If you have the problem of a Maytag refrigerator not working, this article is a guide on troubleshooting and fixing the problem.
Table of Contents
Maytag Refrigerator Not Working But Freezer Is – Solved
Electrical connections or power supply are not the problems if a Maytag refrigerator is not working when the freezer is. There are other possible reasons for the problem, as we explain below.
1. Overloaded Refrigerator
As simple as it sounds, putting too many foods and other items in the refrigerator may overwhelm it to the point it stops working. For one, the items may block the vents through which cold air flows from the freezer into the refrigerator. Also, the door may not shut properly, causing the cold air to freely escape. Additionally, putting hot food in the unit slows its cooling speed. The same is true if the food items are at room temperature
Check the refrigerator and reduce the items in it if they are too many. Rearrange what is left to accommodate the vents at the back wall. Ensure nothing is blocking them or sticking out to prevent the door from closing. If you have hot food, leave it out to cool completely before storing it in the unit. If these steps do not fix the problem, check the next one.
2. Dirty Condenser
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and find the condenser coils. They may be behind the front toe grille or at the bottom back, near the compressor. Consult the refrigerator’s user manual for the exact location.
Next, dust the coils with a small rag or brush and vacuum the rest of the dirt using a vacuum with a brush attachment. Ensure you remove all the dirt on the coils and clean the area around them to prevent dirt from sticking to the coil again. Put the grille back in place and reconnect the refrigerator to electric power.
A significant amount of dirt on the condenser coils prevents the refrigerator from working to cool as it should. The coils dissipate the heat from the unit but dirt blankets them and prevents the heat transfer. As a result, the refrigerator has a hard time cooling or working, even though the freezer may keep cooling.
3. Faulty Thermistor
Locate the thermistor, which is a sensor, in the refrigerator and test it for continuity using a multimeter. The thermistor should have continuity and change resistance as the refrigerator runs. But if you find no continuity and the resistance remains the same, replace the thermistor because it is faulty.
The thermistor is a sensor on the control board that detects a change in the refrigerator’s internal temperature. It reads the temperature and when there is a change, it sends readings to the control board. With the readings, the board provides the required amount of voltage for the cooling system to run. However, a faulty thermistor cannot provide the correct readings or may provide none at all, causing the refrigerator to stop working.
4. Malfunctioning Defrost System
Check the unit’s defrost system, which typically defrosts ice from the evaporator coils to encourage cooling. The system includes a timer, heater, thermostat, and control board. Carefully check each component using a multimeter because if the system is malfunctioning, ice builds on the coils and behind the vents.
Consequently, the ice prevents the release of cold air into the refrigerator from the freezer. You find the freezer is still working but the refrigerator is not. Follow this guide to test each component and if there is a faulty one, replace it.
5. Defective Evaporator Fan
It is the job of the fan to circulate the cold air in the freezer and push it into the refrigerator. So, if the fan is faulty, the freezer may keep working but the refrigerator will not. Pull the refrigerator’s power cord from the wall outlet and locate the fan, typically behind the freezer’s interior rear wall.
Turn the blade to see how well it spins. If the blade is stiff, it may be an indication that the motor bearings are worn. That means the motor needs a replacement. But before replacing it, try oiling the shaft with gear oil and try the blade again. If it remains stiff, get a multimeter and run a continuity test on the motor. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
6. Broken Damper
The air damper is usually between the freezer and refrigerator. It should close and open at intervals to allow the right amount of cold air to flow into the refrigerator from the freezer. Check to see if it is stuck closed or broken. It may explain why the refrigerator does not seem to be working.
If the damper is stuck, see if ice, debris, or any item is keeping it closed. Try wiggling it to see if it loosens. If it begins working again, problem solved. Otherwise, it may be that its solenoid is no longer working and you need a replacement. Replacing the solenoid or damper may be a complex task, so get a technician to do the job.
Contact Maytag and request service if the above fixes do not work and the refrigerator does not respond. You also have the option of using an independent appliance technician for the job.
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Maytag Refrigerator Not Working After a Power Outage – Quick Fix
If your Maytag refrigerator was working before a power outage but does not resume working after the outage, check the circuit breaker. It may have tripped, especially if there was a voltage spike. Turn it back on and reset it if it is tripped and see if the refrigerator begins working again.
There may be bad fuses if the circuit breaker reset does not work. A technician should ch3ck the fuses and replace any damaged ones. But if the breaker is not the problem, inspect the wall outlet and power cord. There may be issues with the power supply through the outlet, so try another appliance, preferably a small one, in the same outlet.
If the appliance works, the problem may be with the refrigerator’s power cord and you need to replace it. However, if the appliance does not work, the outlet may be damaged and needs a replacement. Another point is that the refrigerator may not be on a dedicated circuit. Disconnect other appliances and leave the refrigerator. If it works, connect the appliances to other circuits.
