When the Maytag washer shows a Sensing light and won’t start, check the lid lock, water supply, cycle setup, load balance, and error codes.
What The Sensing Light Means On A Maytag
The Sensing indicator tells you the control is checking basics before a wash begins. The basket may twitch, the lid may lock and unlock, and short fills can occur. That behavior is normal. The issue starts when the light stays on and the cycle never moves to wash. In most cases the cause is simple: a lid that does not lock, low or closed water supply, a mis-set option that pauses the start, or a load that cannot balance. Less often, an error code stops the start sequence.
On many recent top loaders, Auto Sensing adjusts water to the load size. If the washer cannot confirm fill or spin readiness, it waits at Sensing. That is why small setup mistakes stall the start. The steps below clear those roadblocks in a few minutes. For an official overview of the light behavior, see Maytag’s Fill or Sensing light page.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Sensing light stays on | Lid not locking | Close firmly, listen for click; clear items on rim; check lock light |
| No water sound | Closed valve or kinked hose | Open both valves, straighten hoses, clean inlet screens |
| Water trickles, then stops | Low pressure or clogged screen | Clean screens; run both taps; avoid flood-safe hoses if weak |
| Clicking but no start | Cycle options preventing start | Disable Delay, Child Lock, Extra Rinse; press START again |
| Drains, then pauses | Out-of-balance detection | Open lid when unlocked, redistribute, remove heavy single item |
| Blinks with code | Stored fault | Note code, reset, then follow the code guidance |
Maytag Washer Sensing Light On But Won’t Start — Step-By-Step Fix
1) Close The Lid And Confirm The Lock
Press START, then watch the lid light. You should hear a distinct click within a few seconds. If the lid pointer is misaligned or a garment sits on the rim, the lock fails and the control waits. Remove obstructions and close the lid with a firm push. If the light never comes on or keeps blinking, cycle power for five minutes and try again. Persistent lock failure points to a faulty lock assembly or harness. Maytag’s “Not starting” help page also recommends a five-minute power reset when the panel is unresponsive; it’s a safe first step: not starting guidance.
2) Turn On Both Water Valves And Check Flow
Auto Sensing expects a steady flow from both hot and cold. Closed valves, kinked hoses, or clogged inlet screens keep the machine in Sensing. Open both taps fully. Pull the washer forward and make sure hoses are not crushed. Shut off water, remove hoses at the back, and rinse the small metal screens. Reattach snugly and try a Normal cycle with medium soil. If flow is weak in your home, run another faucet and compare pressure. The washer must see fill within a short window to move past Sensing.
3) Set A Plain Cycle And Clear Pausing Options
Pick a standard cycle without special options. Turn off Delay. Turn off Child Lock. Skip Deep Fill for the test. Set the temperature to Tap Cold or Cool. Press START and wait. A clear baseline removes settings that can pause the start while the control checks state.
4) Balance Or Resize The Load
A single heavy rug, a dense blanket, or an unbalanced bundle can stall sensing on machines that check spin readiness early. Open the lid when unlocked. Spread items evenly around the basket. Mix large and small pieces. If the test run is empty, add a few towels so the control can feel weight and move on.
5) Do A Safe Control Reset
Power resets clear a latched state. Unplug the washer for five minutes. If your outlet is hard to reach, switch the breaker off for the same time. Plug back in, wait for lights to settle, then run a Normal cycle. This step clears many start-up glitches and takes less than ten minutes end to end.
6) Check For And Read Error Codes
Many Maytag models store fault codes that point to the hang-up. Look at the panel during Sensing or right after a reset. If an F-code appears, write it down. Codes tied to spin, speed sense, or lid lock often explain a no-start state. Use the code list later in this guide to decide the next move.
7) Run Built-In Diagnostics
Most top loaders include a service test that spins the basket, locks the lid, and checks valves. The entry steps vary by console. A common method is a sequence on the main knob or button cluster that lights all indicators, then a START press to begin the test. The test displays stored codes at the end. If the lid never locks during this test, plan on inspecting the lock first.
