MHW5400DW0 Maytag Front Load Washer | Error Codes

Welcome to another deep dive into the world of front load washer repair! Today, I’m reviewing the MHW5400DW0 error codes. I’m assuming you’re here because you know the reputation of Neli and how we help DIYers like yourself solve about every appliance problem imaginable!

Your Maytag washer is no different. You’ll find the complete list of error codes for your model, with some potential solutions to the problem. 

If you’re handy and willing to take time to troubleshoot with our help, there isn’t a good reason not to try. DIY work can save you a bunch of money and teach you things you can use the next time you’ll need to repair an appliance. 

Ready? Let’s go…

 

 

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 – ACU ERROR

Memory is corrupted or another ACU failure has occurred. 

• Check the electrical outlet for damage.
• A power surge/drop may have caused this problem.
• Unplug or disconnect power from the washer. 
• Verify power at outlet (voltage, polarity, grounding, and dedicated circuit)
• Reconnect power and test. 

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 – WATER LEVEL SYSTEM ERROR

The ACU detects an out of range pressure signal

• Check connections from tub to air trap, air trap to pressure hose, and pressure hose to water level sensor. Is the pressure 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 (14°F to 230°F [-10°C to 110°C]). Correct ohm reading should be 500-100K Ω. 

F4E0 – HEATER IS NOT DETECTED

This error generates when the ACU cannot detect the temperature rising with the heater turned on. 

• Inlet hot water temperature is low. 
• Heater element is unplugged or open.

F5E1 – DOOR SWITCH ERROR

This code generates if the door has not been open for 3 consecutive cycles or the door switch is open
with the door locked for over 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
(dL)

At the start of a cycle, the washer attempts to lock the door 6 times. If the door cannot lock, the washer goes into pause mode and generates the code. NOTE: The machine records F5E2, but the customer sees dL.

• Verify that harness connectors are fully inserted in the ACU and the door lock.
• Make sure that the drum is not overloaded. Verify that the door can close easily and that all clothing fits inside the drum.
• Door not completely closed because of interference.
• Check the door lock mechanism for damage, misalignment, or foreign objects.

F5E3 – DOOR UNLOCK ERROR
(dU)

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 generates the code. NOTE: The machine records F5E3, but the customer sees dU. 

• Verify that harness connectors are fully inserted in the ACU and door lock. Verify the door latch is secured to the front panel.
• Check for misaligned, broken, or over-tightened door latch.

F5E4 – DOOR NOT OPENED BETWEEN CYCLES

This error code displays when the user has run three consecutive cycles without opening the door. 

F6E2 – COMMUNICATION ERROR Ul TO ACU
F6E3 – COMMUNICATION ERROR ACU TO Ul

Communication between the Appliance Control Unit (ACU) and User Interface (UI) not detected. 

• Verify continuity in the cable between ACU (J19) and Ul (C2). 
• Check AC and DC supplies.

F7E2 – MOTOR DRIVE CIRCUIT OVER TEMPERATURE

ACU drive electronics overheated. If this occurs, the ACU will wait until it cools down before restarting. 

• Improper installation of washer. Ensure that the washer is not near a heat source and has proper ventilation. 
• Make sure that the drum is not overloaded. Verify that the door can close easily and that all clothing fits.
• Mechanical friction – verify that the drum rotates freely. 
• Check the drive system for worn or faulty components. 

F7E8 – MOTOR OVER TEMPERATURE

The motor has overheated. The ACU will wait to restart the washer until the motor temperature returns to normal levels. 

• Improper installation of washer. 
• Ensure that the washer is not near a heat source and has proper ventilation. 
• Make sure that the drum is not overloaded. 
• Verify that the door can close easily and that all clothing fits inside the drum.
• Mechanical friction – verify that the drum rotates freely.

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

This error is displayed when the steam valve malfunctions.

• 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 – Customer sees Lo FL 

The washer does not detect water input after 12 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? Drain hose must not be more than 4.5″ (114 mm) into the drain pipe. Make sure drain hose is not sealed into the drain pipe, and that there is an air gap for ventilation.
• Check connections from tub to air trap, air trap to pressure hose, and pressure hose to water level sensor. 
• Is pressure hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?

F8E3 – OVERFLOW CONDITION

The overflow condition occurs if there is too much water or foam in the washer. If overflow occurs, the valves are closed and the drain pump switches on for at least 30 seconds. If the cycle is running, the washer will repeat this process 4 times before displaying the error code. Once the error code is displayed, the cycle is terminated and all water is pumped out. This routine will also be active during standby mode, except that the washer will drain until the tub is empty.

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

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

F9E1 – LONG DRAIN

If the drain time exceeds 6 minutes without reaching reset level in water sensor, the valves are turned off and the drain pump will stop running. F9E1 will display if washer does not drain. (Normal drain takes less than 2 minutes.)

• Verify that connector J17 and pump harness connections are fully inserted.
• Verify that the drain hose is not blocked or kinked.
• Make sure the drain hose is not sealed into the drain pipe, and that there is an air gap for ventilation.
• Make sure the drain hose height does not exceed 96″ (2.4 m).
• Check/clean drain pump filter of foreign objects.
• Check connections from tub to air trap, air trap to pressure hose, and pressure hose to water level sensor. Make sure the air trap is not obstructed. Is the pressure hose pinched, kinked, plugged, or leaking air?
• Verify there are no excessive suds in the washer. If so, recommend high efficiency detergent and a recommended amount to use.

Now that you’re armed with the information you need, why not take a shot at repairing your machine? The machine may look intimidating, but the reality is once you get inside and see what it’s made of, you may realize it’s as bad as you think. Yes, they can be a little overwhelming at times, but keep at it. Soon enough you’ll be familiar with it and how it works. But if you can’t quite figure something out, no worries, we’ll get you there. Just book an appointment and we’ll walk you through the repair, start to finish!