There may be a defective internal component due to the power outage if none of the above works. So, check the thermostat, evaporator coils, condenser coils, start relay and overload protector, compressor, and main control board.
Maytag Refrigerator Stopped Working – How to Fix
Check the following and fix faulty ones if a Maytag refrigerator stops working:
1. Circuit Breaker
If the circuit breaker trips or has damaged fuses, the refrigerator stops working. Check the breaker that controls the refrigerator; turn it off and on or reset it to see if the refrigerator resumes operation. It should be the primary concern if the refrigerator stops working, including the lights. You may need professional help if you suspect the breaker is the source of the problem.
2. Power Supply
If the breaker is in good working condition, you may want to check the wall outlet. Typically, the refrigerator should be plugged into a dedicated wall outlet or circuit; never use an extension cord for the unit. But if it is, get a multimeter and test the voltage output from the outlet; it should be a 15 amps, 120 volts outlet.
If the supply of voltage is below the recommended point, you may need to replace the outlet. The loss of voltage may stem from connections to the same circuit, reducing the power output. However, only a qualified technician can verify whether or not this is the case and fix it.
3. Cord
While checking the outlet, inspect the refrigerator’s power cord. Over time, the power cord can wear out. It may also be kinked or twisted, affecting its efficacy. If it shows signs of wear or fraying, or does not power the refrigerator anymore, replace it.
4. Fan Motor
The refrigerator has two fans: the evaporator and condenser fans. Each fan is powered by a motor and these motors can wear out or get damaged with constant use. The condenser fan pulls air over the compressor and condenser coils to prevent overheating. The evaporator coil, on its part, blows the cooled air from the evaporator coil into the freezer and refrigerator.
If one or both of the fans fail, the condenser coils and compressor overheat, and there is no cold air from the evaporator coils. As a result, the refrigerator stops working to cool. Therefore, check the fan blades and motors. Ensure no debris is sticking to them and if there is, clean the blades and motors.
Next, turn the blades of both fans to see how well the motors work. If the blades have difficulty spinning, that may indicate the motors are faulty. Test each one to check for continuity using a multimeter to be sure they need replacements. If the multimeter registers no continuity, replace the fan motors.
5. Condenser Coils
Check the coils under the refrigerator to see how dirty they are. Unplug the refrigerator and move it from surrounding surfaces to access the bottom panel. Remove the panel and inspect the coils; if they are dirty, which they will be if you have never cleaned them, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush extension and clean them.
Also, clean the area around the coils and the compressor and fan. Ensure every part is clean before covering the compartment. The condenser coils transfer the heat from the refrigerator, generated by the refrigerant, to the atmosphere. If they are dirty, the heat prevents heat transfer. Consequently, the refrigerator overworks itself as it tries to maintain a cool temperature and eventually shuts down.
6. Relay
The relay is part of the compressor, the small device fixed to one side of it. Detach and shake the relay; if it rattles, it may be damaged. To be sure, run a continuity test on it and if there is none, replace the relay.
The start relay stores electric power and provides a boost for the compressor to run. If it becomes defective, the compressor has a hard time starting. And if the compressor does not run smoothly, the refrigerator stops working.
In addition to the above, ensure the thermostat is correctly set. Otherwise, it turns off the compressor when it should be running. Also, check the compressor; you may need professional help to test it. A defective compressor cannot carry the refrigerator. Finally, ensure there is no leak in the sealed system. Insufficient refrigerant in the system does not allow the refrigerator to run as it should. Hire a technician to service your Maytag refrigerator and fix possible faults.
Maytag Refrigerator Lights Not Working – Quick Fix
Check the power supply to the refrigerator if the lights are not working. That may also mean the unit is not working at all. If the lights are off and the unit is not cooling, inspect the circuit breaker and ensure it is not off. Reset it to get power back to the unit.
If the breaker is not the problem, it may be with the power cord or wall outlet. Check those parts and fix the faulty ones. But if the refrigerator is working without the lights, check the light bulbs and door switch. Check out this article for details on how to troubleshoot each part and fix them.
Maytag Refrigerator Panel Not Working – Solution
Try resetting the refrigerator if its control panel is not working. Disconnect it from electric power for about five to ten minutes and reconnect it to electric power after this time. Turn on cooling in the refrigerator and check the panel again. The reset should fix faults with it.
If the problem continues, it may be that the functions are disabled due to a power outage. If there was a recent outage, the display may show PO when the power is restored. The flashing icon is to alert you of the outage and possible temperature issues. If the power was out for a long time and the temperature rises, the indicator comes on and the control panel functions stop working. Once you confirm the outage, the functions are restored.
