Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Wash? (9 Reasons Fixed!)

As good as Maytag Centennial washing machines are, they can be annoying when they won’t complete a cycle. Take an example of a Maytag Centennial washer stuck on wash cycle. What causes that?

A Maytag Centennial can get stuck on the washing cycle if the timer, lid switch, control board, or water level valve malfunctions or due to poor drainage, wrong detergent (or too much of it), insufficient water, dirty filter, or damaged drive belt.

Overall, there are at least nine potential causes, which we will explore in this troubleshooting guide. And since we are talking about troubleshooting the Maytag Centennial washing machine, we will not just highlight the probable causes but also their applicable fixes.

You’ll be surprised to learn that you don’t always have to pay a washer technician when your Maytag Centennial develops an issue. Some are just DIY, and this guide will help you do it.

But before we can discuss the reasons, let’s ensure your Maytag Centennial is stuck on the wash cycle.

In a rush? Below is the summary of the troubleshooting guide for a Maytag Centennial that can’t go beyond the wash cycle.

Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Wash Cycle Troubleshooting Guide.

How You Can Confirm That Your Maytag Centennial Washer Is Really Stuck On Wash Cycle

Before you can assume that your Maytag Centennial can’t go beyond the wash cycle, you should confirm it, and you can use these steps:

• While the washer is powered on, press the cancel button and hold it for a few seconds until the error clears
• Now unplug the washer and wait for 5 seconds to plug it back
• If it remains on the wash cycle, you should consider the possible causes, which I will discuss next.

Why Is My Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Wash?

Here are nine possible reasons why you cannot move your Maytag Centennial washer past the wash cycle:

1. Faulty Timer (Skippy or Delayed Timer)

The washer depends on the timer to send signals about washing and rinsing. If the timer is Skippy or often delays, it becomes unreliable, and the washer won’t know what to do. So, your Maytag Centennial washer will get stuck on sensing, rinse or wash mode, depending on the cycle.

Though you can bypass the problem by manually turning the timer, the problem will recur. As a result, you should think of replacing the faulty timer as soon as you identify the fault.

Fix 

Consider replacing your washer’s timer if it malfunctions. To do it, you need to:

• Unplug the washer and disconnect the water supply
• Disassemble the washer’s control panel
• You’ll need to unscrew the control panel to access the timer
• Unscrew the faulty timer and screw in the replacement

2. Malfunctioning Lid Switch

You must check the lid switch if you have a top loader. The switch is responsible for relaying signals to the door for it to close and for the machine to start running.

If this switch malfunctions, your washer lid won’t close, and the washer won’t move to the next cycle. A faulty lid switch may cause the washer to get stuck in the middle of a wash.

Fix 

Use a multimeter to test the lid switch for continuity. Replace the switch if it doesn’t show continuity.

3. Malfunctioning Control Board

The Centennials control board doesn’t break down easily. If this happens, then your washing machine is as good as dead.  So, consider this cause as your last option.

Fix 

Try resetting your Maytag Centennial to see if it goes past the wash cycle. If it doesn’t, note the error code it sends. If the error has something to do with the control panel, you should replace it.

4. Defective Water-Level Valve 

The water level valve’s job is to regulate the amount of water that goes into your Maytag Centennial. You expect it to open up fully and be free from any clog.

It should also not be faulty to perform its job. So, you have to check for clogging and wear.

Fix 

You’ll also need a multimeter here, which you’ll use to test the water level valve for continuity. If it shows no continuity, it’s faulty. Thus, replace it. Clean it, however, with vinegar if it’s clogged.

5. Poor Drainage (Clogged Drain)

Your Maytag washer will only move to the next cycle if the water drains completely. There shouldn’t be any water in the drum during the drainage.

The washer may refuse to go past the wash cycle if it’s, possibly because of a clogged drain. The clogging could be in the hose or drain pump. 

Fix 

Check the drain hose for kinks and clogs and unblock it to encourage maximum drainage. Also, clean the washer’s drain pump (do it at least once in 3 months) to prevent clogging.

6. Wrong Detergent (or Too Much of It)

The Maytag Centennial will likely detect excess suds and send you the error code SD/Suds to show for it. At times, however, the washer stops mid-cycle and won’t move to the next cycle for using too much detergent.

