MHW5500FW0 Maytag Front Load Washer | Error Codes

You may know that front load washers have come a long way since their rather tumultuous beginnings back in the 1990s. If you happen to own one, then you know what I mean. 

This model, the Maytag MHW5500FW0, is the equivalent of the Whirlpool Duet. Personally, the Duet is my all-time favorite washer – hands down. 

Today’s machine is the third iteration of the Duet, with each version better than the other. They modernized it with more features, especially with load balance improvements. 

This post is about Whirlpool error codes for your machine. Thankfully, Whirlpool error codes are accurate and don’t lead you in the wrong direction. 

If you’re ready, we’ll get started. 

Remember that as you’re working on your machine and you hit a wall and can’t figure something out, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with us, and one of our trained techs would be glad to help. 

SUDS – SUDS DETECTED

The fault is displayed when Suds prevent the basket from spinning up to speed or the pressure sensor detects a rising suds level. The main control will flush water in an attempt to clear Suds. If the water flush is unable to correct the problem, this may indicate:

• Not using HE detergent or excessive detergent usage.
• Verify Bulk Dispensing setting. Ensure the user has selected the right type of detergent and water hardness.
• Check/clean drain pump filter and hose of foreign objects.
• Ensure drain height does not exceed 8′ (2.4 m) from the washer base.

F0E1 – LOAD DETECTED DURING THE WASHER CLEANING CYCLE

During the cleaning cycle, the control detected a load inside the drum. Clear the error code and run a Cleaning Cycle to verify the problem.

• Load inside the washer during the clean cycle.
• Mechanical friction on the drive mechanism or basket. (Clothing between basket and tub).

F1E1 – CCU ERROR

A communication error between the CCU and onboard EEPROM has occurred, or one of the main relays is not working properly.

• Check the electrical outlet for damage.
• A power surge/drop may have caused this problem. Unplug or disconnect the washer. Verify power at the outlet (voltage, polarity, grounding, and dedicated circuit). Reconnect power and retest.
• A welded relay on the CCU could be the problem.

F1E2 – MCU ERROR ■ MULTIPLE RESETS

Motor Control Unit (MCU) has an internal malfunction, repeating under or over voltage or over current conditions. It can also be caused by momentary loss of neutral feed to MCU during the spin cycle. If the error occurs during a high-speed spin, the door will remain locked for 3 minutes.

F2E3 – UNSUPPORTED CYCLE

Cycle corruption or CCU is not compatible for this specific model of washer.

• Intermittent communication between CCU and Ul. Check harness for continuity.
• Rotate the cycle selector knob and verify cycle information on console. CCU may be corrupted.
• CCU is not compatible with washer—replace CCU.

F3E1 – PRESSURE SWITCH / PRESSURE SENSOR ERROR

The CCU detects an out-of-range pressure signal. The use of an analog pressure sensor or digital pressure switch is model dependent, but the procedure to detect this error does not change.

• Check the pressure hose connection from the tub to the pressure sensor. Is the hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?

F3E2 – TEMPERATURE SENSOR ERROR

This error is displayed if the water temperature sensor value is out of range (23°F to 217°F [-5°C to 103°C]). To find the correct ohm reading, refer to the temperature chart. This error code is available only in service diagnostics.

F5E1 – DOOR SWITCH ERROR

This code is generated if the door has not been open for 3 consecutive cycles or the door switch is open
while the door is locked for more than 5 seconds. If this occurs during normal operation, the buzzer beeps
3 times. This error code is available only in service diagnostics.

• The user presses START without the closing door.
• The door is not open for 3 consecutive cycles.
• The door switch mechanism is damaged or obstructed.

F5E2 – DOOR LOCK ERROR

At the start of a cycle, the washer attempts to lock the door 6 times. If the door cannot be locked, the washer goes into pause mode, and the code is generated. This code is available only in service mode.

• The door was not completely closed due to interference.
• Check the door lock mechanism for damage, misalignment, or foreign objects.

F5E3 – DOOR UNLOCK ERROR

At the start of a cycle, the washer attempts to unlock the door 6 times. If the door cannot be unlocked, the washer goes into pause mode, and the code is generated. This code is available only in service diagnostics.

• Verify door latch is secured to the front panel.
• Check for misaligned, broken, or over-tightened door latch.

