Warning: Disconnect power before servicing.

Maytag Maxima Washer Error Codes: MHW Front Load Guide

Quick Answer

The Maytag Maxima front-loader is built on the Whirlpool Duet platform - they share the same CCU control board, motor, and most internal components. Error codes are identical to the Duet series (F5 E2 = door lock, F9 E1 = long drain, F8 E1 = water supply, F7 E1 = motor).

While these machines look like Whirlpool Duets under the hood, the Maxima's heavier stainless steel drum puts a lot more stress on the suspension system. Most F7 or motor-related codes on these models actually trace back to worn-out front shock absorbers rather than a bad motor. If your Maxima is banging around or throwing codes mid-spin, it's usually the shocks failing to handle that extra weight. Don't overlook that.

MaytagWasherSeverity: moderate80% DIY Success
Time to Fix
15–90 min
Difficulty
beginner
Parts Cost
$25 – $60
Tools Needed
Phillips #2 screwdriver, Torx T20 screwdriver

What Does the MAXIMA-HUB Code Mean?

Walking up to a Maxima, the first thing I check is the door latch and the pump filter. These are the two most common failure points I see on service calls. Because Maytag marketed these as heavy duty, owners tend to overload them, which leads to the drain pump getting choked with debris or the door strike getting knocked out of alignment.

Most Likely Causes

Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:

Door lock bi-metal element failure (F5 E2)40%
Drain pump filter clogged (F9 E1/F21)24%
Water supply issue (F8 E1)14%
CCU ribbon cable connection loose12%
Front shock absorber wear causing motor protection (F7)10%

Symptoms You May Notice

  • An F/E error code blinks on the display and the machine locked up mid-cycle, sometimes with the door refusing to open even after you hit Cancel.
  • The door lock makes a clicking or buzzing noise like it's trying hard to latch, but F5 E2 keeps coming back and the cycle just won't start no matter what you do.
  • You open the washer at the end of the cycle and there's still several inches of standing water in the drum. The machine tried to drain and gave up.
  • During spin, the whole unit walks across the floor and bangs loud enough to rattle things off the shelf above it. It gets worse every week.
  • The machine fills with a trickle or doesn't fill at all, throws F8 E1 within the first few minutes, and just sits there.

Can you reset a Maytag washer to clear the MAXIMA-HUB code?

Hit Cancel or Power twice to clear a temporary glitch and let the machine try restarting. If that doesn't work, pull the plug for a full minute, not just 10 seconds. If the code comes back after power's restored, you'll need to get into service mode using the 3-click knob sequence and clear the CCU's fault memory. Until you do that, the code will just keep coming back.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phillips #2 screwdriverTorx T20 screwdriverShallow pan or small bucketOld towelsDigital multimeterFlashlight or headlampNeedle-nose pliers (for door boot spring clamp)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

With washer in standby, turn cycle selector: 1 click right, 3 clicks left, 1 click right. All indicator lights flash once to confirm entry. Turn knob to Spin position to scroll stored fault codes on display.

Diagnostic Checklist

Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.

ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range400900 ohms
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.

Replacement Parts

If your diagnostic testing proves the component has failed, you will need a replacement. We recommend OEM parts over aftermarket for water-handling components.

Part Name
Maytag Maxima Door LockW10838613 · $35–$60
Maytag Maxima Front Shock Absorbers (pair)W10822553 · $30–$50
Drain Pump AssemblyW10130913 · $25–$50

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Maytag Maxima the same as the Whirlpool Duet?
Think of the Maxima as a Whirlpool Duet with a Maytag badge and a few heavy-duty upgrades. They use the same CCU, the same motor, and the same drain pump. The main difference I see in the field is the suspension. Because the Maxima was built to handle larger loads, the components are beefier, but they still fail in the exact same ways as their Whirlpool cousins.
Can I use Whirlpool Duet parts in my Maytag Maxima?
In most cases, yes. If you find a part for a Whirlpool Duet of the same era, it'll likely bolt right onto your Maxima. I use the same door lock and drain pump for both brands regularly. Just be careful with the tub components and suspension springs, as those are often specific to the Maxima's higher weight capacity. Always check your specific MHW model number before ordering anything.
Why does my Maxima vibrate more than my old washer?
These machines are notorious for walking across the floor once they hit the five-year mark. It usually isn't a leveling issue. The internal shock absorbers lose their dampening and the heavy drum starts acting like a wrecking ball. I tell my customers that if they hear loud banging during the spin cycle, swap the shocks before the vibration kills the main control board. Putting it off usually costs more in the end.
How often should I clean the pump filter on my Maytag Maxima?
Honestly, every three months if you're doing laundry a few times a week. Most people never clean it and then wonder why they keep getting F9 E1. I pulled a filter out of an MHW5500 last week that had been in there for five years. There were coins, a hair tie, what I think was part of a sock, and enough lint to stuff a pillow. Clean it quarterly, set a calendar reminder. It takes five minutes and it'll add years to your drain pump.
My Maxima throws a different error code every few weeks. What's going on?
Random rotating error codes are almost always the ribbon cable between the CCU and the user interface panel. It's a flat plastic cable that connects the brains of the machine to the buttons and display, and it gets brittle over time in warm laundry rooms. You'll usually see it fail at the connector end rather than in the middle of the cable. Sometimes you can reseat it and buy some time, but eventually the whole harness needs replacing. It's usually under $30 for the part, but you do have to pull the top panel to get to it.

Related Maytag Washer Error Codes

Same Fix Works on These Brands

Maytag shares the same hardware platform with these brands. The diagnosis and repair steps are identical.

Models Known to Experience MAXIMA-HUB Errors

This repair applies to most Maytag washers with this error code. Common model numbers include:

MHW5500FW, MHW4300DW, MHW6000XW, MHW4200BW, MHW7000XW, MHW3505FW

MS

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026