Some Maytag models have the Sabbath function, where all the refrigerator functions become disabled except for the temperature display. If you accidentally put the refrigerator in the Sabbath mode, the control panel cannot work. Consult the user manual for instructions on how to exit the mode if it applies.
Another possibility is that the unit is in demo or showroom mode. In this mode, the refrigerator lights are on but nothing else works. The panel does not respond to any command. It does not apply to all models but if you accidentally put the unit into the demo mode, ‘showroom’ appears on the display. Consult the user manual for specific steps to exit the mode if it applies to your refrigerator.
Maytag Refrigerator Water Not Working – Quick Fix
If you find that the water in your Maytag refrigerator is not working, check the water inlet valve, water filter, micro switch, dispenser control board, and actuator. Read this article for a guide on how to troubleshoot these parts and fix them.
Maytag Refrigerator Freezer Not Working – What to Do
Start with the simple things like checking if you have too much in the freezer. Overpacking the freezer affects its functionality, no matter how powerful its cooling function is. This is especially true if you put hot food in it. Reduce the items in the freezer and store them elsewhere if it applies. Also, remove any hot foods and leave them out to cool before storing them.
If overpacking is not the problem, check the door gasket. It may not seal tightly and if the door is even slightly open, the freezer does not work properly. Clean the gasket if it is dirty or tighten it if is loose. However, replace it if it is weak; there is no easier fix for a worn door gasket.
Check the following if none of the above repairs works:
1. Evaporator Coils
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and open the freezer. The panel at the back inside the freezer may have screws holding it in place; behind it are the evaporator coils. Remove the panel and inspect the coils. If they are frozen, use a hairdryer to thaw them or allow them to thaw naturally.
Afterward, check the defrost system. Typically, the freezer should run a defrost cycle once or twice a day to keep the coils from freezing. It is in these coils that the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air in the freezer and produces cold air.
But if the defrost system fails, the coils freeze and stop working, leaving the freezer without cold air. Follow the steps earlier explained in this article to test each component of the system to determine whether or not there is a fault.
Another possible cause is a weak door gasket. The gasket keeps warm air out but if it is worn out and does not keep the door sealed, the warm air condenses on the coils and freezes. Also, the constant loss of cold air triggers the compressor to run constantly and freeze everything. So, while checking the defrost components, inspect the door seal.
2. Evaporator Fan
You will find the fan in the same location as the evaporator coils. The fan is attached to the panel that covers the coils, so you must carefully remove the cover to inspect the fan. While the freezer is running, activate the door switch to see if the fan’s motor runs.
Usually, opening the freezer door stops the fan and when you close it, the fan resumes operations. However, activating the door switch gets the motor running again. But if the motor does not run, the bearings may be worn. Before replacing it, test the windings using a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the motor.
3. Condenser Coils
Dirty condenser coils prevent the freezer from cooling because the coils cannot transfer heat out of the system. The heat compromises the unit’s cooling capacity. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove the dirt on the coils and around them.
The coils should be cleaned every month or two to keep the unit up and running. Consult the user manual for specific steps to maintain the condenser coils yourself, but it is best to check it from time to time. If you are unsure of how to clean them, hire a professional to do the job.
4. Condenser Fan
While checking the condenser coils, take a look at the condenser fan to ensure it is working. It should run at the same time as the compressor to produce air so that the compressor and condenser coils do not overheat. Ensure the blades are on the motor shaft and turn smoothly. If they are stiff, it may be due to a faulty motor.
Consider using penetrating oil on the shaft to fix the stiffness. If the blades do not spin freely, check the motor. The bearings may be worn out or the motor does not have continuity. Inspect the bearings and if they are out, replace the motor. But if they are not visibly worn out, run a continuity test on the motor and replace it if you do not find continuity.
5. Start Relay
The relay powers the compressor by providing a boost of power when it needs to run. It is a small device usually fixed to the compressor’s side. If the relay rattles when you shake it or smells burnt, replace it. But if not, check it for continuity using a multimeter and replace it if you find no continuity.
6. Thermostat
Turn the thermostat to take it from the lowest temperature settings to the highest and listen for a click as you do so. If the thermostat clicks, it is not the source of the problem, but if it does not click, you may need to replace it.
Contact Maytag if fixing the above components does not correct the freezer issue. It is usually a component failure, but sometimes, loose wiring or other electrical issues may lead to the freezer not working. Another option is to use the services of a qualified appliance technician.
Maytag Refrigerator Water Dispenser Not Working After Replacing Filter – Solved
If your Maytag refrigerator’s water dispenser stops working after replacing the water filter, remove the new filter and put the old one in its place. Try the dispenser and if it works, the problem is with the new filter. It may not be compatible with the refrigerator or it may be too tight.