It could also happen if you use the wrong detergent, precisely non-HE detergents.

Fix 

Don’t use any detergent in excess. You should reduce the amount. Also, avoid using non-HE detergent as they form suds quickly. Instead, use HE (High-Efficiency) detergents, which are gentle on your washer and low on suds.

7. Insufficient water

Your Maytag washer will only move to the next cycle if there’s enough water in the tub to match the load. If that’s not the case, the water level sensor will remain inactive until the tub fills up with water. So, the washer may stay on the wash cycle for a while.

Fix 

Improve the water supply to the tub to ensure that the water level sensor detects it faster to allow the washer to move to the next cycle. Increase the water pressure too to improve supply.

8. Dirty Filter

A dirty filter quickly stagnates your Maytag washer. It slows down the drainage, and if the drainage is slow, the washer will likely stay in one cycle for a while.

Fix 

Ordinarily, you should replace the washer’s filter after 3-6 months, depending on how often you use the washer. You’ll need to turn the washer off, disconnect it from the water and power supply and detach the old filter from the circuit board.

9. Damaged Drive Belt

If your washer’s drive belt is damaged, it could break down any time, preventing the washer from moving to the next cycle.

If it breaks down in the middle of a wash, the washer will stay there, unable to move to the next cycle.

Fix 

Examine the drive belt for possible wear or damage and replace it. You shouldn’t wait for your washer to break down.

How to Reprogram Maytag Centennial Washer?

If you want to clear error codes on your Maytag Centennial washer or don’t know what to do after it’s stuck on the wash cycle, try reprogramming or resetting it.

Here’s how to go about it: 

• Switch your washer off but keep it plugged into the power
• Turn the cycle selector (main knob) anticlockwise to rest on the 12 o’clock position
• Rotate it three clicks clockwise
• Rotate it counterclockwise, and clockwise one click both ways
• Wait for the lights to flash to enter into diagnostic
• Turn the main cycle selector clockwise until the ‘RINSE LED’ glares
• Press start to begin the calibration

People Also Ask

1. Why Is My Maytag Washer Getting Stuck On Wash Cycle?

Your Maytag washer is stuck on the wash cycle because of a malfunctioning or defective timer, lid switch, control board, or water level valve.

Other reasons include clogged drain, wrong or excessive detergent, dirty filter, insufficient water, or worn drive belt.

2. Does A Maytag Centennial Washer Have a Reset Button?

The Maytag Centennial washer doesn’t have a dedicated reset button. However, you can reset it by briefly unplugging it or entering diagnostic and then recalibrating it.

3. What Do I Do If My Washer Is Stuck On the Wash Cycle?

Check the timer, lid switch, control board, or water inlet valve for faults if your washer is stuck on the wash cycle. You can use a multimeter to test them for continuity and replace what’s faulty.

Also, check the drainage and water supply to ensure all is okay.

4. How Do I Reset My Maytag Centennial Washing Machine?

You can reset your Maytag Centennial washing machine by briefly unplugging it (about 20 seconds to 3 minutes) and plugging it back in. If that doesn’t work, set your washer on diagnostic mode and then turn the main knob to the right until the ‘RINSE LED’ light comes on, and then press start.

5. Why Won’t My Washer Finish the Cycle?

Your washer won’t finish the cycle because of a malfunction. Parts to look at include the timer, lid switch, and drive belt. Also, it could be due to excess suds from using too much detergent or insufficient drainage.

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Would the problem still point to the timer if the same issue occurs in different cycles?

What is the recommended course of action if a bad timer is identified?
Faulty timer should be replaced as soon as the fault is identified. It implies that this is the recommended course of action to address the problem.

Will the problem recur if the faulty timer is not replaced?
Problem will persist by stating that replacing the faulty timer should be considered once the fault is identified.

Would the problem still point to the timer if the same issue occurs in different cycles?
If the agitation issue occurs in any cycle but not in the rinse cycle, it still indicates a bad timer. Therefore, the problem would still point to the timer even if it occurs in different cycles.

If the agitation occurs in the wash cycle but not in the rinse cycle, does it indicate a problem with the timer?
If the agitation issue specifically happens in the wash cycle but not in the rinse cycle, it suggests that the timer is faulty.

