Overview

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  Maytag appliances are famous for their reliability, and their dishwashers are no different. However, if routine maintenance is not performed correctly or at all, small issues can arise that may affect the machine's performance. Fortunately, the most common issues are minor enough to fix yourself. Keep your warranty in mind though, because any repairs not done by a certified service center may automatically invalidate it.
  
  

Dishwasher Won't Turn on

• If the machine will not turn on at all, look for a blown fuse or circuit breaker, and inspect the wiring at the bottom of the machine for frays and breaks. If the wiring is okay, remove the control panel and examine the door sensor; if the machine cannot sense the door is closed, it will not operate. If the sensor is faulty, you must replace it. If the problem remains, the timer and selector switch will also require replacement.
  
  

Water Doesn't Enter/Drain

• If your machine is not allowing water in, remove the lower panel and examine the clear inlet hose. If it is disconnected or clogged, water is diverted. Inspect the float switch--a small plastic cylinder near the inside bottom of the tub--to ensure it is not stuck, which would tell the machine that the water level is satisfactory even when it's not. If the water comes in but doesn't drain, examine the drain valve (next to the inlet hose) for clogs or air bubbles. If there is no clog, remove the bottom rack and look at the impeller on the tub floor for clogs. If it's clear, remove the impeller and inspect the pump assembly underneath for defective parts. If the pump is operational, look under the machine at the motor for a defective belt or assembly.
  
  

Dishes Aren't Clean

• The most common cause of poorly cleaned dishes is overloading. Ensure dishes are spaced widely enough that water can flow freely over all surfaces. The second most common cause is insufficient water during the wash cycle; inspect the inlet hose for kinks or clogs. Examine the spray arms, internal filter and drain valve for clogs. Cleaning the detergent cup regularly prevents buildup that can prevent it from opening, resulting in dirty dishes.
  
  

Leaks

• Leaks can occur from every side of the dishwasher. Examine the door gasket for wear and flattening, and replace if necessary. Remove the bottom basket, and look at the gasket around the drain assembly for wear. If the gaskets are fine, remove the bottom front panel and inspect the inlet and drain hoses to ensure they are securely attached to both the machine and their respective lines. If there is water underneath or behind the machine and no leak is apparent, replace the hose clamps and test-run a cycle.
  
  

Field Service Test

• To run a diagnostic test on your Maytag, press the "Heavy Wash" key five times, and press the Start key. The display screen will read "88," and the machine will cycle through various functions. When it gets to a function that does not perform properly, it will display an error code and two lights will flash. The error code will correspond to the inoperable part, which will need replacement. Consult the Maytag service manual for a list of error codes, or contact a service center.