Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Sensing?
The auto-sensing feature on your Maytag Centennial washer is perfect for ensuring you use just the right amount of water. It measures the weight of the load and determines the water amount before proceeding to the next cycle. But if your Maytag Centennial washer gets stuck on sensing, it can be really frustrating.
Your Maytag washer can stick on sensing if it has trouble determining the weight of the laundry load. You should remove some items or rebalance the load to unstick the sensor. A simple reset can solve the problem many times. But in some cases, it could be a faulty actuator or capacitor that you’ll need to replace.
Features like auto-sensing are great until they keep you from doing your laundry. Don’t despair if your washer won’t move off of sensing mode. Check out these possible reasons and fixes so you can get on with the wash.
How Long Does A Washer Stay On Sensing?
A typical washing machine sensing cycle can last between two and three minutes. Your washing machine is essentially weighing the load to determine how much water it needs to clean things. If the load is large, the washer might start to fill, then stop as it continues to sense.
If it does this, it’s likely because it’s waiting for the load to soak up water to determine if more is necessary. If so, you’ll hear the water start to pour into the machine again. This stop-and-start process could repeat a couple of times until the correct amount of water is in the tub.
Because of how it functions, a sense cycle will likely take longer for larger loads. But, for the most part, you should expect it to move on after roughly three minutes. If it doesn’t, it could be that your Maytag Centennial washer’s stuck on sensing.
7 Reasons Your Maytag Centennial Washer Is Stuck On Sensing (And What To Do About Them)
So, you’ve waited a few minutes, and your washing machine still says it’s in sensing mode. Or, in even more frustrating circumstances, it moves past sensing and washes your laundry, only to stop. It sits there, doing nothing, with a locked lid and nothing more.
But luckily, if your machine is stuck on sensing, there are several simple fixes to resolve the issue. Try the more straightforward solutions first (steps 1 through 3).
If they don’t do the trick, do some further self-assessing (steps 4 and 5). You might need to consider replacing some parts or calling a pro (steps 6 and 7).
1. An Unbalanced Load
Your Maytag Centennial washing machine might be stuck on sensing because of an unbalanced load, making it hard to determine the weight. The appliance must determine the load’s weight to release water into the tub. Once the appropriate amount of water is in the washer, it will move on to the next cycle.
Therefore, if your washer won’t move past sensing mode, open the lid and shift the items around a bit. This could be especially true if you’re washing bulky items like a comforter, bed sheets, etc. You might even hear the water enter the machine, and it then sticks on sensing.
As these more oversized items soak up the water, they become heavier. If they are unbalanced inside the machine, they can throw off the sensor. Adjusting the washer’s contents to be more evenly displaced can solve the problem.
2. You Might Be Washing Too Much At Once In Your Maytag Centennial Washer
If your machine’s stuck on sensing with an extra-large load, it could be too heavy. The sensor might be having trouble coming up with the correct weight.
If you think this is the issue, simply remove some items and try again. If this solves the problem, you know to try smaller loads. However, it could be worth talking to a pro if you feel the load isn’t overly large and shouldn’t be causing a problem.
As a general rule, you want the items to have a little wiggle room to move freely. Therefore, don’t fill the washer all the way to the top. Also, don’t jam everything in to try and fit too much at once.
3. It Might Just Need A Reset To Unstick Sensing Mode
Sometimes, a good old-fashioned reset will solve your washer’s stuck on sensing problem. It’s like when your computer or wireless box gives you trouble. The first thing the tech usually suggests is to turn it off and then back on, right?
Well, the same principle applies to your Maytag Centennial washing machine. You can simply turn off the machine, let it sit for about 30 seconds, then turn it back on.
Alternatively, you can turn it off, unplug it, wait 30 seconds, plug it back in, and power it up. Once it’s back on, try rerunning it to see if it solves the problem.
A more involved method is to reset the sensors and disconnect the water hoses. Power off your machine and unplug it, then shut off the water supply to the machine.
Disconnect the hoses from the back of the washer. Keep some buckets or towels handy to catch the water in the hoses. Wait for one to two minutes, then reconnect the hoses. Turn the water supply back on, plug in your machine, then start it.
4. Check For Existing Error Codes To Explain Why Your Maytag Washer Is Stuck On Sensing
Many washing machines come with their own unique sets of error codes. These codes will let you know what problems your machine is experiencing so you can decide on the proper fix.
If the above suggestions in steps 1 through 3 don’t fix the sensing problem, run some diagnostics. To enter diagnostics mode on the Maytag Centennial washer, you’ll need to turn the cycle knob a specific way. (It’s sort of like trying to open the combination on a safe).
- Rotate the cycle knob a full rotation counter-clockwise (to the left) at least three times.
- Turn the knob three clicks to the right.
- Spin the knob one click to the left.
- Turn the knob one click to the right.
Note that only a half-second to a second should pass between clicks. If you do it correctly, all the lights on the panel should flash. Rotate the knob clockwise (to the right) until only the “DONE” light is on, and press start.
You should then see error codes on the washer’s display and can cycle through them with the knob. Make a note of the codes, then clear them by holding down “START” for about three seconds.
5. Run New Diagnostics
After checking for existing codes, rerun diagnostics to recheck for possible new issues. Enter diagnostics mode again following the above steps. This time, when all the lights flash, turn the knob till only the “SPIN” light is on and press start.
Your washing machine will start to test all functions. When it’s complete, repeat step 4 to check for new error codes.
Your washing machine’s manual should list all the error codes and what they mean. You can also find error codes for top-load HE machines on Maytag’s Troubleshooter page. Several error codes could explain why your Maytag Centennial washer is stuck on sensing.
For example, the error code FO E5 signals an unbalanced load. Codes F5 E1 and F5E2 can signal an issue with the washer lid lock or lid switch. F8 E1 can mean the sensor thinks the machine is taking too long to fill with water.
6. Stuck On Sensing Mode Because Of A Faulty Actuator
If the error code is F7 E1, F7 E7, or F7 E5, then there’s an issue with the actuator. The actuator operates the drive cam that starts and stops the agitator. It can also affect your washer moving from one cycle to another.
The actuator is often the part most likely to go bad on Centennial washers. If this is the case for you, you’ll need to replace it or call a professional.
7. Burnt-Out Capacitor
If there’s a burnt-up capacitor on the motherboard, it can affect the sensing mode (among other things). You’ll need to replace it. Or, better yet, call a pro to run a full diagnostic and ensure you get the correct replacement parts.
Summary
Don’t panic if you’re having issues with your washing machine. If your Maytag Centennial washer is stuck on sensing, you probably just need to rebalance the load. In some cases, you could be trying to wash too much at once and just need to lighten your load a bit.
Often, a quick rearranging of the washer’s contents or a reset will do the trick. But if these simple fixes don’t solve your problem, run self-diagnostics to grab the error codes. These codes can point you in the right direction regarding how to solve the issue.
Call a pro if you end up needing a new part, like a capacitor or actuator. You want to ensure the job’s done right and you get the correct parts for your machine. Before you know it, you’ll be doing the laundry again. (Yippee, right?)
Stacy Randall is a wife, mother, and freelance writer from NOLA that has always had a love for DIY projects, home organization, and making spaces beautiful. Together with her husband, she has been spending the last several years lovingly renovating her grandparent's former home, making it their own and learning a lot about life along the way.
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