code applicable to a particular model.

19. Where can I find the exact meaning of a Maytag error code?

Use the model number to locate the owner's manual and product documentation through Maytag's official support resources.

20. When should I stop troubleshooting the washer myself?

Stop if diagnosis requires opening energized electrical equipment, performing live-voltage tests, dismantling the drive system, replacing control electronics or dealing with uncontrolled filling, electrical burning or repeated breaker trips.

Final Technical Notes

Maytag error codes are valuable diagnostic indicators, but they should never be interpreted without considering the washer's exact model and symptoms.

For common conditions, begin with simple external checks:

Sud/Sd → detergent and drainage

F8 E1 → water supply and inlet system

F9 E1 → drainage system

F5 E2 → door and lock

F7 E1 → load, shipping bolts and drive system

F6 family → electronic communication and wiring

Most importantly, do not replace expensive pumps, motors, sensors or control boards merely because a generic fault-code list names that component. Verify the code against the model-specific documentation and systematically test the complete circuit.

Disclaimer: This guide is intended for general troubleshooting and technical-reference purposes. Error definitions and diagnostic procedures can vary between Maytag models and production platforms. Always consult the owner's manual, wiring diagram and service documentation for the exact model before carrying out internal repairs. Disconnect electrical power before servicing and use a qualified appliance technician when electrical or component-level diagnosis is required.

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