Troubleshoot a Maytag washer that won’t light up: A step-by-step guide (2024)

When your Maytag washer suddenly stops responding and won’t light up, it can be a frustrating disruption to your laundry routine.

But before you call in an expensive repair technician, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to diagnose and potentially resolve the issue yourself.

If you find out that you need any replacement parts for your Maytag washer while you’re troubleshooting, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The troubleshooting information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

What you need

• Multimeter
• Putty knife
• 1/4-inch nut driver

Important: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Read more: How to replace the power cord for a Maytag washer

Safety tips

When working on any appliance, remember to keep safety first. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Always power off and unplug your appliance or switch off the circuit breaker before you attempt any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by eliminating any risk of electric shock.
• If the appliance has recently been used, give it plenty of time to cool down before working on it.
• Turn off the water supply at the outlet before beginning repairs. Keep towels ready to catch any residual water in the system when removing parts.
• Take your time while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries. Rushing is the enemy of precision.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can see and access appliance parts.
• Keep your workspace free of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check the user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions related to your appliance or replacement part.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the appliance or cause personal injury.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts and debris.
• When working with wires, avoid touching any exposed wires or terminals. If you need to touch a wire, use a non-conductive tool or wear insulating gloves to prevent electrical shock.
• Always take photos or make a note of wiring terminals or other connections before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
• Don’t test live voltage with a multimeter if you’re unfamiliar with how to prevent short-circuiting.

Read more: Maytag washer lights up but won’t start: A troubleshooting guide

How to troubleshoot the washer

Follow these steps to troubleshoot a Maytag washer that doesn’t light up.

Step 1: Open up the washer

1. Unplug the washer’s power cord from the electrical outlet.
2. Use a 1/4-inch nut driver to remove the screws holding the rear console cover. Set the cover aside.
3. Use a putty knife to press into the lock tabs at the bottom front corners of the console.
4. Lift the front of the console up and slide it forward.
5. Set the console down on its face.

Step 2: Check voltage

LIVE VOLTAGE WARNING: For this test, the appliance needs to be plugged in and powered on. Please be very careful to protect yourself from electric shock, which has the potential to cause serious injuries. Don’t ever test live voltage if you’re uncomfortable using a multimeter.

1. Plug the power cord back in and power on the washer.
2. Set your multimeter to Volts AC (V~).
3. Use the meter probes to test the voltage at the control connection J7, where the power cord is connected.
4. Check the meter reading. If you see 120V AC, then the main control has failed and needs to be replaced.

If there isn’t 120V AC, you’ll need to test the power cord.

Step 3: Test the power cord

1. Unplug the power cord from the outlet and the J7 connection on the washer.
2. Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
3. Test for continuity by placing one probe on one prong and the other probe on the corresponding wire at the plastic connector. Repeat this for the other prong.

If you don’t get continuity on one of the wire sets, then the power cord has failed and needs to be replaced.

If you have continuity, there may be an electrical supply issue. You’ll need to contact a licensed electrician for assistance.

Read more: How to replace the main control board in a top-loading Maytag washer

More information

Thank you for reading! We hope this guide helped you get your Maytag washer working again.

If you have any other appliance repair needs or projects, don’t hesitate to explore our other troubleshooting guides and videos.

If you need replacement parts or some extra help with ordering them, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com, where you can chat with a pro, read our DIY blog and more.

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