Maytag MVW4505MW Washer Error Codes & Troubleshooting Guide ✨

July 8, 2025
|In Appliance Repair, Maytag appliances, Tips for Repair
|By Thomas M.

Picture of the Maytag top load washer model MVW4505MW. ✨

Is your Maytag MVW4505MW washer showing a strange code? Don’t worry! These codes are actually helpful. They tell you what’s happening with your washer and how to fix it. This guide uses the official Maytag error code list for your model. It will help you figure out common problems and get your washer working right again.

Table of Contents

Understanding Your Maytag MVW4505MW Error Codes 💡

Below, you’ll find a clear list of error codes you might see on your Maytag MVW4505MW washer. Each code includes a simple explanation and easy steps to fix the problem. Therefore, remember this important safety rule: Always unplug your washer before you try to check or fix anything inside. Safety first!

Error Code List & Solutions ✅

Let’s dive into what each code means and how you can handle it. We group similar issues together for easier understanding.

🧺 Sensing and Load Issues

These codes tell you about problems related to how your washer senses things, or how you load your clothes.

  • F0E2: Oversuds
    • Description: Your washer detects too many suds.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Use Less Detergent: This is the main reason for too many suds. Be sure to always use High-Efficiency (HE) detergent and measure the right amount for your load size and water type. Using too much detergent, or using soap not meant for HE washers creates too many suds.
      2. Let it Finish: Your washer might try to fix this by adding extra rinse cycles. Allow the machine to finish these cycles without stopping it.
      3. Check Drain Hose: Sometimes, a bent or partly blocked drain hose can cause suds problems because water can’t drain well. Therefore, make sure the hose is straight and clear.
  • F0E3: Overload
    • Description: Your washer detects too much weight in the basket.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Make Load Smaller: Open the washer lid and take out some clothes. Arrange the remaining items evenly in the tub. Ensure there’s enough space for clothes to move around freely.
      2. Restart Cycle: Close the lid and press START to continue the wash cycle.
  • F0E4: Spin Limited by Water Temperature
    • Description: The spin cycle will be limited if the wrong water temp is selected for the fabric.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. End the cycle: Select the proper water temp for the fabric selected.
      2. Restart the cycle with the proper settings.
  • F0E5: Off Balance Load
    • Description: The clothes inside are not evenly spread, which makes the washer shake too much during the spin cycle.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Move Clothes Around: Open the lid and manually move the clothes around in the wash basket. Spread out heavy items (like towels or jeans) evenly, and untangle any clothes that are bunched up.
      2. Reduce Load (if needed): If your load is very heavy or soaks up a lot of water, taking out a few items might help the washer balance better.
      3. Close Lid & Restart: Close the lid and let the washer try to balance the load or finish the cycle.
  • F0E7: Load Detected When Running Clean Washer Cycle
    • Description: Your washer found clothes or items in the tub when you started the “Clean Washer” cycle.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Remove All Items: Make sure the washer drum is **completely empty** before you begin the Clean Washer cycle.
      2. Restart Cycle: Once the washer is empty, start the Clean Washer cycle again, following the steps in your manual.
  • F0E8: Water Ring
    • Description: The washer has detected too much residual water remaining in the tub after a cycle.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Run a Drain and Spin Cycle: This is the primary recommended action. Select the Drain and Spin cycle on your washer to attempt to remove the excess water.
      2. Check for Clogs or Drain Issues: If the error persists, there may be a clog in the drain pump, hose, or filter, or a problem with the drain pump itself.
  • F0E9: Pause During Drain & Spin
    • Description: Your washer paused while it was actively draining water.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Allow Drain to Complete: The washer will try to finish draining before it does anything else. Let it finish.
      2. Resume or Power Cycle: Once draining finishes, try pressing START/PAUSE to resume. If it still doesn’t respond, power cycle the machine.

🔌 Control and Communication Errors

These codes tell you about problems with your washer’s internal electronics and how they communicate. Consequently, understanding these helps with diagnosis.

