Maytag Bravos XL washer problems and fixes

Below we look at the most common Maytag bravos xl washer problems and recommended solutions

Maytag Bravos Xl washer problems and fixes

Here is a list of some of the Maytag bravos XL washer problems we shall cover in this guide (together with their general fixes)

1. Maytag Bravos Xl washer not filling with water (Maytag Bravos Xl washer not filling with enough water)
2. Maytag Bravos Xl washer not turning on (Maytag Bravos Xl washer not working when you try to power it on)
3. Maytag Bravos Xl washer not agitating (Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t agitate)
4. Maytag Bravos Xl washer not spinning (Maytag Bravos Xl washer not spinning fast)
5. Maytag Bravos Xl washer not draining water

Let’s dive in:

Problems with Maytag Bravos XL washer and how to fix them

Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t turn on

Possible causes

• Washer has no power.
• There’s a connection issue between the main control and AC plug.
• Main control could be improperly installed (in console).
• Main control faulty (replacement needed)

Potential Solutions

• Check power at the outlet. Check circuit breakers/fuses/junction box connections.
• Check AC power cord (for continuity).
• Perform TEST #4 (Console and Indicators)

 

Won’t Start Cycle

(There’s no response when you press Start Button)

Possible causes

• The lid lock mechanism not functioning.
• User Interface fault.
• Main control issue.

Potential Solutions

• Check the lid for interference.
• Check the lid lock – there could be some objects causing interference with the lid lock mechanism or it may be completely damaged (replace it).
• Perform TEST #8 (Lid Lock test)
• Perform TEST #4 (Console and Indicators)
• Perform TEST #1 (Main Control).

 

Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t change settings (UI won’t  accept selections)

Possible causes

• User Interface fault.
• Main control issue.

Potential Solutions

• Perform TEST #4 (On the Console and Indicators)
• Perform TEST #1 (on Main Control)

 

Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t fill with water (Maytag Bravos Xl washer not filling with enough water)

Possible causes

• No water is supplied to washer so check the faucets/water lines
• Filter/screen is plugged
• Drain hose installation improperly installed.
• There’s a problem with the valve.
• The Main control has an issue.

Potential Solutions

• Check water connections (to the washer) and verify both hot & cold water supply is turned on
• Check for plugged filter/screen
• Check drain hose installation-and ensure it’s properly installed.
• Test both valves
• Perform TEST #1 (on Main Control)

 

More Maytag Bravos XL washer problems and suggested fixes

Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t stop filling (Washer is Overfilling/flooding)

Possible causes

• There’s a problem with the valve
• There’s pressure hose issue.
• The washer requires calibration.
• The pressure switch or on-board transducer is faulty.
• The Main control has an issue.

Potential Solutions

• Perform TEST #6
• Perform TEST #2
• Perform washer calibration
• Perform TEST #1 (on Main control)

 

Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t agitate

Possible causes

• Water may be covering the impeller.
• Lid lock could be open during cycle.
• Drive belt has a problem.
• The harness connections(between the main control and the drive system) has an issue
• There’s a shifter problem
• There’s a motor problem.
• There’s a tachometer problem
• There’s a main control fault.

Potential Solutions

• Perform TEST #6
• Perform TEST #8
• Check if drive belt is damaged- and replace.
• Check the harness connections between the main control and the drive system
• Perform TEST #3a(Drive System–Shifter)
• Perform TEST #3b(Drive System–Motor)
• Determine what is hampering tub movement. Also check if tub speed is currently out of range (due to obstruction/belt problem/motor issue).
• Perform TEST #1(on main control)

 

Maytag Bravos Xl washer not spinning (Maytag Bravos Xl washer not spinning fast or Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t spin at all)

Possible causes

• Lid lock could be open during cycle
• Drive belt could be damaged.
• The harness connections(between the main control and the drive system) has an issue
• There’s a shifter problem
• There’s a motor problem.
• There’s a tachometer problem
• There’s a main control problem.

Potential Solutions

• Perform TEST #8
• Verify that the drive belt has not been damaged
• Check the harness connections between the main control and the drive system
• Perform TEST #3a(Drive System–Shifter)
• Perform TEST #3b(Drive System–Motor)
• Determine what is hampering tub movement. Also check if tub speed is currently out of range (due to obstruction/belt problem/motor issue).
• Perform TEST #1(on Main control)

 

Incorrect water temperature

Possible causes

• Temperature thermistor
• Water hose installation
• Main control problem.

Potential Solutions

• Verify inlet hoses are properly connected.
• Perform TEST #5(Temperature Thermistor)
• Perform TEST #2(Valves)
• Perform TEST #1 (on Main control)

 

Maytag Bravos Xl washer not draining (Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t drain)

Possible causes

• Drain hose could be improperly installed.
• Drain hose is probably plugged.
• Drain pump could be obstructed.
• Harness connections could be having a fault.
• Drain pump could be bad.
• Main control might be defective.

Potential Solutions

• Check for correct drain hose installation as below:

1. Make sure it’s not inserted more than 4.5”(114mm).
2. Make sure the drain hose has not been sealed into the drain pipe.
3. Finally, verify there’s an air gap (for ventilation).

