Maytag Washer Showing F5 Error Code? Here’s What To Do

If you see the F5 error code pop up on your Maytag washer, chances are there’s an issue with the door or lid of your machine. When the washer is running, the door locks securely to prevent splashing and accidents from touching the moving parts. If anything goes wrong with the lid or the lid locking mechanism, it will display an F5 error. There are a number of F5 error sub-codes that give specifics of what exactly has gone wrong with the lid or door on your Maytag washer—this article breaks each of them down and looks at how to fix them.

This article applies to all popular models of Maytag washers, including: 

A101

A102

A102S

A103

A103S

A104

LAT9416AAE

MAH3000AWW

MAH4000AWW

MAH5500BWW

MAH8700AWW

MAV6200AWW

MAV7600AWW

MHWE200XW00

MVWC300VW1

MVWC415EW2

MVWC6ESWW1

MVWX655DW1

PAV2200AWW

PAV2300AWW

PAVT234AWW

F5 E1 Error Code

This error code occurs only with top loader models of the Maytag washer and indicates that the lid of the washer is unable to lock or unlock. To solve this issue, try the following steps: 

1. Occasionally, a power surge can cause your Maytag washer to incorrectly display an error code. To fix this, you can try resetting your machine. Unplug the washer from the power outlet and leave it unplugged for one minute. Then plug it back in and check to see if the error code has cleared. If not, move on to step 2. 
2. Carefully inspect the lid switch. If there is debris lodged in it, it may be stuck in the unlocked position and be unable to click into the correct place when the washer is running. Carefully clean away any debris, then try running a cycle again to see if the error has cleared. 
3. Test the lid switch with a multimeter to see if it’s faulty. If it has no continuity, you will need to install a replacement part. New Maytag parts can be ordered online or purchased from a local appliance parts retailer. 

F5 E2 Error Code

The F5 E2 error occurs when the door to your washer is unable to close due to a blockage. This could be due to a buildup of detergent or grime, or the hinge of the lid itself could be damaged, leading to misalignment. To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Begin by resetting your washer to see if this fixes the error. Unplug the machine and leave unplugged for one minute, before turning it back on and restarting the cycle. 
2. If that doesn’t work, as above, check for debris or grime that may be preventing the latch from closing. If you see any debris, clean the latch with a pipe cleaner or soft brush. 
3. Inspect the hinge of your washer for damage. Look carefully to see if the lid is straight and if the two parts of the switch assembly are able to connect when you close the lid. If the hinge is damaged, the lid switch will not align properly. Try to adjust the lid manually until the switch aligns, then close it and see if the error clears. If this works, you will need to either adjust or replace the lid hinge to ensure that the switch can line up properly. 
4. If all else fails, try testing the lid switch with a multimeter as outlined above. If it shows as being faulty, the whole assembly will need replacing. 

F5 E3 Error Code

The F5 E3 error code commonly means that the washer is unable to unlock. This could indicate an issue with the locking mechanism, or it could be indicative of another issue. 

The most important thing to remember if you experience this error is not to attempt to force open the lid. You could permanently damage the mechanism if you do this. 

To fix this issue:

1. Check for any obvious obstructions on or around the lid, and remove them. Then check to see if the lid now opens. 
2. Press the Power button to navigate away from the current cycle, then press Power again to try to release the lid. 
3. If this still doesn’t work, unplug the washer and wait one minute, then plug it back in and test to see if the lid lock has released. 

If this doesn’t work, it’s time to try the manual lid release. Follow these steps:

1. Unplug the washer and pull it away from the wall.
2. Remove the screws at the back of the top panel, then pull off the panel. 
3. You will now be able to reach a round, plastic tab. This is the manual release for the door latch. Pull on this tab to manually unlock the door. 
4. Open the door, then replace the panel and plug the washer back in. 
5. Run a new cycle to see if the error code happens again. If it does, the lid switch is faulty and will need to be replaced. 

F5 E4 Error Code

The F5 E4 error code is a little different from the others—it just means that your washer has run for three cycles in a row without opening the lid. This could be due to forgetting a load was in the machine and rewashing it to prevent it from smelling mildewy, or trying to get a particularly dirty load of washing clean by washing it multiple times. 

Regardless, it’s a super easy fix! Just open the lid, check the contents, and if you still want to run another cycle, you should be able to.

If this fix doesn’t work, you can try resetting your washer by unplugging it for one minute and then plugging it back in.