8) Inspect The Pressure Hose And Drain Path
If the tub cannot prove that water is present or gone, the control may camp at Sensing. Look behind the front panel or at the control board area for a thin clear hose that runs from the tub to the control. Make sure the hose is attached on both ends and not pinched. Clear any soap scum in the standpipe that could create a siphon. A slow drain or a siphon condition confuses the level reading and blocks the start of wash.
9) Decide When Service Makes Sense
If the washer still waits at Sensing after the steps above, parts testing is next. Typical culprits are a failed lid lock, a bad actuator that never shifts to sense spin, or a main control fault. If your unit is under warranty, call approved service. If out of warranty, a DIYer with a meter can test continuity at the lock and actuator connectors. When those check out, the control board becomes the likely fix.
Why Auto Sensing Can Stall
Auto Sensing measures load size, picks a target water level, and checks lid state and spin readiness. The control looks for a few quick signals. Lid locked? Water filling? Basket moving as expected? If any answer is missing, the start pauses. That behavior protects clothing and the motor. It also points you to a specific area to check. Short fills, no lid click, or a basket that never moves are the best clues.
Model-Specific Notes
Agitator models and impeller models share the same Sensing concept. The sound and timing differ a bit. Some models pulse the motor briefly to weigh the load. Others lock, unlock, then fill in small bursts. If you use Deep Fill, the sequence adds time before wash. If your home uses a single-lever mixer at the wall, keep it set to full open on both supplies so the control sees strong flow from each side.
Options That Delay The Start
Delay, Soak, and some stain cycles add a pause between Sensing and wash. If you need a quick test run, pick Normal and turn add-ons off. Fast testing helps separate setup issues from part faults.
Common Codes You May See
Codes vary by model, yet a few appear often on top loaders with a Sensing hang-up. Use these as a guide, then check your model’s tech sheet for the exact meaning. Many codes clear after a power reset. If a code returns, follow the action listed here before replacing parts.
| Code | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| F7E1 | Basket speed or motor drive fault | Reset power; check drive hub and wiring; run service test |
| F5E1 / F5E3 | Lid lock switch or lock unlock fault | Inspect lid strike and lock; reseat harness; replace lock if failing |
| dU / dL | Lid open or lid will not lock | Close firmly; remove items on rim; test lock in diagnostics |
| LF / F8E1 | Long fill | Open valves; clean screens; confirm pressure and hose condition |
| drn / F9E1 | Drain time out | Clear pump filter; check drain hose height; inspect for clogs |
Quick Test Run To Prove The Fix
After each change, run a short test to confirm progress. Empty the basket. Pick Normal. Turn off extras. Press START. Wait for the lid click and the short basket pulse. Listen for steady water flow within one minute. If all three happen, the washer should move past Sensing and begin wash. Add a few towels and try again to confirm that a small load also works. Simple proof saves repeat work later.
Care Habits That Prevent Sensing Hangs
Leave the lid up between loads to dry the lock area. Clean the inlet screens once or twice a year if your water carries grit. Avoid over-pouring detergent, which foams and can trip level sensing. Keep heavy single items, like bath mats or blankets, for separate cycles with extra items to balance them. Check pockets for nails and coins that can jam the lock strike. These habits reduce the chance of a stalled start.
When Parts Replacement Is Likely
Two parts top the list when a Maytag sits at Sensing. First is the lid lock. Signs include a blink that never goes solid, no click, or a click that repeats without a start. Second is the actuator or shifter under the tub. If the basket never pulses and codes point to speed sense, the actuator may be stuck. Replacing either part is within reach for many DIYers. Always unplug the unit, remove two or three screws for the top or rear access, and handle connectors by the housings, not the wires.
Safety And Warranty Notes
Unplug the washer before service. Turn off water at the wall. If the unit is under manufacturer coverage or an extended plan, use authorized service so coverage stays intact. Keep receipts for parts and document any codes you see. Clear photos of the model tag and the failed part help during a claim.
Helpful Official References
To read more on how the Sensing stage works and what the lights mean, see the official guides. They explain normal behavior and give reset steps used by service techs: Fill or Sensing light and Whirlpool’s overview of Auto Sensing.