  • F1E1: Main Control (ACU) Fault
    • Description: This is a general error with the Main Control Unit (ACU), also called the main control board.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug your washer for 5-10 minutes. This allows the control board to fully reset. Next, plug it back in and try to start a cycle.
      2. Contact Neli: If the error continues after a power cycle, the ACU might be faulty.
  • F1E2: Motor Control in ACU Over Voltage
    • Description: Indicates a motor control error or motor drive module fault. Specifically, it is most often described as a motor control error on the main control board.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      Faulty wiring connections to the drive motor or main control board.
      Defective drive motor (winding resistance out of range).
      Main electronic control board failure.
  • F2E1: UI Stuck Button
    • Description: The control panel (User Interface or UI) has a button that seems to be pressed down all the time or is stuck.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Inspect Buttons: Gently press and release all buttons on the control panel to see if one is physically stuck. Also, check for any dirt, debris, or sticky mess around the buttons.
      2. Clean Panel: Wipe the control panel thoroughly with a damp cloth, but avoid using too much water.
      3. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for a few minutes. If the button still shows as stuck after you plug it back in, you might need a new UI control board. Neli can help diagnose if a replacement is needed.
  • F2E2: UI Disconnected
    • Description: The control panel (UI) is not communicating with the main control unit (ACU).
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes. This might help them start talking again.
      2. Contact Neli: This usually means a loose wire connection between the UI and ACU, or one of the boards (UI or ACU) is faulty.
  • F2E3: ACU/UI Mismatch
    • Description: The main control (ACU) and the user interface (UI) do not match or are not working together correctly.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes. This can sometimes fix temporary communication problems.
      2. Contact Neli: This error often happens if someone replaced one of the control boards with the wrong part, or if there’s a serious communication failure. For this code, setting up an appointment with Neli is almost always necessary.
  • F6E1: Communication Error: UI Cannot Hear ACU
    • Description: The control panel (UI) is not getting signals from the main control unit (ACU).
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes. This often helps them start communicating again.
      2. Contact Neli: If the problem continues, there’s likely a wire connection issue between the UI and ACU, or one of the control boards is bad. Neli can provide expert help to figure this out.
  • F6E3: Communication Error: ACU Cannot Hear MCU
    • Description: The main control unit (ACU) is not getting signals from the motor control unit (MCU).
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes.
      2. Contact Neli: This means the main brain of the washer and the motor’s controller are not talking. Often, this points to a wiring problem or a faulty control board (either ACU or MCU). A Neli expert can diagnose this.

🌡️ Pressure and Temperature Sensor Issues

These codes tell you about problems with the washer’s sensors for water pressure or temperature.

  • F0E4: Spin Limited by Water Temperature
    • Description: The washer reduced spin speed because the water temperature was too high. This protects the washer and prevents scalding.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Allow Cooling: The washer will likely pause until the water temperature drops to a safe level. You usually don’t need to do anything; the washer will continue when ready.
      2. Check Water Heater: If this happens often, check if your home’s water heater is set too high.
  • F3E2: Pressure System Fault
    • Description: There’s an issue with the water level pressure sensor or its small tube.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Restart Washer: Unplug your washer for a few minutes to reset its system.
      2. Check Tubing (Advanced): You might need to look inside or behind your washer for this. Find the small, clear air tube that connects to the pressure sensor (it’s often near the top of the tub). Make sure it’s not bent, blocked, or loose. Even small clogs inside this tube can stop the sensor from reading correctly. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, set up an appointment with Neli.
      3. Contact Neli: If the tube looks clear, the pressure sensor itself might be bad.
  • F3E3: Inlet Water Temperature Fault
    • Description: Your washer cannot correctly sense how hot or cold the incoming water is.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Check Water Supply: Double-check that both hot and cold water supply lines connect properly and their valves are open.
      2. Restart Washer: Unplug the washer for a few minutes.
      3. Contact Neli: This typically points to a problem with the temperature sensor or the thermistor that reads temperature on the water inlet valve.

🔒 Lid Switch and Lock Problems

These codes point to problems with your washer’s lid or the part that locks it.

  • F5E1: Lid Switch Fault – Lid Is Open
    • Description: The washer’s lid lock system or sensor sees that the lid is open when it should be closed and locked to run.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Close Lid Firmly: Make sure you close the lid completely and press it down until it clicks.
      2. Check for Obstructions: Look for anything that might stop the lid from closing all the way or block the lid lock part (like small clothes, soap residue, or other items).
      3. Inspect Lid Lock: Look closely at the lid lock piece on the washer frame and the part on the lid that fits into it. Check for any damage or if they don’t line up.
      4. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for a few minutes.
      5. Contact Neli: If the lid is clearly closed but the error stays, the lid lock assembly or its sensor might be broken.
  • F5E3: Lid Not Locked Between Cycles
    • Description: The lid did not lock correctly between cycles or during a part of the cycle that needs it to be locked.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Repeat F5E1 Steps: Check for anything blocking the lid, make sure it closes firmly, and look at the lid lock part again.
      2. Power Cycle: Unplug and then plug your washer back in.
      3. Contact Neli: This usually points to a problem with the lid lock motor or sensor. Neli can give you expert help.
  • F5E4: Lid Not Opened Between Cycles
    • Description: Your washer noticed you didn’t open the lid between two wash cycles. The machine needs you to open and close the lid to reset some features or for you to put in more clothes.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Open and Close Lid: Just open your washer lid all the way, then close it firmly.
      2. Restart Cycle: Pick the wash cycle you want and press START.

