Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms
From time to time, new users come across this Maytag dishwasher issue and ask, “My Maytag dishwasher starts then shuts off. What’s wrong?” Your dishwasher is likely experiencing two things: The appliance is on Sales Demo Mode or the defective control board. Press the High Temp and Heated dry keys simultaneously 3 times in less than 6 seconds, and the calibration cycle will automatically follow.
If the above solution has worked, keep reading to understand further why you have done the process and what it has resolved.
When you start using the dishwasher again, the problem will be long gone, but what if the issue remains?
If the dishwasher is still shutting off, you will get all the information you need in this article and hopefully solve your problem where your Maytag dishwasher starts and then shuts off.
Why Does My Maytag Dishwasher Start Then Shut Off?
The most common issue is where the Maytag dishwasher stops after a few minutes of the cycle. The question is, does the dishwasher turn off mid-cycle, or does it shut off when nothing happens when it seems to be running?
So, the Maytag dishwasher starts and then shuts off when:
1. The Appliance is in the Sales Demo Mode
What does a Maytag dishwasher mean to be in sales demo mode?
This is a state where the appliance pretends to run the wash cycle, but in a real sense, no wash cycle is happening in the dishwasher.
It occurs when the device is still in the sales store so the potential client can see the demonstration of the features.
What happens when the dishwasher is in the sales demo mode: When you start the dishwasher, the control panel lights up, and the timer starts counting. The dishwashers then shut off after some time, and the process continues.
It happens not only to a new dishwasher user but even to an old Maytag dishwasher user. The appliance can turn the feature on by itself, especially after a power surge or when it has undergone a malfunction. The proper sequence process in using a dishwasher can also turn on the mode.
The Sales Demo Mode must therefore be constantly changed to avoid this issue.
2. The fuse has blown
A fuse is a small device inside the Maytag dishwasher plug that acts as a safety feature. It prevents the central unit from being damaged after a power surge. In the process of protecting the internal parts of the dishwasher, the fuse blows, and immediately the Maytag dishwasher shuts off.
To test whether the fuse has shut off your Maytag dishwasher, try turning on the dishwasher to see whether it can sense the connection to the power. If not, it can be the thermal fuses. In case of a blown fuse, they will have black or brown burns.
3. Motor problems
The Maytag dishwasher stops after a few minutes when the motor is not stable. The engine might not be dead yet, but it is not durable enough to support a wash cycle fully. Eventually, the motor will completely shut the Maytag dishwasher off without turning on until it is replaced.
4. The door switch
It is common for a dishwasher starts and then cancel, as the process cannot continue when the door is not correctly closed. The reason is a defective door switch, meaning the dishwasher’s door is not closing correctly.
It is automatic for a Maytag dishwasher to stop the cycle when the door is not closed well, and it acts as a safety feature.
5. Keypad issues
A Maytag dishwasher starts and then cancels when the keypad is defective. How? If the keypad is faulty, it will press the wrong keys. A quick example: A lousy laptop keypad will sometimes display typed letters when you have not typed them, but the keypad did.
A defective keypad, therefore, might press itself to cancel the wash cycle without your command.
6. The control board
Lastly, the control board might say bye-bye and require a replacement. We know the control board commands what function and process will operate in the dishwasher.
How will you know that it might be the Maytag dishwasher control board that has a problem? The dishwasher will have the problem of shutting off after a few minutes and many other weird issues in your dishwasher.
This means that no particular part of the dishwasher has a problem but the control center, which is the control board.
Sometimes the control board problem will only need the system reset, and to the extremes, it will require a replacement.
How Do I Fix My Maytag Dishwasher Starts Then Shuts Off?
Maytag dishwasher troubleshooting depends on the problem you are facing.
The appliance in Sales Demo Mode
If the dishwasher is in Sales Demo Mode, you will need to do a diagnostic to clear the status and all the information about the wash cycles you have been having. The memory will return to the default, and the Sales Demo Mode will automatically deactivate.
What steps do you take remove the sales Demo Mode in your Maytag dishwasher?
- Ensure the dishwasher is in standby mode
- In less than 6 seconds, press:
Heated Dry and Normal buttons 3 times
OR
High Temp and Heated dry buttons 3 times
- The calibration cycle runs and stops after sometime
- The dishwasher returns to default settings, and the sales demo mode is off
Please note: If your model does not have the Heated Dry, you can use the Air Dry.
The motor, fuse, keypad, and door switch problems will mostly need a replacement. You can contact customer service to confirm the issue and repair, or if you have the confidence and knowledge, you can go ahead and do the replacement yourself.
You can also try to reset the dishwasher.
How do I reset my Maytag dishwasher?
- Flip off the power at the circuit breaker
- Leave the dishwasher for at least 5 minutes
- Connect the circuit breaker to the power
- The dishwasher will have reset
Related Post:
Bosch Dishwasher Stops Mid Cycle
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does my dishwasher keep starting and stopping?
As long as the dishwasher is not shutting off completely, this operation is typical, as it happens when the dishwasher is draining. The stopping does not prolong as the dishwasher will resume operation almost immediately.
Why does my Maytag dishwasher stop the mid-cycle?
It is primarily for safety in case the dishwasher gets too hot on the inside. It will be so due to the hot water used in the wash cycle.
Why do I have to keep resetting my dishwasher?
Suppose the control board has started misbehaving and almost finished its race. The power surge is confusing the dishwasher’s normal function.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the problem with the Maytag dishwasher that starts and shuts off after the wash cycle is easy to rectify.
If you had asked me recently if I would ever recommend a Maytag dishwasher, my answer would have been a resounding “Yes.” It is just a technical glitch that can happen to any other appliance. It looks like the Maytag manufacturer is on the right track to making its products. The most reliable they can be, this problem has dramatically reduced among users.
Anyway, I hope your machine will be okay and you can continue enjoying the service it has been offering you.