Maytag Washer Stuck on Sensing? 9 Ways to Fix It
Is your Maytag washer stuck on sensing? Learn why it happens and how to fix a Maytag washer that won’t move past the sensing cycle.
DIY
9/20/20263 min read
Maytag Washer Stuck on Sensing: Causes and Fixes
Seeing “Sensing” on your Maytag washer for several minutes can be frustrating. The sensing stage normally helps the washer determine the load size and the amount of water needed for the cycle.
If the washer stays on Sensing and never starts washing, there may be an issue with the power supply, water flow, lid lock, drain system, or control system.
Try these solutions one at a time.
1. Give the Washer a Few Minutes
First, avoid immediately canceling the cycle.
During sensing, the washer may perform several checks before adding water or beginning agitation. Wait a few minutes to see whether the cycle progresses.
If it remains stuck for an unusually long time, continue with the steps below.
2. Reset the Maytag Washer
A temporary electronic glitch can sometimes prevent the washer from moving beyond the sensing stage.
Try this:
Turn the washer off.
Unplug it from the electrical outlet.
Leave it unplugged for about 5 minutes.
Plug it back in.
Select a wash cycle.
Start the washer again.
If the washer works normally after the reset, the problem may have been temporary.
3. Check the Water Supply
A washer may remain on sensing if it cannot fill with water properly.
Check that:
Both water supply valves are completely open.
The inlet hoses are not kinked.
The hoses are securely connected.
The household water supply is working normally.
If water is not entering the washer, inspect the inlet hose screens for debris as well.
4. Check the Lid Lock
Many Maytag top-load washers require the lid to lock before the wash cycle can continue.
Close the lid firmly and listen for the locking mechanism.
If the washer repeatedly attempts to lock the lid but does not continue, the lid-lock assembly could be having a problem.
Do not attempt to bypass the lid-lock system.
5. Reduce an Overloaded Washer
An excessively large or tightly packed load can interfere with the washer's sensing process.
Remove some clothes and redistribute the remaining items evenly around the basket.
Then restart the cycle.
It is also a good idea to avoid washing one extremely heavy item by itself because it can create an unbalanced load.
6. Check the Drain Hose
Although the problem appears during sensing, a drainage problem can affect the washer's ability to complete a cycle.
Make sure the drain hose:
Is not kinked
Is not crushed behind the washer
Is not blocked
Is installed according to the washer's requirements
If there is standing water left inside the washer from a previous cycle, the drain system deserves particular attention.
7. Check the Water Inlet Hoses
Turn off the water supply before inspecting the hoses.
Look for signs of:
Kinks
Blockages
Damaged hoses
Mineral buildup around the connections
If the washer receives little or no water, the sensing phase may not progress normally.
8. Try a Different Wash Cycle
Select another cycle and start the washer.
If one particular cycle becomes stuck while another cycle operates normally, the issue may be related to the selected cycle or its settings rather than a complete washer failure.
If every cycle remains stuck on sensing, further troubleshooting is needed.
9. Look for an Error Code
Check the control panel carefully.
If an error code appears, write it down before resetting the washer again. The code can provide a much more specific indication of what the machine has detected.
A washer that repeatedly returns to sensing after a reset may have a component or control problem rather than a simple glitch.
When a Reset Does Not Fix the Problem
If your Maytag washer remains stuck on sensing after a power reset, don't repeatedly restart it and hope the problem disappears.
Instead, check the water supply, lid lock, drain hose, load size, and any displayed error codes. If those checks do not identify the problem, the washer may require further diagnosis.
A technician may need to inspect components such as the lid-lock assembly, water inlet system, drain system, drive components, or electronic controls, depending on the symptoms and model.
Final Takeaway
A Maytag washer stuck on sensing can often be related to a simple issue such as a temporary control glitch, restricted water supply, overloaded basket, or lid-lock problem.
Start with the easiest checks: reset the washer, verify the water supply, inspect the lid lock, and make sure the load is properly balanced. If the washer repeatedly gets stuck on sensing, check for an error code and consider model-specific troubleshooting or professional service.