Error code reference

Maytag Dishwasher Error Code Motor high current

Motor drawing excessive current detected during Field Service Test; indicated by Normal Wash LED flashing…

Maytag codesMaytag dishwasher codes

Motor drawing excessive current detected during Field Service Test; indicated by Normal Wash LED flashing along with Clean LED (front controls) or Delay LED (top & front controls). Control will attempt a 30 second auto restart during consumer wash cycles.

First step from the service manual

Check wash motor connections, resistance (3-4 ohms), and capacitor.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What Motor high current means on a Maytag dishwasher

The Motor High Current error on a Maytag dishwasher indicates the control board detected the wash motor drawing more current than its normal operating range during a Field Service Test. This condition is flagged visually by the Delay LED and Normal Wash LED flashing simultaneously. Excessive current draw points to a problem in the motor circuit, whether that is a failing motor winding, a mechanical obstruction forcing the motor to work harder, or a wiring fault creating abnormal resistance in the circuit. The expected motor resistance is 3-4 ohms measured between terminals ST5 and ST8.

For homeowners, this error means your dishwasher's main wash motor is pulling too much electricity. Think of it like a car engine straining against something stuck in the gears. The motor is working harder than it should, which can indicate a blockage in the pump area, a worn-out motor, or a wiring problem between the motor and the control board.

If this condition is detected during a normal wash cycle rather than a service test, the control board will attempt an automatic 30-second restart before fully stopping. This built-in recovery attempt means the dishwasher gives itself one chance to clear the fault before locking out. Repeated occurrences signal a real hardware problem that needs physical inspection.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Motor high current

  1. 01

    Motor winding resistance out of specification

    Part replacement

    If the resistance between terminals ST5 and ST8 falls outside the 3-4 ohm range, the motor windings are degraded or shorted, causing excessive current draw. A motor with shorted windings cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

  2. 02

    Mechanical obstruction in the pump or wash motor

    Wiring / connection

    Debris such as glass shards, bone fragments, or buildup in the pump housing can physically block the motor impeller, forcing the motor to draw high current as it struggles to turn. Clearing the obstruction may resolve the error without part replacement.

  3. 03

    Damaged or corroded wiring harness between motor and control board

    Part replacement

    Frayed, pinched, or corroded wiring at the motor connector or along the harness running to the control board can create abnormal resistance or partial shorts that register as high current. Inspecting the harness at ST5 and ST8 connection points should be part of initial diagnosis.

  4. 04

    Failed wash motor

    Part replacement

    A motor that has seized internally due to worn bearings or burned windings will draw excessive current even without a visible blockage. If resistance checks and wiring inspections come back normal but the error persists, the motor itself has failed and requires replacement.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Motor high current

What does the Motor High Current error mean on a Maytag dishwasher?
The Motor High Current error means the dishwasher's control board detected the wash motor drawing more electrical current than its normal operating range. The correct motor resistance should measure 3-4 ohms between terminals ST5 and ST8. Causes include a failing motor, a mechanical obstruction in the pump, or a wiring fault in the motor circuit. The error is visually indicated by the Delay LED and Normal Wash LED flashing at the same time.
How do I fix the Motor High Current error on my Maytag dishwasher?
Start by checking for physical obstructions in the pump and wash motor area, since debris blocking the impeller is a common cause. Next, test motor resistance between terminals ST5 and ST8 with a multimeter; a reading outside 3-4 ohms indicates the motor needs replacement. Also inspect the wiring harness at both terminals for damage or corrosion. If the motor resistance is in spec and no blockage is found but the error returns, professional diagnosis of the control board and motor circuit is a reasonable next step.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag dishwasher with the Motor High Current error active?
Continuing to run the dishwasher with this error is not recommended. A motor drawing excessive current generates excess heat, which can damage the motor windings, the control board, or the wiring harness over time. The control board will attempt one 30-second auto restart if the fault occurs mid-cycle, but repeated cycling under high current conditions accelerates wear. Stop using the dishwasher and diagnose the cause before running additional cycles.
How much does it cost to repair the Motor High Current error on a Maytag dishwasher?
If the fix is clearing a pump obstruction, the repair is essentially free if you do it yourself. A replacement wash motor for a Maytag dishwasher typically costs between $80 and $180 for the part alone, with professional labor adding $100 to $200 depending on your area. A wiring harness repair or replacement is generally less expensive than a full motor swap. Getting a resistance reading at ST5 and ST8 first is the most cost-effective diagnostic step before purchasing any parts.
Why does my Maytag dishwasher try to restart itself when the Motor High Current error appears?
The control board is programmed to attempt a single 30-second automatic restart when it detects high motor current during a consumer wash cycle. This is a built-in recovery feature designed to handle intermittent faults, such as a momentary obstruction that clears on its own. If the motor current returns to normal after the restart, the cycle continues. If high current is detected again after the restart attempt, the control locks out and the error is displayed, indicating a persistent problem that requires hands-on inspection.

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