Most Maytag washer start issues stem from control lock, lid or door lock, power supply, or delay start—check and reset these first.
You pressed Start and nothing happens, or the panel lights up without action. That’s a headache, but you can solve it with quick checks before calling for service. This guide shows what to check, why it matters, and how to fix it at home.
Maytag Washer Won’t Start: Quick Checks
Run through this short list in order. You’ll either get the cycle going or narrow the fault to a part that needs repair. If you’ve wondered “why won’t my maytag washer start?”, the steps below give you a fast path to an answer.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| No lights, no beeps | No power at outlet or tripped breaker | Test a lamp at the outlet, reset the breaker, avoid extension cords |
| Panel works, Start does nothing | Control lock (LoC/LC) active | Press and hold Control Lock for three seconds to clear |
| Clicks, then stops | Lid or door not latched | Close firmly, clear obstructions, listen for a solid lock |
| Sensing light stays on | Auto Sensing can’t verify fill or balance | Open/close lid, level the load, turn both water valves fully on |
| Delay light lit | Delay Start enabled | Hold Start/Pause for 3–5 seconds to cancel the delay |
| F5 E1 or lock code | Lock switch fault | Power cycle, clear debris at latch, inspect lock wiring |
| Starts, then stops | Unbalanced or overloaded load | Redistribute items, remove a few bulky pieces |
Why Won’t My Maytag Washer Start? Common Causes
Power Supply And Reset Basics
Confirm the outlet has power by plugging in a small lamp. If the lamp stays dark, reset the breaker or replace a blown fuse. Plug the washer directly into a grounded wall outlet. Many washers misbehave when fed through a surge strip or long extension cord.
Next, reset the control. Unplug the washer for five minutes to discharge the electronics, then plug it back in and try again. This simple reset clears many glitches. For model-specific wording, see Maytag’s not starting reset page.
Control Lock (LoC Or LC) Is On
If the display shows “LC” or “LoC,” the controls are locked. Hold the Control Lock button for three seconds. You’ll see a countdown and the code will disappear. Once cleared, the Start button will respond again. Maytag explains this on its control lock page.
Lid Or Door Isn’t Locking
Top-load models won’t start unless the lid lock closes. Close the lid firmly and check for items caught on the rim. On some models the lock engages right away; on others, it clicks after sensing begins. If the lock light flashes, the lid isn’t fully closed or the lock can’t move.
Front-load doors must latch and trigger the lock switch. Remove trapped fabric near the gasket, push the door shut until you hear a click, then press Start. A persistent lock error points to a worn strike or a faulty lock.
Delay Start Was Pressed
Many panels make it easy to tap Delay by mistake. If a delay indicator is lit, hold Start/Pause for a few seconds to cancel. Then choose the cycle and press Start again.
Sensing Light Won’t Move To Wash
Auto Sensing estimates load size, checks balance, and confirms fill. If a valve is closed, the load is heaped to one side, or the lid opened during sensing, the washer stalls at this step. Level the clothes, keep the lid closed, and make sure both hot and cold valves are fully open.
Model-Specific Notes That Matter
Top-Load Models
- Lid lock timing: Some lock before the first spin; others wait until agitation begins. A flashing lock light points to a lid that didn’t seat or a lock that couldn’t travel. The lock light will flash if the lid isn’t fully closed or the lock can’t move.
- Load size: Very small loads can confuse sensing; add a couple of towels to help balance.
- Drain and spin: If a wash stalled earlier with a tub full of water, run “Drain & Spin” first, then restart the cycle.
Front-Load Models
- Door strike wear: The plastic strike can loosen or crack. If the door feels sloppy or needs force to latch, the lock may not read closed.
- Child lock: Many front-load panels use the same Control Lock feature; clear it before testing other steps.
- Time counts down, no action: A stuck lock can prevent the cycle from launching even while the timer runs. Power cycle and check the latch.
Safe Step-By-Step Fixes
1) Confirm Power
Check the breaker, test the outlet, and plug straight into the wall. If a GFCI keeps tripping, move the plug to a dedicated non-GFCI laundry circuit where local code allows.
