Maytag Washer Flashing Lights: How to Read Blink Codes

Quick Answer

Maytag washers communicate errors through flashing lights when they lack a digital display. On Maytag Bravos and Bravos XL models, the Wash/Rinse/Done LEDs blink in a two-part pattern: first group of flashes = fault category, second group = specific fault. For example, 5 flashes then 3 flashes = F5 E3 (lid lock).

Those blinking LEDs aren't random. The board is trying to tell you exactly what's wrong, you just need to know the code. Ignore it and the machine stays stuck forever. I've shown up to jobs where someone unplugged it a dozen times hoping it'd just go away. It won't. The blink pattern points directly at a specific component, and once you decode it, you're usually looking at a $25-$60 fix you can do yourself.

MaytagWasherSeverity: moderate75% DIY Success

Time to Fix

10–90 min

Difficulty

beginner

Parts Cost

$30 – $200

Tools Needed

Phone with video camera (to record and replay blink patterns), Phillips #2 screwdriver

What Does the FLASHING-LIGHTS Code Mean?

OK so here's the deal with these Bravos and Centennial machines. They don't have a screen, so they blink at you instead. It's actually a pretty smart system once you know how to read it. First burst of blinks is your F code, second burst is your E code. Most of the time when I get called for this, it's the lid lock or drain pump, and honestly most people can fix either one themselves.

Most Likely Causes

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

Lid lock mechanism failure causing lid light to flash40%

Control board error displaying via LED pattern24%

Power interruption causing startup flash sequence14%

Water level sensor issue flashing fill-related LEDs12%

Motor or actuator fault flashing motor-related LEDs10%

Symptoms You May Notice

The Sensing, Wash, Rinse, and Done LEDs blink in a repeating counted pattern that won't stop until you unplug the machine.
Machine just sits there and won't start no matter what button you push or what cycle you select.
Only the lid lock light is blinking over and over while everything else stays dark.
Every single light on the panel flashes all at once, like a Christmas tree, which usually means the control board is having a meltdown.
Machine starts filling then stops mid-cycle and starts flashing, sometimes with a few inches of water still sitting in the tub.

Can you reset a Maytag washer to clear the FLASHING-LIGHTS code?

Pull the cord from the wall, not just the cycle knob to Off. Wait two full minutes so the board capacitors drain all the way down. When you plug back in, the panel should light up briefly then go dark waiting for input. Rotate the cycle knob counter-clockwise once before plugging in if you want to also clear the selector buffer. Still flashing after all that? The board logged a hard fault that needs repair, not just a reset.

Tools Required for Diagnosis

Phone with video camera (to record and replay blink patterns)Phillips #2 screwdriverFlat-head screwdriverFlashlight or headlampMultimeter (for testing lid lock solenoid resistance)Needle-nose pliers (for wiring harness connector clips)Damp cloth (for cleaning strike plate and latch housing)

Service / Diagnostic Mode

Centennial: Rotate knob counter-clockwise 1 full turn, then 3 clicks right, 1 left, 1 right until all lights flash. Bravos: Press and hold Wash Temp + Spin Speed for 3 seconds until LEDs cycle.

Diagnostic Checklist

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

ComponentComponent Under Test

Expected Range200–600 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	OEM Number	Estimated Price
Maytag Lid Lock AssemblyW10838613 · $30–$50	W10838613	$30 – $50
Maytag Control BoardModel-specific · $100–$200	Model-specific	$100 – $200

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I read Maytag washer flashing light codes?

Count the blinks in two separate bursts with a clear pause in between. On most Maytag top loaders without a screen, the Sensing light is your reference. Blinks while it's lit equal your F code. Blinks after the pause equal your E code. So six blinks then one blink is F6 E1, which is a communication fault. Record a video on your phone so you can replay it slowly, because these patterns move fast and it's easy to miscount. Write the two numbers down and cross-reference them with the fault code chart for your specific model series.

All lights on my Maytag are flashing at once. What does that mean?

That's the Christmas Tree effect and it usually means the control board had a software crash from a power surge or a momentary voltage drop. It's not necessarily a dead part yet. Unplug the machine for two full minutes and let the board fully discharge. If it boots up clean after that, you're probably fine. If those lights come right back on the moment you plug in, the board's memory is corrupted and it's not coming back from a reset. New main control board runs about $80-$150 depending on your model.

My Maytag lid lock light just keeps blinking. Can I bypass it?

I get asked this constantly and the answer is no, don't try it. The control board sends voltage to the lock and waits for a specific resistance signal back. If you jumper those wires, the board reads the wrong resistance and locks down harder. Beyond that, the lid lock is a genuine safety feature on these machines. I replaced three lid lock assemblies last Tuesday alone on Bravos models that were 4-5 years old. Moisture gets into the solenoid and it just dies. New assembly is about $25-$40 and it's a straight swap, four screws and one connector.

What's the difference between Maytag Bravos and Centennial blink codes?

The blink logic is similar but the LED positions and diagnostic entry sequences are different. Bravos models use a button combo to enter diagnostic mode, Centennial uses the cycle selector knob. The panel lights used to display the fault pattern also differ between the two series. Honestly the fastest way to sort this out is to pull your model number from the sticker inside the lid and look it up directly. Don't assume they work the same just because they're both Maytag top loaders without a screen.

Can I fix flashing lights myself or do I need a tech?

Most of the time you can handle it yourself. A lid lock is maybe 20 minutes with a screwdriver. A drain pump is probably 45 minutes. The diagnostic mode points you right at the problem so you're not guessing and buying random parts. Where I'd say call a tech is if you're seeing motor fault codes like F7 E1, because that usually means the actuator or the motor itself, and pulling the transmission on these machines is more involved. But the common stuff? Do it yourself and save the $100 service call.

Related Maytag Washer Error Codes

Code: HUBMaytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Guide Code: F5 E2Maytag F5 E2: Lid Lock Fault Code: DIAGMaytag Washer Diagnostic Mode

Same Fix Works on These Brands

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

Maytag washerAll Maytag Washer Error Codes: Complete Lookup Guide Maytag washerHow to Reset a Maytag Washer (3 Methods That Work)Maytag washerMaytag Washer Troubleshooting: Fix 12 Common Problems Maytag washerMaytag Washer F21: Drain Pump Clog or Failure Maytag washerMaytag F03 E01: Pressure Switch or Water Level Fault Maytag washerMaytag F0 E3 Error: Pressure Switch Malfunction

Models Known to Experience FLASHING-LIGHTS Errors

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

MVWB765FW, MVWX655DW, MVWB835DW, MVWC565FW, MVWB855DC, MVWC415EW, MVWC555DW

Written by

Mike Sullivan

Lead Appliance Repair Technician · 20 years experience

Last verified for technical accuracy on March 15, 2026