“Suggests a temporary solution of manually turning the timer to bypass the problem, it is important to note that this approach does not address the underlying cause. The recurrence of the issue indicates that the timer itself may be faulty. Therefore, it is advisable to consider replacing the faulty timer as soon as the problem is identified. By doing so, you can ensure a lasting solution and prevent the problem from persisting across different cycles. Though bypassing the issue may offer a temporary fix, it is vital to address the root cause to avoid further complications. Thus, the thoroughness of Their article reinforces the importance of replacing the timer to resolve the problem effectively.”

Does the same issue occur in different cycles?

“While manually turning the timer can temporarily solve the problem, it is important to note that this issue may persist. It is advised to consider a proactive approach by replacing the faulty timer as soon as the fault is identified. Although my observations have been limited to the normal cycle, I have not yet explored the possibility of this issue occurring in other cycles such as casual or delicate. Therefore, it remains unclear if the same problem manifests across different cycles. Conducting further tests in these cycles would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue and its potential variations.”

What is the issue with the Maytag washer?

How can the issue be further diagnosed to confirm the cause?
To confirm whether the timer is indeed the cause of the problem, it is recommended to perform further diagnostics. This may involve checking the timer for any visible signs of damage or testing its functionality using a multimeter. Additionally, consulting a professional technician or referring to the washer’s user manual for specific troubleshooting steps can help in accurately diagnosing and resolving the issue.

What are some symptoms of a malfunctioning timer?
A malfunctioning timer can cause various symptoms in a washer. These may include the machine getting stuck on a particular cycle, not advancing through the cycle properly, or stopping at random points during the cycle. In this case, the washer stopping during the rinse cycle could be a symptom of a faulty timer.

Are there any other potential causes for the issue?
Yes, there could be other reasons for the problem. Some possibilities include a defective control board, a malfunctioning water level valve, a clogged drain, the use of wrong or excessive detergent, a dirty filter, insufficient water, or a worn drive belt. These factors should also be considered and examined to determine the exact cause.

If not the lid switch, then what could be the problem?
Considering that the lid switch seems to be okay, the next possible cause could be the timer. The fact that the washer stops during the rinse cycle and resumes spinning when the dial is advanced to spin indicates that the timer may be malfunctioning.

Is the lid switch the cause of the problem?
Based on the information provided, it is unlikely that the lid switch is the cause of the problem. The washer spins and empties when the lid is closed during the spin cycle, and it stops when the lid is opened. This behavior suggests that the lid switch is functioning properly.

The issue with the Maytag washer could be caused by a variety of factors. One possibility is a malfunctioning or defective timer, which can result in the washer getting stuck on the wash cycle. Another potential culprit could be a faulty lid switch, control board, or water level valve. These components play crucial roles in ensuring the proper functioning of the washer.

Additionally, several other factors could contribute to the problem. A clogged drain can obstruct the flow of water, preventing the washer from advancing to the next cycle. Using the wrong or excessive detergent can create excess suds, affecting the washer’s performance. A dirty filter can restrict water flow, leading to issues with the rinse cycle. Insufficient water supply or a worn drive belt can also cause the washer to malfunction.

However, it is important to carefully analyze the specific symptoms described in the original question. The fact that the washer spins and empties when the lid is closed during the spin cycle suggests that the lid switch may not be the issue. Instead, the behavior indicates a potential problem with the timer. When the lid is opened during the spin cycle, the washer stops, but resumes spinning when the lid is closed again. This pattern aligns with a faulty timer, as it controls the timing and sequencing of the washer’s cycles.

Considering all these factors, it is recommended to further investigate the possibility of a defective timer in this specific case. Professional assistance or consultation with an experienced technician may be necessary to accurately diagnose and resolve the issue with the Maytag washer.

Closing Remarks On Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Wash Cycle!

Overall, it’s worth testing the timer, lid switch, water-level valve, and control board using a multimeter to see if they are faulty and replace them. While at it, ensure you’ve enough water supply and that it drains properly. 

Don’t forget to use suitable detergents (HE detergents) correctly and replace the filter every three months and the drive belt when it wears out.

Also Read:

• How to Troubleshoot Maytag Centennial Washers