A Maytag refrigerator turning on or off automatically can be a problem. Fortunately, there are ways to fix it, as we discuss in this article.
Table of Contents
Maytag Refrigerator Ice Maker – How to Turn On
To turn on the ice maker in your Maytag refrigerator, locate the wire arm by its side. It is visible and attaches to the ice maker. Lower the arm to turn it on if it is in the up position. When the wire arm, also called the feeler arm, is up, the ice maker is off, but when it is down, the ice maker is on and cycling. If your specific model does not have this arm, consult the user manual to learn how to turn on the ice maker.
Typically, the ice maker automatically shuts off when it goes through an ice-making cycle and produces ice. When it is time to go through another cycle, it automatically begins operating. Most times, you do not need to move the arm manually to turn it on or off. However, if the ice maker does not automatically cycle on to produce ice, you may want to turn it on manually. Never force the arm, even if it seems stuck; always move it gently.
Maytag Refrigerator Won’t Turn On – What to Do
If your Maytag refrigerator will not turn on, check the power supply. The breaker that controls the refrigerator may be tripped, so go outside the house and inspect it. If it is tripped, turn it on and check the unit. Other possible problems are with the fuses; if one or more are blown, the refrigerator may have a hard time starting.
The next step is to check the refrigerator’s power cord and the wall outlet. Inspect the power cord for signs of damage; replace it if you find any. But if the cord is in good working condition, test the wall outlet with a multitester. You may not be equipped to perform these tests because of the involvement of electricity. So, hire a technician to check the breaker and outlet.
If the power supply is not the source of the problem, check the thermostat. The temperature control thermostat may be defective and unable to send power to the compressor and fan motors. And if the compressor does not operate, the refrigerator cannot work.
Disconnect the refrigerator from electric power and locate the thermostat. Turn it from low to high and listen for a click. If it does not click, test it for continuity using a multimeter. Replace the thermostat if there is no continuity.
After replacing it, check to see if the refrigerator turns on and runs. If that is not the case, check the start relay/capacitor. The device provides a boost of power to enable the compressor to turn on and run when necessary. Without it, the compressor may run only intermittently or won’t run at all. Unplug the refrigerator and find the device attached to the compressor and disconnect it.
If it is a mechanical relay, you can shake it to determine whether or not it is faulty. If the relay rattles, you need a new one. The same applies if it smells as if it is burnt. But if it is an electrical relay, run a continuity test using a multimeter and if there is no continuity, replace the relay.
The electronic control board or main control board may be malfunctioning. The board governs the refrigerator’s functions and may keep it from turning on if it stops working. In newer models, this board is called an electronic control board, and fixing it may be tricky and expensive. Therefore, you must be sure the board is damaged before replacing it because boards are easy to misdiagnose. It may be best to use the services of a professional for the job, so contact the Maytag Service Center or use an independent technician.
Check out these other articles…
Maytag Refrigerator Cooling [Problems, Solutions & Guide]
Maytag Refrigerator Defrost [Problems & Solutions]
Maytag Refrigerator Drawer [Problems & Solutions]
Maytag Refrigerator Turning Off [Problems, Solutions & Guide]
Maytag Refrigerator Filter [Problems & Solutions]
Maytag Refrigerator Relay [Problem Solved]
How to Replace a Maytag Refrigerator Thermostat [Quick Guide]
Maytag Refrigerator Won’t Turn On After a Power Outage – Fixed
The refrigerator has problems receiving voltage if you find your Maytag refrigerator not turning on after a power outage. Inspect the circuit breaker, refrigerator power cord, and wall outlet; read this article on Maytag refrigerator not working after a power outage for troubleshooting steps. Also, an internal component may be faulty, so if the power supply checks out, test the components.
How to Turn On a Maytag Refrigerator
You can disconnect the power of the Maytag refrigerator from the wall outlet and reconnect it. That is a way to perform a hard reset on the unit and get it on and running. Some models have dedicated power buttons, but you have to consult the user manual to determine the exact location. Press it to turn the unit on again if it is off.
Maytag Refrigerator Turning On and Off – Quick Fix
If a Maytag refrigerator keeps turning on and off, there may be an interruption in the power supply. Another possible cause is a faulty temperature control thermostat. In addition to these, check the condenser coils for dirt, the defrost timer for faults, or the main control board for signs of arcing or other damages. Take a look at this article on a Maytag refrigerator turning on and off for instructions on how to troubleshoot and fix these problems.
How to Turn On Cooling on a Maytag Refrigerator
Ensure the refrigerator is on and go to the control panel. Locate the Measured Fill and Lock buttons on the panel and press them at the same time. Hold the buttons for about three seconds to turn on cooling. If your refrigerator does not have these buttons, use the manual to determine how to activate cooling in your specific model.
Recap
Maytag refrigerators are pretty durable and one of the best appliances in this department. But while they last many years with good use and service, you may find your Maytag refrigerator turning on and off at quick intervals. Typically, the compressor is the first part to check, but there may be other smaller components affecting the compressor’s functionality.
Therefore, check the condenser coil, defrost timer, thermostat, and compressor. The start relay or overload protector may also be faulty. Contact Maytag to report the issue and request service or hire an independent but qualified appliance technician for further assistance.
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