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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 4

Possible motor transistor error

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Possible motor transistor error — if either motor transistor is seen open or shorted during startup.

First step from the service manual

Check for loose connections in motor circuit. Run System Check Mode and check the motor relay function. If relay functions, disregard the diagnostic code. If relay does not function, replace machine control board.

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

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What 4 means on a Maytag dryer

Error code 4 on a Maytag dryer indicates the machine control board detected an abnormal state in the motor transistor during startup. Specifically, the control board read the motor transistor as either open (no continuity) or shorted (unexpected closed circuit) when it checked the motor circuit. The motor transistor is part of the control board's motor relay circuit, which governs power delivery to the drive motor. This code triggers at startup when the board runs its self-check routine and gets a reading outside of expected parameters.

For homeowners, this means your dryer's main circuit board ran a self-test and flagged a potential problem with the component that controls your drum motor. The motor is what spins the drum and powers the blower. When this error appears, the dryer may refuse to start or stop mid-cycle as a safety measure.

One important detail: the code does not always mean a part has failed. A loose connection in the motor circuit can produce the same reading. Running the dryer's System Check Mode to test the motor relay is the correct first step. If the relay operates normally during that test, the code can be disregarded. Only a non-functional relay confirms a failed machine control board.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 4

  1. 01

    Loose or corroded motor circuit wiring connection

    Wiring / connection

    A loose connector or corroded terminal in the motor wiring harness can cause the control board to read the motor transistor as open or shorted. This is the most common trigger and requires no part replacement if reconnecting the harness resolves the condition.

  2. 02

    Failed motor relay on the machine control board

    Part replacement

    If the motor relay on the machine control board does not function during System Check Mode, the board itself has failed. The relay is integrated into the control board and cannot be replaced separately, requiring full board replacement.

  3. 03

    Shorted motor transistor on the machine control board

    Part replacement

    The transistor that switches power to the drive motor can fail in a shorted state, causing the control board to detect an abnormal circuit condition at startup. This failure is internal to the control board and requires board replacement.

  4. 04

    Open motor transistor on the machine control board

    Part replacement

    A transistor that has failed open interrupts the motor circuit entirely, preventing the motor relay from completing its function. The control board detects this as error code 4 during its startup self-check, and board replacement is required.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 4

What does error code 4 mean on a Maytag dryer?
Error code 4 means the machine control board detected a possible motor transistor fault during startup. The board checks the motor transistor and reports this code if it reads the transistor as either open or shorted. The fault may be caused by a loose wiring connection or an actual failure inside the control board itself.
How do I fix error code 4 on a Maytag dryer?
Start by inspecting all wiring connections in the motor circuit and reseating any loose connectors. Next, enter System Check Mode and test the motor relay function. If the relay operates correctly during the test, the code can be cleared and disregarded. If the relay does not function, the machine control board needs to be replaced.
Is it safe to use my Maytag dryer when error code 4 is showing?
Operating the dryer with an active error code 4 is not recommended until the motor relay has been tested. If the motor transistor is genuinely shorted or open, the dryer may not run correctly or could shut down mid-cycle. Running System Check Mode first tells you whether the relay works normally, which determines whether the code is a false flag or a real fault.
How much does it cost to fix error code 4 on a Maytag dryer?
If the problem is only a loose wiring connection, there is no parts cost and the repair is a DIY fix. If the machine control board needs replacement, the board itself typically costs between $100 and $250 depending on the model, with professional labor adding $100 to $200. A technician can confirm the diagnosis by running System Check Mode before committing to a board replacement.
Can error code 4 on a Maytag dryer be a false alarm?
Yes. The service procedure specifically states that if the motor relay functions normally during System Check Mode, the diagnostic code should be disregarded. A loose connection in the motor circuit is enough to trigger the code without any component actually being defective. Always run the system check before ordering parts.

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