Maytag washing machine does not draw water, or how to fix the LF error code
Maytag high-tech washing machines rarely cause complaints from owners due to high-quality assembly and the manufacturer’s attention to detail. However, sometimes there may be a problem with the water supply. In such a situation, the washing machine displays the error code LF.
The LF error code in Maytag washing machines indicates that water is not entering the drum. There may be several reasons for this situation, and only after diagnosis can we say what happened to a particular unit.
But do not worry – this error can be easily fixed if you find the cause. Let’s talk about how to identify the problem and fix it.
Maytag washing machine does not draw water – possible causes
If during washing, water does not enter the drum, or does not drain normally – which also makes it difficult to update it, then the problem lies in the filter, drain hose, or water supply hose.
First of all, make sure that the drain hose is properly installed. Sometimes the master does not have the necessary qualifications and connects the hose and pipe with technical violations.
When connecting the drain hose to the sewer, do not skimp on such a simple device as a siphon – it will prevent sewage water, germs and unpleasant odors from entering the machine. For a simple installation, the end of the drain hose must protrude at least 114 mm into the pipe.
Masters recommend not using adhesive tapes when fixing the hose in the pipe, as they often clog pipes and take time to clean. Plumbing clamps and modern sealants will help secure the machine hose for a long time.
In addition, after installing the hose, inspect it carefully – it should not be twisted or bent too much so that the flow of water is not interrupted.
During operation, a blockage may appear in the drain hose and must be removed. To do this, regularly use a plumbing cable, which will help to quickly remove any blockage.
Water supply hose problem
Most models of Maytag washing machines use two inlet hoses: for hot and cold water. Check that they are installed correctly, tight and free of obstructions. Also, inspect the filters on each hose – they may be the problem.
How to check the filter on the water supply hose
Before inspecting the filters, shut off the water supply to the washing machine. To do this, close the cold and hot water taps on the water line.
Disconnect the hoses through which water enters the machine. Find the connection to the machine and disconnect the hoses one by one. On the top of the valve, clean and remove the rubber gasket.
Next, remove the filter itself and rinse it thoroughly under running water. You can use a stiff brush and liquid soap to clean the filter screen, as dirt can harden and not wash off easily. Be careful, the filter is very fragile and can break from excessive pressure.
After cleaning the filter, it is necessary to insert the rubber gasket into place and connect the hose to the washing machine. Make sure the connections are tight and tight. Then turn on the water supply. After turning on the washing machine, you will need to reboot and run a diagnostic cycle in order to make sure that it is fully operational.
How often should the inlet and outlet hoses be cleaned?
It all depends on the operating conditions and the frequency of washing and washing things with a long nap. If you use your Maytag machine every day with a full drum load or frequently wash children’s toys, bedspreads, and woollens, then you will need to clean the drain hoses more often – usually once a month.
With a small load of the machine, 1 – 2 times a week, and washing ordinary linen and clothes made of cotton, linen, or artificial fabrics, the hose will not clog often, so it can be cleaned 1 time in 3 – 4 months.
Can Maytag be fitted with leak protection?
If you want to protect your home from flooding in case of accidental failure of the washing machine and want to install special devices that protect against leaks, you need to evaluate the technical characteristics of these products. The fact is that some valves or Aquastop systems can change the speed and pressure of the flow of water that enters the machine.
At the same time, the machine starts to work incorrectly, as it is programmed for certain water pressure in the system – the control board takes into account the speed of filling the drum with water. If the drum fills slower than it should, the machine may stop washing or show an error on the display.
What does the LF code on the Maytag machine display mean?
Error LF is a problem with filling the drum of the machine with water. The control board reacts to the filling level of the tank with water, receiving a signal from sensors located inside the machine. When water flows for too long, or does not flow at all, the washing program goes astray and the machine may stop working.
How to reset settings in a Maytag washer?
After an error, the wash cycle usually stops, in order to continue it, or start again, you must reset the settings. To do this, you need to follow 3 steps:
- Press the power/cancel button.
- Select the wash cycle you would like to restart.
- After selecting a cycle, press the start button.
After resetting the last wash, your Maytag machine will start on a new cycle.
How to start diagnostic mode on Maytag washing machine?
A diagnostic, or test mode of operation is necessary to check the status of various components and processes in the machine. It starts without laundry, at idle, so it can not be used often, so as not to damage the machine.
To activate it, follow these steps:
- Connect the machine to the mains and check that all indicators on the display work.
- Press any service button on the control panel and hold it for 3-4 seconds. But do not use the Power, Stop, or Start buttons. Then release the button and press it in the same mode 2 more times.
- If you did everything correctly, then all the indicators will light up simultaneously, and the display will show the inscription “88”. If you could not activate the test mode, then repeat the manipulations again with another button.
- All stored fault codes will be displayed on the machine. If you do not see them, then there were no problems with the car. If there are no errors, the machine itself will start the diagnostics 5 seconds after the activation of the test mode.
- Be careful and write down all the error codes that the machine will show on the display.
- To exit the diagnostic cycle, press the power or off button.
How to drain water from a Maytag machine manually?
It happens that the washing stops and the machine seems to freeze. At the same time, the laundry is still inside along with water. If restarting the cycle does not help, then you will need to drain the water and empty the machine of laundry.
To do this, unplug the machine and move it away from the wall. Disconnect the drain hose from the sewer, but do not pull it out. Take the laundry out of the machine. Do this carefully, squeezing things out of the water and transferring them to the basin.
Then take any container like a jug or ladle and scoop out as much water from the drum of the machine as possible. After that, take a bucket and put a drain hose in it – excess water will flow out of the machine by itself.
Use old towels or rags to lay them on the floor – they will collect water that will probably spill while you unplug the hose and open the machine drum.
How to remove the error code from the display?
If you do not fix the very problem that led to the appearance of the error code, it will still appear again, even if you force the display to be cleared.
The code itself can be reset by pressing the pause/cancel button twice, and then immediately on the machine power button.
If after pressing the buttons the error code does not disappear, then unplug the washing unit from the mains for 1 minute, and then turn it on again. This usually works and the error code disappears.
There is another way when others have not helped: remove the clothes from the drum of the machine and start a new wash cycle.
Conclusion
Some models of Maytag washing machines last up to 20 years with proper care and timely maintenance. If your machine suddenly stops taking in water and gives an LF error on the display, this is easy to fix by cleaning the inlet and drain hoses and washing the filters. By performing these simple steps regularly, you will protect your car from breakdowns and save time.