Maytag Washer Sensing to Done: How to Fix the Cycle Skip
Quick Answer
When a Maytag washer jumps from sensing to done, it usually means the control board cannot verify the position of the shift actuator or the lid lock. This safety shutdown prevents the motor from running when the mechanical components are not properly engaged.
When you show up to a washer that's doing this, it's almost never a software thing. The board's waiting on a handshake from either the shift actuator or the lid lock, and one of them isn't answering. Ignore it and you'll eventually burn out the motor trying to run without the splutch engaged. Actuator replacement fixes this probably 70% of the time, and it's a Saturday-morning job if you've done it once before.
OK so here's what's actually happening: your washer starts sensing, sends a signal to the shifter and lid lock to get ready, and one of them doesn't respond in time. So the board just gives up and calls it done. No drama, no error code, just done. I pulled three of these calls last month alone, all Maytags in the 5-7 year range, and every single one was the shift actuator. Not always, but usually.
Most Likely Causes
Based on aggregated repair data, here is the probability breakdown for this error code:
Faulty Shift Actuator65%
Defective Lid Lock Assembly15%
Control Board Logic Error10%
Broken Drive Belt or Splutch10%
Symptoms You May Notice
Machine fills with water then immediately drains and shows Done
Lid lock clicks multiple times before cycle cancels
Sensing light stays on for 30 seconds then jumps to Done
Agitator does not move during the sensing phase
Can you reset a Maytag washer to clear the SENSING-TO-DONE code?
To reset the logic, perform the '12 o'clock' reset. Turn the cycle selector knob to the 12 o'clock position. Rotate the knob 3 clicks right, 1 click left, and 1 click right. All lights should flash. Turn the knob until only the 'Done' light is lit, then press Start to clear the memory.
Tools Required for Diagnosis
Phillips #2 screwdriver1/4 inch nut driverFlathead screwdriverFlexible putty knife or cabinet clip toolMultimeter with capacitance settingNeedle-nose pliersTowels for water spillage when tipping back
Diagnostic Checklist
Follow these steps in order. We start with the easiest external fixes before opening up the machine.
ComponentComponent Under Test
Expected Range9–16 uF
ConditionIf Open (OL) or infinite, replace component.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Maytag washer skip the wash cycle entirely?
So during sensing, the board's basically running a pre-flight check. It sends a signal to the shift actuator to move the splutch into agitate position, waits for confirmation, and if that confirmation doesn't come back, it won't run the motor. The reason it won't just try anyway is that running the motor while the transmission's in the wrong position can strip the coupler or burn the motor windings. It's actually protecting itself. Which is cold comfort when you've got wet laundry sitting in there, I know.
Can a clogged drain cause the sensing to done error?
Yeah, actually. Here's what happens: if there's leftover water in the tub from a previous cycle that didn't drain all the way, the pressure switch tells the board the tub is full. The board sees that and won't advance into fill or sensing properly because it thinks it needs to drain first. Then the drain pump runs, but if the filter's clogged it can't clear the water fast enough, and the whole thing times out. Check your pump filter first, it's behind that little access door at the bottom front of the machine. Takes two minutes and it's free to fix.
How do I know if my shift actuator is bad?
The clearest sign is a clicking or grinding noise right at the start of the cycle, right when sensing begins, followed by the cycle immediately going to done. That clicking is the actuator motor trying to move the cam ring but failing. You can also pull the error codes by doing the knob dance I described in the calibration step, then turning the knob to spin through any stored codes. F7 E1 and F7 E5 both point directly at the actuator or speed sensor. If you see either of those, just order the actuator, part W10006355 fits a huge range of these machines.
Will recalibrating my Maytag washer fix the skipping issue?
Sometimes. Honestly maybe 25-30% of the time. If the actuator just lost its home position reference, like after a power blip, calibration can put it right. But if the actuator motor itself is burnt or the hall sensor inside it is dead, calibration will fail partway through and you'll be right back where you started. It's worth trying because it costs nothing and takes three minutes. Just don't count on it if the machine is more than five or six years old and you're hearing grinding during sensing.
Is this expensive to fix?
Not usually. A shift actuator runs $25-40 depending on where you buy it. A lid lock assembly is around $20-35. Even if you replace both just to be sure, you're under $80 in parts and maybe an hour of your time. The only expensive scenario is if the gearcase itself is leaking oil, because that means the whole transmission needs to go and you're looking at $150-200 in parts plus labor. So when you tip the machine back, look for oil around the base of the gearcase before you do anything else. Oil leak means different conversation.
My washer fills with water then drains and goes to done. Is that the same problem?
That's actually a slightly different symptom and it points more toward the lid lock or pressure switch than the actuator. What's happening there is the board got far enough to let water in, but then lost the lid lock signal mid-fill and shut everything down as a safety measure. Or the pressure switch is giving a false reading and the board thinks the tub is overfilling. Check the lid lock first. If the latch clicks but the light keeps flashing, the lock assembly is probably failed. Also check the pressure switch hose at the back of the tub for cracks or kinks.
Models Known to Experience SENSING-TO-DONE Errors
This repair applies to most Maytag washers with this error code. Common model numbers include: