Investing in a good quality washer like the Maytag washer is undoubtedly intelligent. But if your Maytag washer is stuck on the sensing cycle, it can be a big or a minor problem.
When the machine is stuck in the sensing cycle, you can’t pick the next cycle and cannot wash the items in it. So, what causes a Maytag washer to get stuck on the sensing cycle?
When your Maytag washer is stuck on sensing, it is mainly due to mechanical or technical issues.
The sensing cycle should last at most 2 to 3 minutes. Anything longer than this means your Maytag washer is experiencing one of the following:
- Malfunctioning water sensor.
- Defective control board.
- Stuck keypad.
- Clogged drain.
- Faulty timer.
- Faulty water valve.
- Replace the lid switch.
Once the weight of the load in a Maytag washer has been estimated, the sensing fills the washer with the necessary amount of water, and the wash cycle should begin shortly after.
If the wash cycle does not start after ample time, then you are likely dealing with a stuck sensing problem.
This article discusses why your Maytag washer is stuck on sensing and how to navigate around them to get the washer working again.
7 Reasons Your Maytag Washer Is Stuck on Sensing
You can fix your Maytag washer when it’s stuck on the sensing cycle, but only if you can diagnose it correctly.
Below are some common problems you might encounter that may cause the Maytag washer to be stuck on sensing:
1. Malfunctioning Water Sensor
The sensing feature in your Maytag washer uses a water sensor to tell when the water level is appropriate. But when the water sensor fails, it won’t relay the correct information to the water inlet valve. As such, your washing machine will be stuck in sensing mode.
If you suspect the water sensor is faulty, use a digital multimeter to test the water sensor for continuity. If the sensor is defective, it will show no continuity, meaning you need to replace it.
If you know your way around it, go ahead to replace it; otherwise, call a technician to assist with the replacement service.
2. Defective Control Board
The control board is an essential component of your Maytag washer that receives and sends commands to several components in the washer.
The control board doesn’t fail often, but if it does, it can cause the washer to be stuck on the sensing cycle. In addition, the control board often malfunctions due to electrical issues.
If the control board is malfunctioning, you must replace it. But first, check if a faulty wire connection is responsible for the issue.
Also, test the control board for continuity with a multimeter. If you are sure the control board is defective, call a technician for a replacement.
3. Stuck Keypad
Sometimes, a stuck keypad on the Maytag washer is why the washer is going past the sensing cycle. This is because a stuck keypad can force the sensor light to stay in the sensing mode.
So, even after the sensing is complete, the washer goes into another sensing cycle, and so on.
If you suspect the keypad is jammed, inspect the jammed key and dislodge it. For example, it’s common to have a jammed keypad when you recently replaced something on your washer.
After dislodging the jammed keypad, you should reset the washer before using it.
4. Clogged Drain
It’s common to have hard water running in your home. But over time, the minerals in the water from sediments or limescale in your appliances, such as the Maytag washer, can cause clogged pipes and drain. As such, you should check the drain pump occasionally for blocking.
Lint from the cloth can also contribute to a clogged drain. If the drain is clogged, then unclog it and restart your pump before using it again.
You can quickly unclog the washer by cleaning the trap, pouring baking soda and boiling water, using a drain snake, or rinsing the drain at high pressure.
5. Faulty Timer
A Maytag washer uses a timer to tell when a particular cycle is complete. When this timer is faulty, it becomes challenging for the washer to tell when to move to the next mode.
So, if the timer is defective, it will likely stick to the sensing mode. As such, check the condition of the timer to know if you need a replacement.
The wiring harness may have disconnected, which you can easily connect back. But if the issue is technical, you should leave it to an expert.
6. Faulty Water Valve
The water inlet valve is one element of your Maytag washer that needs proper maintenance. According to the Maytay maintenance manual, you should replace the inlet hose and valve after five years of use.
After years of service, the hose or valve can become clogged, corroded, or damaged, preventing free water flow and causing the washer to be stuck in sensing mode.
You can fix this issue by accessing the inlet valve at the back of the washer. Then, unscrew the valve and disconnect it from the hoses.
Get a replacement hose and water valve, and install it back. If the procedure is complicated, you can leave this task to a licensed expert.
7. Replace the Lid Switch
When you cannot get the washer to exit sensing mode, it could be because the lid switch is broken. For example, a faulty lid switch or lock prevents the door from closing, so the washer will not run.
Rather the washer will stay in sensing mode, assuming you intentionally left the door open. Using the diagnostic mode on your Maytag washer, you can tell the lid lock is faulty.
As such, you may need to replace or fix it, as the case may be. In addition, you will need to use a multimeter to determine what is faulty with the lid switch.
Conclusion
Before you conclude something needs to be fixed with your Maytag washer, check if you have the wrong settings. Also, check for low water pressure, motor obstruction, and jammed load, as they can cause the washer to be stuck in sensing.
Generally, it is worth it to maintain your washer regularly to stay ahead of any failing unit before it fails on the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does the Sensor Light Flash on a Maytag Washer?
If the sensing light of your Maytag washer is flashing, it means the washer is not getting enough water. In such cases, there is a high chance the supply line is blocked or kinked.
How To Reset a Maytag Washer
Resetting a Maytag washer is very easy by using the steps below:
- First, switch off the water supply and remove the hoses.
- Wait about 1 minute, then reconnect it back.
- Finally, restart the washer, and everything should work.
