12 Reasons Your Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Sensing!

As good as the Maytag Centennial washer is in cleaning up your laundry, it annoys when it cannot go past the sensing cycle, not allowing you to pick the next cycle. So, is your Maytag Centennial washer stuck on sensing, and you cannot explain why?

Your Maytag Centennial won’t go past the sensing mode if the lid lock, shift actuator, water-level sensor, timer, inlet valve, or control panel malfunctions. But still, that could happen due to the wrong setting, clogged drain, jammed load, low water pressure, motor obstruction, or stuck keypad.

So, there are different angles to look at when your Maytag Centennial can’t go past the stuck cycle. I’ll help you analyze all these possibilities and even fix them accordingly. But again, it’s all about making the correct diagnosis.

Below is a table summarizing why your Maytag Centennial is stuck on sensing and how to fix it.

12 Reasons Your Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Sensing

Why Your Maytag Centennial Washer Not Sensing

Discussed are the 12 reasons why most Maytag Centennial washers won’t go past the sensing cycle. One of these reasons could be the reason behind your problem.

1. The Lid Lock Might Be Faulty

The lid lock is the first to check when your Maytag Centennial washer is stuck on sensing. A faulty lid lock usually prevents the washer from closing, and if it doesn’t, it’s hard for the washer to run. In fact, the washer will most likely stay on the sensing mode.

Fix 

You can know if the lid lock is the problem by setting your Maytag washer on a diagnostic mode. Once you confirm that the lid lock is faulty from the self-test (diagnostic), you should replace it.

Remember, you can still test the lid lock with a multimeter. If it doesn’t show continuity, it’s defective, so you can go ahead and replace it.

2. The Shift Actuator Might Be Malfunctioning

The shift actuator is essential for switching between the spin and wash washing cycles.

If this component is malfunctioning, your washer won’t switch between the cycles and will likely stay stuck on the sensing cycle.

Fix 

Before assuming that the shift actuator is faulty, set your Maytag washer in a diagnostic mode to identify the error code.

If the diagnostic confirms so, then you should replace your shift actuator. To replace it, take out the belt guard. That’ll allow you to access the faulty shift actuator. You’ll need to unscrew it and screw the replacement in place.

3. The Water Level Sensor Might Be Failing

The water inlet valve depends on the water level sensor for its performance. If the water sensor is failing, it won’t be able to relay the correct information to the water inlet valve, forcing the washer to remain in the sensing mode.

Fix 

Use a digital multimeter to test the water level sensor for continuity. If the sensor shows no continuity, it’s defective. Therefore, replace it.

4. The Water Inlet Valve Might Be Defective

The water inlet valve connects the cold and hot water hoses. Sadly, it can become defective, and when that happens, it won’t control water flow into your Maytag Centennial.

This valve fails in two ways; by clogging or wearing out. The valve can obstruct by dirt and fail to do its job, or it may wear down over time.

Fix 

If you suspect a defective inlet valve, consider testing it using a digital multimeter. If it doesn’t show continuity, it’s faulty, and so you should replace it.

But if it shows continuity, use a flashlight to see if it’s dirt-clogged. If it is, you should clean it properly.

5. The Timer Might Be Faulty

The timer controls the wash, rinse and spin cycles. Your Maytag Centennial will sometimes stick on the sensing mode if it’s faulty.

Fix 

Check the condition of the timer. If it’s non-responsive, you should replace it.

6. The Control Board Might Be Malfunctioning

Though the control board doesn’t fail often, it could be why your washer is stuck on sensing if it does.

Once the control board starts to malfunction, it stops responding to the washer’s command on wiring and electrical issues and may at times cause the washer to stick on sensing mode.

Fix 

If the control board of your Maytag Centennial is faulty, you’ve no choice but to replace it. But first, check its connecting wires and motors to ensure they are not the problem.

You can test their continuity with a multimeter together with the control board. That’ll help you identify the defective part.

7. You Might Be Using the Wrong Setting

Unless you pick the right setting, your washer may become non-responsive. It could remain stuck on sensing mode unless you choose the cycle that you want it to run.

Fix 

Ensure you select the correct setting on your washer, but reset your washer if you are unsure. Resetting it will restore its factory setting, making it easy for you to start washing.