Oh, and don’t forget to check the drain height –it should be between 39inches (991mm) and 8 feet(2.4m) above the floor.

• Check the tub sump under the agitator plate and basket (for obstructions)
• Check harness connections between the main control and the drain pump
• Check if the drain pump has any obstructions.
• Perform TEST #7(on the drain Pump)
• Perform TEST #1 (on Main control)

 

Cycle times longer than expected

Possible causes

• Oversudsing problem
• Load imbalance detected
• Drain hose installation problem
• Standpipe position issue(improper drain height)
• Slow drain fault
• Water pressure drop problem
• Friction/drag on drive
• Weak suspension

Potential Solutions

For oversudsing:

• Verify the use of correct HE detergent .
• Check for excessive detergent usage.

For potential load imbalance:

• Ensure load is balanced as it should be.
• Check the balance ring for water leak.

For drain hose installation issue:

• Make sure it’s not inserted more than 4.5”(114mm).
• Make sure the drain hose has not been sealed into the drain pipe.
• Finally, verify there’s an air gap (for ventilation).

Again remember to check the drain height –it should be between 39inches (991mm) and 8 feet(2.4m) above the floor.

For slow drain fault:

• Check for pump(or drainhose) obstructions.

For water pressure drop issue:

• Have a plumber troubleshoot the water supply system to find what is causing the drop in pressure.

For potential friction/drag on drive:

• Check the motor and bearings- see if everything is connected and working alright.
• Check if there are clothes between the tub and basket.

For possible weak suspension:

• You can test is the basket is bouncing up and down -more than once- when pushed. It should not so if it is, check the suspension rods.

Maytag bravos xl washer problems – what to check for various washing performance issues

If the washer has stopped cleaning the clothes properly, here are the potential causes and what to check in each case:

• Oversudsing problem

1. Verify the use of correct HE detergent .
2. Check for excessive detergent usage.

• The load is probably tangling

1. Appliance not loaded properly.
2. Perform washer calibration- it may need to be recalibrated

• There is incorrect water level-Perform TEST #6 (on Water Level).
• The valves have a problem- Perform TEST #2 (on Valves)

 

What to check if your Maytag bravos XL washer is not spinning water out of clothes (they are very damp after cycle completion)

• Check if the washer is overloaded- try to balance the load.
• Check for oversudsing and troubleshoot as indicated above.
• Check if some items are caught in the tub sump- and remove them.
• Check for possible weak suspension and troubleshoot as indicated earlier.
• Check if shifter (actuator) is moving into position- and try to find out what’s causing it not to move. The actuator often needs to be replaced, if not working properly- Perform TEST #3a.
• Verify Cold/Rinse water is>105°F
• Perform TEST #7 (perhaps the Drain Pump is bad)

 

What to check if your Maytag Bravos XL washer is not rinsing clothes properly

• Check for proper water supply.
• Verify the use of proper HE detergent.
• Verify washer is loaded properly
• Check if shifter (actuator) is moving into position- and try to find out what’s causing it not to move. The actuator often needs to be replaced, if not working properly- Perform TEST #3a.
• Check the valves- Perform TEST #2 (on Valves)

 

What to check if your Maytag Bravos XL washer is not washing clothes as expected

• Check if washer is loaded properly.
• Verify the use of proper HE detergent.
• Verify if the correct cycle was selected.
• Check if shifter (actuator) is moving into position- and try to find out what’s causing it not to move. The actuator often needs to be replaced, if not working properly- Perform TEST #3a.

 

What to check if your Maytag Bravos Xl washer is damaging fabric

• Check if washer is loaded properly.
• Check if bleach was added incorrectly.
• Check if there are sharp items in the tub.

 

Other Maytag bravos xl washer problems and suggested solutions

Maytag Bravos Xl washer won’t change cycles (won’t move to spin/rinse automatically) 

• Check for uneven load / jammed clothing.
• Verify correct wash cycle/spin setting was selected.
• Check if excess detergent was added.
• Troubleshoot it for possible drain control issues- drain problems can cause it to get stuck in one cycle.
• Check for a faulty driver belt, worn-down clutch band kit, or faulty motor control board (inspect visually/perform recommended tests).

ALSO READ: Maytag bravos washer stuck on sensing – what to try if your Maytag bravos washer won’t go past sensing

 

Final words

If you cannot get your washer to work even after trying all the above, go ahead and put it into diagnostic mode then run the diagnostic cycle.

What you want here is see if any error codes will be displayed- if they do, get the tech sheet (it’s easy to retrieve it from inside the washer) and look up the error code (the tech sheet should point out what part to check, depending on the fault code).

That will give you a really good chance of fixing what’s exactly causing your washer to act up.

Good luck.

 

ALSO READ:

How to reset Maytag Bravos washer (Steps and tips)

Maytag Bravos washer error codes, meaning, and recommended troubleshooting

Maytag Bravos MCT washer diagnostic mode – How to put your washer in self-test mode