Maytag Washer Pauses? Fix It Fast! [Troubleshooting]

Maytag Washer Pauses? Fix It Fast! Troubleshooting Guide

A Maytag washer that repeatedly goes into pause mid-cycle can be frustrating. Before calling a repair technician, try these troubleshooting steps. This guide focuses on helping you diagnose and potentially fix the issue yourself.

Understanding Why Your Maytag Washer Pauses

The first step is to understand why your washer might be pausing. Modern washers are equipped with safety features and sensors designed to protect the appliance and your home. These features can trigger pauses if the washer detects a problem. Knowing potential causes helps narrow down the issue.

Common Reasons for a Maytag Washer to Pause Mid-Cycle

Here are some frequent culprits when your Maytag washer goes into pause mid cycle:

• Unbalanced Load: The most common cause. An uneven distribution of clothes can cause the washer to shake violently, triggering a pause.
• Drainage Issues: A clogged drain hose or drain pump can prevent the washer from emptying, leading to a pause.
• Water Supply Problems: Insufficient water pressure or a kinked water hose can prevent the washer from filling properly.
• Lid/Door Switch Malfunction: If the lid or door switch isn’t working correctly, the washer may think the door is open, causing it to pause.
• Error Codes: Modern washers often display error codes that can pinpoint the problem.
• Control Board Issues: In rare cases, a faulty control board can cause erratic behavior, including pauses.

Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these steps to diagnose and fix the problem. Remember to disconnect the washer from the power outlet before performing any maintenance or repairs.

1. Check for an Unbalanced Load

This is the simplest and most frequent fix.

• Solution: Pause the washer (if it hasn’t already), open the lid/door, and redistribute the clothes evenly in the drum. Make sure the load isn’t too large or too small. Try to spread out heavier items.

2. Inspect the Drain Hose and Drain Pump

A clogged drain can definitely make a Maytag washer go into pause mid cycle.

• Drain Hose:
  • Visual Inspection: Check the drain hose for any kinks, bends, or obstructions. Straighten any kinks.
  • Disconnection & Cleaning: Disconnect the drain hose from the washer and the drainpipe. Flush it out with water to remove any debris.
• Drain Pump:
  • Location: The drain pump is typically located at the bottom front or rear of the washer.
  • Access & Cleaning: Consult your washer’s user manual for specific instructions on accessing the drain pump. Often there is a small access panel that you can remove to check the drain pump filter for debris (lint, buttons, coins, etc.). Clean the filter thoroughly. Be prepared for some water to spill out.

3. Verify Water Supply

Inadequate water supply pressure or a partially blocked inlet can lead to pauses.

• Check the Faucets: Make sure both the hot and cold water faucets connected to the washer are fully open.
• Inspect the Water Inlet Hoses: Check for kinks or bends in the hoses. Straighten any kinks.
• Clean the Inlet Screens: Disconnect the water inlet hoses from the back of the washer. There are small screens inside the inlet valves. Use a small brush or pliers to carefully remove the screens and clean them of any sediment or debris.

4. Test the Lid/Door Switch

If the washer thinks the door is open, it will pause for safety reasons.

• Visual Inspection: Examine the lid/door switch for any damage.
• Testing (Advanced): Use a multimeter to test the switch for continuity. Note: Testing the continuity of the switch requires a basic understanding of electrical circuits and the safe use of a multimeter. If you are not comfortable performing this test, it’s best to consult a qualified appliance repair technician.

5. Decipher Error Codes

Modern Maytag washers often display error codes when a problem is detected.

• Consult the User Manual: Refer to your washer’s user manual to identify the meaning of the error code.
• Troubleshoot the Error: The manual will provide troubleshooting steps specific to the displayed error code.

6. Reset the Washer

Sometimes a simple reset can resolve minor glitches that make your Maytag washer go into pause mid cycle.

• Unplug the Washer: Unplug the washer from the power outlet for 1-2 minutes.
• Plug it Back In: Plug the washer back into the power outlet and run a test cycle.

7. Control Board Issues

If all other troubleshooting steps fail, the control board may be faulty.

• Diagnosis: This is typically best left to a qualified appliance repair technician. Control board problems can be complex and require specialized knowledge and equipment to diagnose and repair.

Alright, hopefully, you’ve got that maytag washer goes into pause mid cylcle issue sorted out! If not, don’t sweat it; sometimes these things need a little extra TLC. Good luck getting your laundry back on track!