2) Reset The Control
Unplug the washer, wait five minutes, then restore power. Select a Normal cycle and press Start. Watch the panel for new messages. If you still ask “why won’t my maytag washer start?”, keep going down this list.
3) Clear The Control Lock
Hold the Control Lock button for three seconds. If the display counts down “3-2-1,” the lock will clear and you can start a cycle. If no response, power cycle again and retry.
4) Check The Lid Or Door Lock
Close the lid or door with an empty tub and listen for the click. If the lock light flashes, inspect the strike and the latch area for lint, strings, or bent metal. Clean the latch opening with a soft brush, then try again.
5) Cancel Delay Start
If a delay icon shows, press and hold Start/Pause for 3–5 seconds to cancel. Re-select the cycle, then press Start.
6) Verify Water And Sensing
Turn both supply valves fully open. On Auto Sensing, keep the lid closed during the first minute while the machine sizes the load. If the tub never fills, check the household water, inlet screens, and hoses.
7) Balance Or Reduce The Load
Mixed loads start more reliably. If you packed a comforter with nothing else, add two towels. If the tub is stuffed, remove several items. Restart the cycle.
When You See Error Codes
F5 E1 or lock codes: This points to the lid or door lock circuit. Power cycle the washer, then close the lid and press Start. If the code returns, the lock or its wiring needs attention.
LC/LoC: The display is telling you the controls are locked. Clear it with the Control Lock hold.
Other codes: Look up your model’s list in the manual. Many codes still trace back to a failed start because the lock, sensing, or water feed never verified.
Care Tips That Prevent No-Start Problems
Keep The Latch Area Clean
Wipe the lid rim and door gasket weekly. Lint, threads, and detergent residue can block the lock.
Load For Balance
Pair bulky items with towels, avoid knotting sheets, and don’t heap a mountain of light pieces on one side of the tub. A balanced load helps the sensor move past the first spin.
Mind The Panel
Water drips into buttons can make them unresponsive. Dry your hands before pressing Start and keep splashes off the console. A clean, dry panel reads touches better.
Use A Dedicated Outlet
Skip long extension cords and power strips. A solid outlet reduces nuisance resets and strange panel behavior. If a surge strip was used, plug directly into the wall and retest.
Parts And Costs At A Glance
| Part | DIY Difficulty | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lid or door lock assembly | Low–Medium | $25–$120 |
| Door strike | Low | $10–$30 |
| Shift actuator (top-load) | Medium | $40–$90 |
| Inlet valve | Medium | $40–$120 |
| User interface panel | Medium–High | $120–$250 |
| Main control board | High | $150–$400 |
| Power cord | Low | $10–$25 |
Common Missteps That Stop A Cycle
Using Only Cold With A Closed Hot Valve
Some cycles expect both valves open. If hot is closed, the control may sit at Sensing or cancel the start. Open both valves even when you choose a cold wash.
Pausing And Opening During Sensing
Opening the lid during the first minute can confuse the sequence. Let the machine settle, then make changes after it moves into wash.
Overstuffing Bulky Bedding
A single heavy comforter can pin the tub to one side. Add two towels to balance or wash bedding at a laundromat with larger capacity.
DIY Safety Notes
Always unplug the washer before removing panels or handling wiring. Shut off both water valves before disconnecting hoses. Wear gloves; cabinet edges can be sharp. Keep a towel and a shallow pan nearby, since hoses and the pump trap hold water.
If you pull the unit out, protect the floor with cardboard. Avoid tilting the machine onto the hoses. When you restore power after a reset, stand clear of moving parts and keep the lid closed until the cycle begins. These habits prevent slips, shocks, and pinched fingers while you track down a no-start.
When To Call A Pro
If the washer stays unresponsive after power reset, control lock clear, and latch checks, a technician can test voltage at the lock, read stored codes, and verify the control board. Keep your model number handy and document any codes you saw.
Helpful Official Links
Need the exact steps for your model? See Maytag’s pages on the no-start reset, lid lock messages, control lock, and sensing behavior. Save these for quick reference next time.