Maytag dishwasher diagnostic mode [How to run]

So, how do you put a Maytag dishwasher in diagnostic mode?

This article will show you how to run Maytag dishwasher diagnostic mode as you try to find out what is wrong with your machine.

Let’s dive in:

Maytag dishwasher diagnostic mode [How to run]

Below is how to put your Maytag dishwasher into diagnostic mode when troubleshooting it…

Complete procedure

To run a diagnostics cycle on your Maytag dishwasher, you have to perform these key presses while your dishwasher is in standby mode.

Press Heated Dry then Normal then Heated Dry then  Normal

In short, quickly press Heated Dry➙ Normal ➙ Heated Dry➙ Normal (in about 6 seconds-maximum)

Keep in mind that the cycle usually progresses on its own (to the end) without needing your intervention once it starts.

Alternative method

To run diagnostics on some Maytag dishwasher models, you press the following button sequence:

High Temp Wash ➙ Heated Dry➙ High Temp Wash ➙ Heated Dry ➙ High Temp Wash ➙Heated Dry ➙High Temp Wash ➙ Heated Dry➙High Temp Wash.

If your unit didn’t come with the “Heated Dry” button, you can use “Air Dry” or even “Energy Saver Dry” button in its place.

Quick Tip: If you so wish, you can advance more hastily through the intervals (one interval/checks at a time) by simply pressing “Start/Resume”.

 

What does the machine do during service diagnostics?

Once you invoke Maytag dishwasher diagnostic test mode, all status and information on the latest cycle you run is cleared from memory and defaults restored.

Also, when the dishwasher switches to diagnostic mode, a calibration cycle is forced to run next.

The cycle starts by performing a “sensor check” – this is performed to determine whether there is an OWI soil sensor in the dishwasher.

If an OWI is detected, the control forces two (2) rinses to take place ahead of the final rinse (to ensure clear water).

The OWI is then calibrated during final rinse.

Watch out for any fault codes- the machine will display different error codes depending on what it has detected to be faulty- if any issue is detected as the diagnostics are running.

 

Maytag dishwasher diagnostic mode –important notes

Note 1

All LEDs immediately turn on after the button sequence is pressed (even if the door is open) and will stay on throughout the first interval (a display test is performed first).

Note 2

On models with a numeric time display, software information including the dishwasher’s control platform number and software generation number is displayed after the display test is completed.

Note 3

If the flowmeter is found to be operating correctly, the Clean LED light will be turned on by the control once the flowmeter counts 3 (or more pulses) anytime in the course of these intervals.

Note 4

During the Thermistor (temperature sensor) intervals, the Clean LED light will be turned on if the thermistor has been found normal -meaning the normal temperature range of 62°F(17°C)-160°F(71°C) was found.

Otherwise, the sanitized LED is turned on (this occurs if the thermistor temp is above 100°F(38°C).

Note 5

During the OWI(optical soil sensor) checks/test intervals, the OWI sensor is checked for presence of clear water(during the 5-second pause in interval #13 and Clean LED turned on in interval #12 if clear water has been detected).

In addition,the OWI sensor is checked for presence of air (during the last 5-seconds of drain interval #3 and Clean LED turned on in interval #2, if air is detected).

The OWI sensor is checked too for the presence of bulk soil’ in the water (during pause interval #8 when maximum allowed APFs are executed) and Clean LED turned on (in interval #7 if bulk soil was detected).

Note 6

The heater relay lags wash motor relay (by 1.5 seconds) at the start-up of the heated wash intervals- this helps avoid simultaneous heater & motor in-rush current.

 

How to reset Maytag dishwasher diagnostic codes

You can attempt to reset any displayed error code(s) by disconnecting power to your dishwasher for about 5 minutes- this resets some fault codes.

However, the error code may come back once you reconnect power.

If this happens, you will need to troubleshoot/replace the specific component causing the issue.

To fix the faulty part, first go through your copy of Maytag dishwasher owner’s manual and check the troubleshooting section- follow the tips there, if any.

But if you are still not sure what the error code means, watch the video below for ideas:

 

Troubleshooting Maytag dishwasher: When Running Diagnostics can be helpful

Here are some issues that running diagnostics will help you troubleshoot:

• The machine stops running, won’t start, and the Clean LED flashes 7 times and then repeats- This points to a water heating problem so you must fix what is causing it to get rid of the error.
• The cycles are extra-long or the machine is getting stuck in a portion of the cycle – Running service diagnostics will check the OWI soil sensor for proper operation (OWI soil sensor might be picking high soil cycle very often, leading to the fault).
• Water filling problems– A potential cause of water filling issues is a defective fill valve and running service diagnostics checks if the fill valve is actually the problem.
• Wash pump won’t pump– Try to run service diagnostics to see if the wash pump motor is defective if the wash pump seems to have malfunctioned.
• Drainage issues- Running service diagnostics will check if the drain motor (on control) is the culprit.
• Poor wash performance– Running service diagnostics will check if the OWI soil sensor is the root cause.
• When the detergent won’t dispense– Running service diagnostics will test the dispenser for proper operation.

 

Maytag dishwasher diagnostic mode – Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I run a diagnostics on my Maytag dishwasher?

Press Heated Dry then Normal then Heated Dry then  Normal

In other words, quickly press Heated Dry➙ Normal ➙ Heated Dry➙ Normal (in about 6 seconds-maximum)

 

Take away

To run Maytag dishwasher diagnostic mode, press the following buttons (without delaying by more than 6 secs):

Heated Dry➙ Normal ➙ Heated Dry➙ Normal

If this above button press doesn’t work, see the Technical Sheet on your specific Maytag dishwasher for the correct button sequence- it is typically located right behind Toe Panel.

 

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