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.
Probable Cause | DIY Fix | |
1. | Faulty timer | Replace the faulty timer |
2. | Malfunctioning lid switch | Test the lid switch for continuity using a multimeter and replace it if it’s defective |
3. | Malfunctioning control board | Replace the malfunctioning control board |
4. | Defective water level valve | Clean the water level if dirt-clogged but replace it if it shows no continuity on a multimeter |
5. | Poor drainage (clogged drain) | Unblock the drain hose and clean the drain pump |
6. | Wrong detergent (or too much of it) | Don’t use excess detergent and avoid non-HE detergents |
7. | Insufficient water | Improve your washer’s water supply. Ensure the water pressure is adequate |
8. | Dirty filter | Replace the dirty filter (do it after 3-6 months, depending on usage) |
9. | Damaged drive belt | Replace the drive belt if it shows signs of cracks or wears |
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.
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.
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