Check the refrigerator’s user manual or contact Maytag to find out the correct type of filter to use. Using the wrong type affects how the water dispenser works. There are universal filters and they are usually cheap, but they may not work for all refrigerator types. Getting another filter may correct the water dispenser issue.
But if not, check the filter installation. Screwing it wrongly or loosely stops it from working. So, remove the new filter and install it again, ensuring to screw it tightly and correctly this time. While doing this, check to be sure nothing is in the way. There are tiny holes through which water flows into the refrigerator from the filter. If anything blocks them, the dispenser cannot work. The filter must also have no debris and be clean.
Furthermore, check the gasket on the filter housing to see if it has moved. During installation, the gasket may move from its place and prevent the filter from working. The gasket’s job is to make the filter airtight so that it does not leak. If it applies, adjust the gasket and reinstall the filter.
Typically, when you install a new water filter, it is recommended to flush the system for a few minutes. If there is air trapped in the system, the water flushes it out; otherwise, the dispenser will not work. The reason is that air creates pressure that stops the dispenser. If you have not flushed the lines, do so and see if it fixes the problem.
In addition, the filter may have difficulty soaking. When you first install the water filter, it should soak before filtering the refrigerator water. But if it does not happen, the dispenser does not work. Remove the filter and manually soak it before reinstalling it; that may fix the problem. Finally, find the O-rings on the filter and remove one of them. It is not recommended to do so, but it is known to fix water filter issues. However, tread cautiously and only use this option if nothing else seems to work.
Maytag Refrigerator Ice and Water Dispenser Not Working – How to Fix
The following are parts to check and fix if the ice and water dispenser on a Maytag refrigerator is not working:
1. Water Line
Check to ensure the water line is fully connected to the refrigerator. This is especially true if it is a new installation or you recently moved. Turn the shut-off valve under the sink or behind the refrigerator fully on and straighten the line to remove kinks and twists if any. Also, create enough space for the water line to straighten to prevent kinks in the future.
2. Water Filter
If that does not help, you may want to check the water filter. Typically, you should replace the filter every three to six months, so if yours have been in use for longer, install a new one and check the dispenser’s functionality. Ensure you replace the filter as regularly as possible to keep the water clean and the dispenser working.
Remember to flush the lines after installing a new filter. Sometimes, the air gets trapped and builds pressure that stops the dispenser. One tell-tale sign is that water constantly drips from the dispenser yet it is slow or does not work at all. Run water out of the dispenser or straight from the water line for several minutes. The process flushes air out.
3. Control Lock
The refrigerator has a feature that allows you to turn the dispenser off when cleaning the unit. That way, you do not accidentally press any button. The feature also keeps children from using the dispenser at will.
However, it also means you cannot use it. If the lock is active without your knowledge, it explains why the dispenser is not working. Locate the lock icon on the control panel; if it is lit, it means the lock is active. Hold the appropriate button until the light goes off. Then, try the dispenser again.
One other thing to check is the dispenser lever. Ensure you fully engage it when trying to dispense water. If you do not press the lever down to the end, the dispenser may not work. Push the glass firmly against the lever and hold it there until you get the quantity of water you need.
If these common solutions do not fix the dispenser, you may need a more in-depth troubleshooting step. Check the door switch, dispenser switch, and dispenser control board. Additionally, troubleshoot the main control board and replace any parts that are defective.
Maytag Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working But Water Does – What to Do
If you find that a Maytag refrigerator’s ice maker is not working but the unit is getting water, inspect the water filter, water supply line, and water inlet valve. Check out this article for steps to take in troubleshooting these parts and fixing them.
Maytag Refrigerator Ice Maker Not Working – Quick Fix
Check the power supply to the ice maker. If the ice maker in the Maytag refrigerator has a power switch, ensure it is on. Sometimes, the paddle or feeler arm is up, which means the ice maker is in the off position. It cannot produce ice when off. Also, check to ensure water reaches the ice maker, the door switch is working, the fill tube is not clogged with ice, and the water inlet valve is working. Additionally, replace the water filter and ensure the ice maker is in good working condition, as this article explains.
Recap
A Maytag refrigerator not working is an inconvenience but sometimes, it is easy to fix. The solution may be as simple as resetting the breaker or ensuring the door seal works well. Also, it may be only to reduce the contents of the refrigerator or rearrange items to accommodate cooling.
Other times, the solution is complex. You may need to run continuity tests on the thermostat, fan motors, thermistor, and compressor. It may even require replacing the main control board. Fortunately, this article is a detailed guide to solving these problems. However, contact Maytag and request service or hire an experienced technician for professional help if you have difficulty fixing or replacing faulty parts.
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