More on Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Sensing

8. Your Drains Could Be Clogged

The drains could be why your Maytag Centennial washer cannot go past sensing mode if they are dirt-clogged. You should also check the drain pump for blocking.

Fix

Check for clogging in the washer drain and on the pump, and try to unclog it before restarting it.

9. The Load Could Be Jamming the Washer

Your Maytag Centennial may remain on the sensing mode if you either overload it with laundry or if the laundry is out of balance. So, check the load before running any diagnostic or thinking of replacements.

Fix 

If the load is too much for the washer, reduce it. Preferably, you shouldn’t fill up your washer more than ¾.

But if the laundry load is not in excess, see if it’s well balanced within the washer. If it’s not, you should rebalance it before spinning the washer.

10. Check for Low Water Pressure

Sometimes, your washer may not be going past the sensing mode not because something is wrong with it but due to low water pressure. So, you’ve to check your water pressure, not just concentrate on Maytag Centennial washer sensor issues.

Fix 

Test your washer pressure using a home water pressure gauge. You need at least 20 psi to run the washer.

If the pressure is low, adjust it from the main. It may also help remove any kinks on the drain hose or anything else that may lower your home water pressure.

11. Look for Motor Obstruction

A motor obstruction typically prevents the motor from engaging with the tub, and as a response, your washer’s sensor light will continually flash without showing any signs of activity. So, you need to scrutinize the motor for obstruction. 

Fix 

If your washer’s sensor light is blinking, but nothing else is happening, check for a possible obstruction around the motor and remove it. Once you do, you can try restarting your washer.

12.  The Keypad Could Be Stuck

Lastly, consider the possibility of having a stuck keypad. A stuck keypad could force the sensor light to stay on the sensing mode.

Fix 

Look for any jammed keypad and try dislodging it. That’s more important if you recently replaced something on your washer. After successfully unstucking the keypad, you should reset the washer.

Still Can’t Go Past Sensing Mode? Try Resetting Your Maytag Centennial Washer

If your Maytag Centennial washer won’t go past sensing mode and you don’t know what to do, try resetting it. 

For one, you can reset your washer. Two, you can reset the washer sensor only. Let’s look at both:

a)  Maytag Centennial Washer Reset

You can reset your Maytag washer by:

• Unplugging it from the power and waiting for 5 minutes before plugging back and restarting the machine
• Turning off the washer supply before plugging it out of the power. Then turn on the water supply and plug the washer back in before holding down the power button for 10 seconds or so to restart it

b)  Resetting the Washer’s Sensor

You can reset your washer’s sensor by cutting off the washer’s water supply and disconnecting its hoses for a minute. You’ll then need to reconnect everything and turn on your water supply.

People Also Ask

1. But How Do You Reset the Sensor On a Maytag Centennial Washing Machine?

You can reset the sensor on a Maytag Centennial washing machine using these steps:

• Switch off the water supply and disconnect all the hoses
• Wait for 1 minute or so before reconnecting the hoses
• Reconnect the water supply

2. Why Is the Washer Stuck in Sensing Mode?

Your washer is stuck in sensing mode because of the wrong setting, load imbalance, overload, faulty actuator switch, or defective lid lock or water inlet valve. It could also be due to a stuck keypad or low water pressure.

3. Why Does the Sensor Light Flash On My Maytag Washer?

If your Maytag washer sensing light is flashing, the machine is not receiving enough water. The chances are that the supply lines are kinked or blocked, or the water pressure is low.

4. Why Does My Maytag Washer Get Stuck On Wash Cycle?

If your Maytag washer gets stuck on the wash cycle, the chances are that the timer is failing. You need to look at it and if it’s faulty, replace it. Overall, the timer controls the wash, rinse, and spin cycles. So, it has to work well.

Closing Remarks On Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Sensing!

However, don’t forget to check for wrong settings, clogged drains, jammed load, low water pressure, motor obstruction, and stuck keypad as potential causes.

Generally, it’s worth checking the lid lock, shift actuator, water sensor, water valve, timer, and control board for faults when your Maytag Centennial washer is stuck on sensing.

Also Read;

• Why Your Maytag Centennial Washer Won’t Start
• Why Whirlpool Washer is Stuck on Sensing Mode