Yewhort is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you’re facing the frustrating issue of your Maytag front-load washer’s door-locked light flashing, fear not. This common problem can be addressed with some simple troubleshooting steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of diagnosing and potentially fixing the issue, step by step. Remember, safety first: always unplug your machine before attempting any repairs.
1) Checking the Lid Lock
When your Maytag front-load washer’s door-locked light is flashing, the first component you should inspect is the lid lock mechanism. This component serves a crucial safety function by ensuring that the washer won’t operate when the lid is open. If the lid isn’t locking correctly, it could be due to debris or obstructions in the lock striker.
- Identifying the Lock Striker: The lock striker is a small but essential part of the lid lock system, situated along the edge of the washer’s lid. It’s responsible for engaging with the lock to securely close the lid before the wash cycle can commence.
- Cleaning Around the Striker: Open the lid carefully and inspect the area around the lock striker. Over time, detergent residues, lint, and general buildup can accumulate in this region. These deposits can harden, preventing the lid from closing or locking properly.
- The Cleaning Process: To rectify this issue, take a damp cloth or sponge and gently clean the area around the striker and the lock mechanism. It’s advisable to use a mild soap solution, as this can be more effective in removing stubborn buildup.
- Testing the Lock: Once you’ve thoroughly cleaned the striker and its surroundings, plug the washer back in an attempt to initiate a washing cycle. If the door still refuses to open or the lock light continues to flash, it’s time to explore other potential causes.
2) Investigating the Start Button
If the lid appears to lock correctly, but the problem persists, it’s wise to examine the start button and associated components. There could be an underlying issue with the lid motor, which might be preventing the washer from commencing its cycle.
- Press and Hold the Start Button: Begin by pressing and holding the start button for more than three cycles. This action tests whether the washer’s cycle can be engaged properly. If the start button isn’t working as intended, it may be preventing the washer from functioning correctly.
- Resetting the Washer: Sometimes, electronic glitches can disrupt the washer’s operation. To address this, unplug the washer from the electrical outlet for a minimum of 60 seconds. This brief interruption in power can help reset the washer’s internal systems.
- Leave the Washer Plugged In: After the brief reset, plug the washer back in and leave it connected for about 20 minutes. During this time, the washer may enter flood mode and begin draining. It typically takes around 20 minutes for this process to complete. During this time, monitor the washer to see if the door eventually unlocks. If it does, this might indicate that the initial issue was due to an electronic glitch that has now been resolved.
3) Addressing Fill Time Problems
If your Maytag front-load washer’s door-locked light is flashing, it may be signaling an issue with the time it takes for the washer to fill with water. This problem can lead to additional error codes like F8E1 or LF (long fill) appearing on the display.
These error codes can be indicative of either water supply issues or drainage problems within the machine. Let’s explore how to tackle these issues.
Checking the Drain Hose
A clogged or poorly installed drain hose could be the root of your prolonged filling times. The washer may have trouble filling with water if the drain hose is not draining properly, creating a siphoning effect.
- First, make sure the drain hose is in good working order. Check for any sharp turns, twists, or bends that could be impeding the water’s progress. Also, check to see that the hose isn’t dangling too far down the drain.
- Fixing this issue requires checking that the drain hose was installed correctly and was not forced too far into the drain pipe. Do not use tape to close off the drain opening; doing so can cause more problems.
Inspecting Inlet Hoses
Codes indicating a lack of water flow could also indicate a problem with the washer’s water supply. The next step in fixing fill-time issues is to fix the inlet hoses.
- Inspect the two hoses that bring water into your washing machine, one for warm water and one for cold. Double-check that they are properly attached to the hot and cold water sources. Make sure the water taps are fully open.
- Look for kinks and bends in the hoses that could be preventing water from flowing freely. A delay in filling the tank can be caused by something as small as a clog.
- Before reconnecting the hoses after cleaning, make sure the washer is unplugged and the water supply valves are turned off.
- If water drips, you’ll want a bucket handy to catch it. Take out the inlet hoses one by one with care. Make sure there is no debris blocking the hose or the inlet valve. Reattach the hoses securely after a thorough cleaning if you find any.
- After you’ve done all that, plug the washer back in and give it another go at starting up. Check for kinks or other obstructions in the hoses and make sure all water supply valves are open. It may be necessary to look into other options if the problem persists.
4) Investigating the Water Sensor
If the Maytag washing machine’s flashing door-locked light persists despite these troubleshooting measures, the water sensor may be broken. A machine’s water level can be monitored thanks to the water sensor. If it’s not working properly, it can impede the washing machine’s cycle.
Get in Touch with a Pro: Swapping out the water sensor is easy, but you might need the help of a pro. They can figure out if the water sensor is broken and replace it if that’s the case.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Maytag front-load washer with a flashing door-locked light can be caused by various factors, ranging from a simple lid lock issue to more complex problems like water sensor malfunctions.
By systematically checking and addressing these potential issues, you can resolve the problem and get your washer back in working order. If in doubt or if the problem persists, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional technician for a thorough assessment and repair.
