MHWE300VW00 Maytag Front Load Washer | Error Codes

MHWE300VW00

As of this writing, your Maytag MHWE300VW front load washer is about 14 years old. Perhaps that’s why you’re reading this.

But if this is your first time looking for answers about your machine, don’t be dismayed thinking it’s failing you.

The reality is every machine has its problems. It’s a natural occurrence for any washer. The trick is to keep it running past its 20th birthday and beyond.

Don’t think it can make it? Think again. As long as you’re aware that preventative maintenance is key to longevity, you’re in a good place. Remember, if you decide you want to tackle the repair, great! Neli is here to help you from start to finish.

One of the best things for your washer is common sense. I’m known in the business as a proponent of keeping load sizes on the smaller side every time. You spent good money when you bought the machine, so why not take care of your investment?

Lighter loads will translate into a much-extended life and better washability throughout your machine’s life.

An important step in keeping your washer trouble-free is understanding more about the causes of problems and the willingness to take measures to not only repair the problem but also to consider the source.

This post will list the error codes found in your machine. Most of them will never occur, but if they do, you can quickly get to the source and remedy the problem before it causes a breakdown and wastes your money.

Let’s start now.

Service and Fault Codes header

F01 – EEPROM Error

A communication error between the Central Control Unit (CCU) and the EEPROM on the CCU occurred.

A power glitch can cause this error. Or the mains relays on the CCU may have welded (shorted) together. Another cause is a failed drain pump relay.

Unplug the washer for two minutes.
If the error code repeats, replace the CCU (main control)

F03 – Heater Short to Ground

The heater has an internal short. Normal resistance is approx. 2MΩ. If you’re not sure about reading resistance, replace the heater.

F11 – Motor Control Unit Error

The Motor Control Unit (MCU) has an internal failure. If a failure occurs during a high-speed spin, the door will unlock after 3 minutes. Replace the MCU.

F20 – Long Fill

If, after 16 minutes of water fill and the pressure switch failed to detect water entering the machine, the water inlet valves turn off, and the error code displays.

Be sure the water to the washer is turned on (hot and cold). If the inlet valves vibrate during fill, but still no water enters the machine, suspect the water inlet valves.

Always check for input power to the valves to confirm. If there is power, unplug the leads to the inlet valves and check resistance across the solenoid terminals for each valve.

If you read “open” or “infinity,” they’re defective and need replacing. If they check OK, turn the water off to the machine, remove the hoses, and check for dirty screens inside the inlet valves and clean if necessary.

If they’re clean and still not working, replace the water inlet valves.

F21 – Long Drain

If the drain time exceeds eight minutes, “F21 ’’ will be displayed, the water valves will turn off, and the pump will stop running. Press PAUSE/CANCEL to drain the washer. The display will be cleared, and the washer will turn off after a maximum of eight minutes.

Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check the electrical connections at the pump and make sure the pump is running.
Check the drain pump filter for foreign objects.
Check if Sud is present. If so, remove it manually.
Plug in the washer or reconnect the power.
If the above does not correct the problem, go to step 8.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Replace the pump.

F22 – Door Lock Error

A Door Lock Error occurs if the door cannot be locked. It will try to lock it six times before displaying the error code.

Door lock mechanism is broken or removed from the door.
Door switch/lock unit failure.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check the door switch/lock unit.
Check the wire harness connections to the door switch/lock unit and Central Control Unit (CCU).

F23 – Heater Failure

If the water temperature increase during the first 40 minutes is less than 86°F (30°C).

Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check the connection to the water heater.
Check the resistance of the heating element if present in this model (abnormal = infinity).
Check the water temperature sensor and connection to it.

F24 – Water Temperature Sensor Error

If the water temperature sensor (NTC) value is out of range (23°F to 217°F [-5°C to 103°C]) during the water-heating step of the WASH cycle.

Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check the water temperature sensor and connection to it.
Check the resistance of the heating element if present in this model (abnormal = infinity).

F25 – Drive Motor Tachometer Error

If the control cannot properly detect motor speed, the washer shuts down. If a failure occurs during high-speed spin, the door unlocks after 3 minutes.

Verify the shipping system, including shipping bolts and spacers, is removed.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check drive motor tachometer resistance. It should be approx. 115 il.
Check wire harness connections between the drive motor and the Motor Control Unit (MCU) and between the MCU and the Central Control Unit (CCU).
Plug in the washer or reconnect the power.
Check the MCU by looking for operations of the drive motor.

F26 – Door Switch Error

If the door has not been opened for 3 consecutive cycles or the door switch is open while the door is locked for more than 5 seconds.

The door was not opened during 3 consecutive cycles:

Open and close the door.
Verify CCU operation by running a Diagnostic test or any cycle.

Check door switch contacts:

The door switches open while the door is locked.
Push the door and check if it is completely closed.
Verify CCU operation by running a Diagnostic Test or any cycle.
Check door switch contacts.
The resistance of both door coils (between pins 1 and 3) should be approx. 320 Ω.

F27 – Overflow Condition

If there is too much water or foam in the washer, the overflow contact on the pressure switch is closed. If the valves are open, they automatically close, and the drain pump switches on for at least 30 seconds. If overflow occurs 5 times, the error code is displayed, and the pump drains the washer. To unlock the door, press PAUSE/CANCEL.

Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check wire harness connections to the drain pump, pressure switch, water inlet value, and Central Control Unit (CCU).
Check/clean the drain pump filter of foreign objects.
Check for drain pump failure.
Check the inlet valve for proper shut-off.
Check the pressure switch for proper operation. NOTE: Check the F32 error code.

F28 – Serial Communication Error

The communication between the Central Control Unit (CCU) and the Motor Control Unit (MCU) cannot be sent correctly.

Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.

Check wire harness connections to the MCU, the motor, and Central Control Unit (CCU):

Check connections of the CCU board within the housing.
Make sure all grounding switches are engaged.

Check the drive system for any worn or failed components:

Plug in the washer or reconnect the power.
Verify CCU operation by running a Diagnostic Test or any cycle.
Check the MCU by looking for operations of the drive motor.
Check that the serial harness at the MCU is not mounted upside down. The wires should be to the left when facing the MCU connectors.

F29 – Door Unlock Error

If the door unlock command has failed 6 times:

Door lock mechanism is broken.
Door switch/lock unit failure.

Check the door switch/lock unit for foreign objects.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check wire harness connections to the door switch/lock unit and Central Control Unit (CCU).
Check door switch contacts.
The resistance of both door coils (between pins 1 and 3) should be approx. 320 Ω.

NOTE: The door switch/lock unit can be manually unlocked by removing the top cover from the machine and accessing the pull tab just below the door lock. Be sure no water is in the basket first.

F30 – Dispenser System Error

When the dispenser motor cannot be driven to its proper position.

Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check the mechanical linkage from the dispenser motor to the top of the dispenser.
Check wire harness connections to the dispenser motor and Central Control Unit (CCU).
Check the dispenser motor for powered rotations by measuring resistance.

F31 – Motor Control Unit Failure

If the heat sink gets too hot, the Motor Control Unit (MCU) will stop the motor, the MCU will communicate this failure to the Central Control Unit (CCU), then the CCU will reset the MCU.

If the condition continues four times, the F31 code will show.

Check for proper installation, and verify the washer is not located near a source of heat and has proper ventilation.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check wire harness connections to the MCU, the motor, and Central Control Unit (CCU).
Check the drive system for any worn or failed components.
Plug in the washer or reconnect the power.
Check the MCU by looking for operations in the driver output.

F32 – Pressure Switch Failure

If there is no electrical supply to the Pressure Switch from the CCU or if the Pressure Switch contacts are worn out, then a Pressure Switch Failure is displayed.

Check the Pressure Switch harness for continuity.
Check the Pressure Switch for correct operation with a DVIWVOM. Check for damage to the pressure switch.
To manually check the function of the Pressure Switch, remove the hose from the switch and apply air to the switch. Audible clicks will be heard from the switch.

F70 – Central Control Unit (CCU) Heartbeat Failure

If a Central Control Unit Heartbeat Failure is displayed, no communication is detected from the Central Control Unit to the User Interface.

Check for continuity of the User Interface harness.
Check wire harness connections to the User Interface and the Central Control Unit.
If the drum is not rotating, unplug the MCU from the CCU (the MI3 or M13 connector). If the code disappears, replace the MCU. If the code does not disappear, replace the CCU.
Replace User Interface if drum is rotating.

F71 – User Interface Heartbeat Failure

If a Central Control Unit Heartbeat Failure is displayed, no / communication is detected from the User Interface to the Central Control Unit.

Check for continuity of the User Interface harness.
Check wire harness connections to the User Interface and the Central Control Unit.
If the drum is not rotating, unplug the MCU from the CCU (the MI3 or M13 connector). If the code disappears, replace the MCU. If the code does not disappear, replace the CCU.
Replace the User Interface if drum is rotating.

SUDs Lock – Overdose of detergent detected during the wash cycle

If suds are detected continuously by the pressure switch during the drain or spin phases, the washer will fill 4 liters of water. For 5 minutes, the washer will rest without tumbling, the water will be drained, and it will try to spin or drain again.

If too much detergent was used:

Run through a RINSE/SPIN cycle.
Run a NORMAL cycle without adding any detergent.

This should clear the washer of the excess detergent.

Check the drain hose and make sure it is not plugged or kinked.
Unplug the washer or disconnect the power.
Check wire harness connections to the drain pump, pressure switch, and Central Control Unit (CCU).
Check/clean the drain pump filter of foreign objects.
Plug in the washer or reconnect the power.
Check the drain pump.
Check the pressure switch. Note: Check the F32 error code.
Verify CCU operation by running a Diagnostic Test or any cycle.

rL – (cleaning cycle) Unload Indication

If during the Cleaning cycle, a load was detected inside the drum, the Cleaning cycle is interrupted, and “rL” is displayed.

Basket overloaded. Remove all clothing from the basket.

F99 – Not Supported

User selected on the Ul an unsupported Cycle on the CCU. Mismatch of User Interface and CCU or corrupted EEPROM.

Perform a Service Cycle to pair the Ul and CCU SW.
Replace the User Interface.

If failure is still present:

Replace the CCU.

NOTE: During the first powerup of the new CCU and Ul combination, a boot phase (uploading parameters) will be performed.

Ready to move forward with the repair?

I mentioned earlier that Neli is here to help you when you decide to repair your washer. Your machine isn’t as difficult as it seems, but it can be intimidating. Let us remove those worries. Neli will walk you through any problem!