These codes tell you about problems with your washer’s motor, its controls, or the parts that make it move.

  • F0E7: Basket Re-engagement Failure
    • Description: The wash basket did not connect properly again after a cycle.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Clear Obstructions: Open the lid and look for anything that might stop the basket from moving freely or connecting right. This could be a small item that fell beneath the basket.
      2. Restart Cycle: Close the lid and try to restart the cycle. If the problem continues, **set up an appointment with Neli**.
  • F1E2: Motor Drive Module Over Voltage
    • Description: The motor’s control part detected too much electricity.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes. This can sometimes clear small, quick power spikes.
      2. Check Power Supply: Make sure your washer plugs into a steady electrical outlet and not a circuit that has too many things plugged into it.
      3. Contact Neli: This indicates a possible problem with the electricity going to the motor or the motor’s control board itself. A Neli expert should check this out.
  • F7E1: Tachometer Missing or Wrong Signal
    • Description: The tachometer that measures its speed is not sending a signal, or it’s sending a wrong one.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for a few minutes.
      2. Check for Obstructions: Make sure nothing is physically getting in the way of the speed sensor mounted to the shifter.
      3. Contact Neli: This indicates a problem with the speed sensor, its wiring, or the motor control board. Neli can help find the exact cause.
  • F7E2: MCI Drive Failure
    • Description: The Motor Control Inverter (MCI) board, which controls how the motor works, has failed.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes.
      2. Contact Neli: This is a critical motor control error. The main control is likely defective and should be replaced.
  • F7E3: Basket Engaged During Wash Cycle
    • Description: The wash basket seems to be spinning or engaged during the wash part of the cycle, when it should be still.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for a few minutes.
      2. Check for Obstructions/Binding: Look for anything binding the basket or preventing it from disengaging freely.
      3. Contact Neli: This could mean a problem with the clutch, transmission, or the motor control that causes the basket to engage improperly.
  • F7E4: Basket Re-engagement Failure
    • Description: The basket did not properly connect again for the next part of the cycle.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Clear any blockages: Power cycle the washer.
      2. Contact Neli: If this keeps happening, it might point to mechanical problems with the basket’s drive system that Neli can assess.
  • F7E6: Motor Circuit Open
    • Description: The motor’s wiring has a break in its electrical circuit.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer.
      2. Contact Neli: This is an electrical fault within the motor’s wires or connections. The motor will likely need replacing.
  • F7E7: Motor Unable to Reach Target RPM
    • Description: The motor could not reach the needed speed (RPM) for the current part of the wash cycle.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Check Load: Ensure you have not put too many clothes in the washer. A very heavy load can stop the motor from reaching its correct speed.
      2. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for a few minutes.
      3. Contact Neli: Could indicate a failing motor, a problem with the motor control board, or problems with the drive system (like a belt or clutch). Neli can help determine the root cause.
  • F7E8: Motor Drive Module Over Temp
    • Description: The main control is getting too hot.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Allow Cooling: Unplug the washer and let it cool down for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
      2. Check Ventilation: Make sure your washer has enough air moving around it.
      3. Reduce Load: Try not to overload the washer often, as this puts extra stress on the motor and its controls.
      4. Contact Neli: If this problem happens often, there might be a deeper issue with the motor drive module or the motor itself.
  • F7E9: Locked Rotor
    • Description: The rotor cannot move.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Unplug Washer: Disconnect power right away.
      2. Check for Obstructions: Open the lid and carefully try to turn the wash basket by hand. Look for anything jammed in the tub or between the inner and outer tubs (like small clothes).
      3. Contact Neli: If you don’t see any obvious blockages, this means a serious mechanical problem with the motor, bearings, or gear case.
  • F7EA: Motor Phase Loss
    • Description: One of the windings in the motor is missing or cut off.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes.
      2. Contact Neli: This is an electrical issue affecting the motor’s power. It could be due to bad wiring, loose connectors, or a fault in the motor control board.
  • F7EC: Motor Drive Module Over Current / Overload
    • Description: The main control is drawing too much electricity or senses an overload.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Reduce Load: Make sure you have not overloaded the washer.
      2. Power Cycle: Unplug the washer for 5-10 minutes.
      3. Contact Neli: This means the motor draws too much power. This might happen because the motor is failing, or there’s a problem with the drive system (like stiff bearings or a gear case issue), or the motor control board is faulty.

💧 Fill, Drain, and Voltage Faults

These codes tell you about problems related to water filling, draining, or the power supply.