F6E1 – COMMUNICATION ERROR BETWEEN CCU AND MCU

Communication between the Central Control Unit and the MCU has not been detected.

• Check door switch operation. A faulty switch may interfere with the power to MCU.
• Check the drive system for worn or faulty components.
• Verify continuity in the cable between CCU (MI3 & MS2) and MCU. 

F6E2 – COMMUNICATION ERROR Ul TO CCU
F6E3 – COMMUNICATION ERROR CCU TO Ul

Communication between Central Control Unit (CCU) and User Interface (Ul) has not been detected.

• Verify continuity in the cable between CCU (UI7) and Ul (C2). 
• Check AC and DC supplies.

F7E1 – DRIVE MOTOR TACHOMETER ERROR / WASHER OVERLOAD

The MCU is unable to properly detect motor speed, and the washer shuts down. If the error occurs during a high spin, the door remains locked for 2-3 minutes.

• The washer is overloaded.
• Verify that the shipping system, including shipping bolts and spacers, is removed.
• Mechanical friction – verify that the drum rotates freely.

F7E2 – MCU FAULT OR MOTOR OVERHEAT

The heat sink exceeds 212°F (100°C). If this occurs, CCU will reset the MCU and wait for the motor to cool down before restarting. This procedure can repeat up to 4 times before F7E2 is displayed.

• Improper installation of the washer. Ensure that the washer is not located near a heat source and has proper ventilation
• Check that drum is not overloaded with clothes.
• Mechanical friction – verify that the drum rotates freely.
• Check the drive system for worn or faulty components. 

F8E0 – STEAM INLET VALVE ERROR (Not available on all models)

This error is displayed when the steam valve malfunctions. This error can be seen only in service diagnostics.

• Is the water supply connected and turned on?
• Check for blocked or kinked inlet hoses.
• Low water pressure or blocked hose screens.
• Check steam valve operation. 

F8E1 – NO WATER WAS DETECTED ENTERING THE WASHER OR PRESSURE SWITCH TRIP WAS NOT DETECTED

The washer does not detect water input after 13 minutes of filling.

• Is the water supply connected and turned on?
• Check for blocked or kinked inlet hoses.
• Low water pressure or blocked hose screens.
• Check for proper drain hose installation. Is water siphoning out of the drain hose? The drain hose must not be more than 4.5″ (113 mm) into the drain pipe.
• Check the pressure hose connection from the tub to the pressure sensor. Is the hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?

F8E2 – DISPENSER SYSTEM ERROR

The Dispenser motor is unable to reach the desired position.

• Check the mechanical linkage from the dispenser motor to the top of the dispenser.

F8E3 – OVERFLOW CONDITION

The overflow condition occurs if there is too much water or foam in the washer and the overflow contact on the pressure switch is closed for more than 60 seconds or 3 times during the same cycle. If overflow occurs, the valves are closed, and the drain pump switches on for at least 30 seconds.

• Check inlet valves for proper shutoff.
• Verify that the drain hose is not plugged or kinked.
• Check/clean the drain pump filter of foreign objects.
• Check the pressure hose connection from the tub to the pressure sensor. Is the hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?

F8E4 – FLOW METER FAULT

If less than 0.1L of water has entered the tub after 30 seconds from the start of the quick diagnostic routine, this error will be displayed. This error code is available only in service diagnostics.

• Is the water supply connected and turned on?
• Check for blocked or kinked inlet hoses.

F9E1 – LONG DRAIN

If the drain time exceeds 8 minutes without reaching the reset level in the pressure sensor, the valves are turned off, and the drain pump will stop running. NOTE: Suds can cause delays in draining. The washer drains for 4 minutes, pauses for 5 minutes, then tries again for 4 additional minutes of draining. F9E1 will display if the washer does not drain. (Normal drain takes less than 2 minutes)

• Verify that the drain hose is not blocked or kinked.
• Make sure the drain hose is not sealed into the drain pipe.
• Ensure the drain hose height does not exceed 96″ (2.4 m).
• Check/clean the drain pump filter of foreign objects.
• Check the pressure hose connection from the tub to the pressure sensor. 
• Is the hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?

Hopefully, you’re already deep into the repair and ready to button things up and run a test. If not, and you’re unsure what that next step is, book an appointment and rest easy. 

See you next time.