Maytag washer F3E1 error code
F3E1 does not mean the same thing on every Maytag washer. Our data shows 3 documented meanings, depending on which engineering platform the model is built on. Look up your model number to see the one that applies.
| Meaning | Appliance | Maytag models |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure system fault | Top-load washer | 67 |
| Water level sensor fault | Front-load washer | 51 |
| Steam temperature sensor | Front-load washer | 3 |
F3E1: Pressure system fault
- Brand
- Maytag
- Appliance
- Top-load washer
- Code
- F3E1
- Documented meaning
- Pressure system fault
- Applies to
- 67 Maytag models on 13 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
F3E1 means the main control received a water-level (pressure) signal that is outside the range it considers possible, so it cannot trust how much water is in the tub.
What the washer is detecting
Air trapped in a hose from the bottom of the tub compresses as water rises, and a pressure sensor (on the main control or as a separate part, depending on the model) turns that pressure into a signal. F3E1 is set when the signal is missing or out of range, not when the level is merely high or low.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented The pressure hose from the tub is pinched, kinked, plugged with residue or leaking air.
- Documented A failed pressure sensor or a fault in the sensing circuit of the main control.
- Possible A loose connection on a model where the pressure sensor is a separate part wired to the control.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the washer for one minute and plug it back in. If F3E1 returns immediately, the fault is internal and needs diagnosis.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Inspects the pressure hose along its full length inside the cabinet and at the tub fitting.
- Reads the water-level value in service diagnostics while the tub is filled and emptied.
- Determines whether the sensor is part of the main control on this platform or a separate component before replacing anything.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Washer water-level pressure sensor repair | $180–$350 | Light |
| Washer main control board replacement | $300–$720 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Do not keep running the washer. Without a valid level reading it cannot fill or drain correctly, and on some models a level-sensing fault can lead to overfilling.
Maytag models documented with this code
- MVW18CSAWW
- MVW18CSBWW
- MVW18MNAWW
- MVW18MNBWW
- MVW18PDAGW
- MVW18PDBGW
- MVW4005SW
- MVW576KW
- MVWB755DW
- MVWB757JW
- MVWB765FC
- MVWB765FW
- MVWB766FW
- MVWB835DC
- MVWB835DW
- MVWB855DC
And 51 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E1: Water level sensor fault
- Brand
- Maytag
- Appliance
- Front-load washer
- Code
- F3E1
- Documented meaning
- Water level sensor fault
- Applies to
- 51 Maytag models on 9 platforms
- Can you keep using it?
- No — stop and have it checked
F3E1 means the main control received a water-level (pressure) signal outside the range it considers possible, so it cannot trust the level reading.
What the washer is detecting
Air trapped in a small chamber at the bottom of the tub is compressed as water rises, and a pressure sensor turns that into a signal for the control. F3E1 is set when the signal is missing or out of range, not when the level is simply high or low.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Documented A pinched, kinked, plugged or leaking pressure hose, or a blocked air trap at the tub.
- Documented A failed water level sensor or a fault in the sensing circuit of the main control.
- Possible A loose connection where the sensor is a separate part.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for one minute, then restore power and start a new cycle to see whether the code comes back. A code that returns right away points to a fault that needs diagnosis.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Inspects the pressure hose and air trap between the tub and the sensor.
- Reads the water level value in service diagnostics during fill and drain.
- Identifies whether the sensor is separate or built into the main control on this model.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Washer water-level pressure sensor repair | $180–$350 | Light |
| Washer main control board replacement | $300–$720 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Stop using it until it is checked. Do not keep running the washer. Without a valid level reading it cannot fill or drain reliably, and overfilling is possible.
Maytag models documented with this code
- MHW3100DW
- MHW3500BW
- MHW3500FW
- MHW3505FW
- MHW4100DW
- MHW4300DC
- MHW4300DW
- MHW5100DC
- MHW5100DW
- MHW5400DC
- MHW5400DW
- MHW5500FC
- MHW5500FW
- MHW5630HC
- MHW5630HW
- MHW5630MBK
And 35 more. Use the model lookup to check yours.
F3E1: Steam temperature sensor
- Brand
- Maytag
- Appliance
- Front-load washer
- Code
- F3E1
- Documented meaning
- Steam temperature sensor
- Applies to
- 3 Maytag models on 1 platform
- Can you keep using it?
- With caution
F3E1 on this platform means the control has a problem reading the steam temperature sensor.
What the washer is detecting
Models with a steam feature monitor steam temperature with a dedicated sensor. F3E1 is stored when that reading is missing or not believable.
Causes listed for this condition
In the order the service documentation checks them. Documented causes come from the manufacturer's service documentation for these platforms; possible causes are based on how the system works; unconfirmed marks common assumptions that the documentation does not support.
- Possible A failed steam temperature sensor.
- Possible A loose or damaged connection to the sensor.
- Possible A main control fault in the sensing circuit.
Safe checks you can make
- Unplug the washer (or switch off its breaker) for one minute, then restore power and start a new cycle to see whether the code comes back. A code that returns right away points to a fault that needs diagnosis.
- Run a cycle without the steam option to see whether the washer otherwise works.
Further diagnosis requires opening the appliance. Beyond the owner checks, diagnosis involves removing panels, testing components and checking wiring. We describe what a technician investigates, not how to do it yourself.
What a technician checks
- Checks the steam temperature sensor and its wiring.
- Reads the sensor value in service diagnostics.
Typical repairs and cost
Depending on what diagnosis finds, this code can lead to one of these repairs:
| Repair | Typical range | Labor |
|---|---|---|
| Washer water temperature sensor replacement | $180–$310 | Light |
| Washer main control board replacement | $300–$720 | Moderate |
Typical total ranges for the Las Vegas area, parts and labor included. The final cost depends on diagnosis, the exact model, parts availability and whether other damage is found.
Can you keep using it?
Use with caution. Avoid steam cycles until the sensor is checked. Non-steam cycles may still work.
Maytag models documented with this code
Related problems and codes
Other codes documented on the same Maytag platforms:
Repair or replace?
A fault code alone rarely justifies replacing a washer. Most F3E1 repairs involve a single component once diagnosed. Replacement becomes worth considering when the unit is near the end of its typical 10–13-year life and the diagnosed repair is a major one. See the repair-or-replace guide.
Need F3E1 diagnosed in the Las Vegas area?
We repair Whirlpool, Maytag, KitchenAid, JennAir, Amana and other Whirlpool-family appliances in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin and Boulder City. A model number helps but is never required to book.