  • F0E6: Water Ring
    • Description: This indicates an issue related to water filling or sensing, possibly a “water ring” or level detection problem.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Check Water Supply: Verify that both the hot and cold water supply faucets behind your washer are **fully open**.
      2. Inspect Hoses: Look for any kinks, twists, or clogs in the water inlet hoses. You can carefully disconnect them (after turning off the water!) to check for dirt or debris in the screens where they connect.
      3. Water Pressure: Confirm that your home has good water pressure. Low pressure can trigger this error code.
  • F3E4: Drain Failure
    • Description: Your washer is not draining water correctly or within the expected time.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Check Drain Hose: Look closely at the drain hose for any kinks, twists, or clogs (like lint or small clothing items). Make sure you installed it correctly into your drain standpipe or sink.
      2. Standpipe Height: Confirm the drain hose is not pushed too far down the standpipe (it needs an air gap!). Also, check that it sits at the right height (typically around 39 inches from the floor) to prevent water from siphoning out too early.
      3. Clean Drain Pump Filter: Many washers have a small filter, sometimes called a coin trap, usually found at the bottom front. Consult your manual to find it, then clean out any lint or debris.
      4. Too Many Suds: An excessive amount of suds from old detergent can sometimes stop the washer from draining. (See F0E0).
      5. Contact Neli: If the hose and filter are clear, the drain pump itself might be broken. A Neli expert can help with this.
  • F8E1: Long Fill
    • Description: Your washer is taking too long to fill with water (it’s going past the normal time limit).
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Check Water Supply & Hoses: (See F0E6 for more details). Ensure faucets are open, hoses aren’t bent, and the screens where they connect are clean.
      2. Water Pressure: Verify your home has enough water pressure.
      3. Suds Issues: Too many suds from a previous wash can sometimes mess up how the washer senses the water level, causing it to fill for too long.
      4. Contact Neli: If water flows well but this keeps happening, there could be a problem with the water inlet valve or pressure sensor. Neli can assist with these complex diagnostics.
  • F8E3: Overflow Condition
    • Description: Your washer has detected that water is overflowing. This is a serious problem.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. UNPLUG WASHER IMMEDIATELY: Pull the plug from the wall outlet right away.
      2. Shut Off Water Supply: Turn off both the hot and cold water supply valves connected to your washer.
      3. Look for Leaks: Check carefully for any water leaking around or under the washer.
      4. Contact Neli Immediately: This is a major issue. A faulty water inlet valve (that stays open), a bad pressure sensor, or extreme suds can cause it.
  • F8E6: Water Hazard
    • Description: Water Hazard is a comprehensive fault category used by Maytag to flag various conditions that could lead to unexpected water presence, improper water level sensing, or a potential overflow/siphon situation if not addressed. For the F8E6 code specifically, the most direct cause is usually an open lid when water is present for an extended period.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. While this code is rare, it’s best to check all of the parts related to water such as the water level, the water inlet valves and drain hose position.
      2. Contact Neli: If you’ve checked everything and the code remains.
  • F9E1: Long Drain Fault
    • Description: Your washer is taking too long to drain water. This code is associated with F8E6.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. Checks: Check the drain pump and its impeller, drain hose, standpipe height, clean the pump filter, and reduce suds).
      2. Contact Neli: If you’ve checked everything common and it’s still not draining, the drain pump itself might be failing, and Neli can provide expert assistance.
  • F9E9: Wrong Voltage
    • Description: The main control has detected under/over voltage. . This is a serious error.
    • Troubleshooting & Fix:
      1. UNPLUG WASHER IMMEDIATELY: Disconnect power right away.
      2. Check Outlet/Circuit: Make sure your washer plugs into a standard 120V home outlet. **Do not use extension cords.** Check your home’s circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped and that your washer has its own dedicated circuit (recommended).
      3. Contact an Electrician: If your outlet has the wrong voltage, talk to a certified electrician. If the voltage is correct but the error repeats, there might be a problem with the main control.

When to Set Up an Appointment with Neli 📞

Many of these problems are fixable with simple steps. However, some error codes mean you need expert help. If you’ve tried our tips and the error still shows, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing any of the steps, it’s always best to set up an appointment with Neli‘s certified appliance experts. Trying to fix things beyond your skill level can be risky.

Think about calling Neli if you see:

  • Persistent Errors: An error code keeps appearing even after you have carefully followed all troubleshooting steps.
  • Electrical Issues: Any error code that involves voltage, motor control, or key electrical parts (like F1E1, F1E2, F6E1, F6E3, F7EX series, F9E9).
  • Mechanical Failures: If you suspect a problem with the motor, pump, transmission, or basket bearings (for example, F7E9 Locked Rotor).
  • Water Leaks: If your washer is actively leaking water, especially from inside parts.

By understanding these error codes, you’ll be better equipped to keep your Maytag MVW4505MW washer running smoothly for years to come!

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