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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code 4

Possible motor transistor error

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes
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What the 4 error code actually means

Your Maytag dryer detected a problem with an internal electrical component that controls the motor before the cycle even started. The control board ran a quick self-check at startup and found that the part responsible for sending power to the drum motor is either broken open or stuck closed. This means the dryer cannot safely start the motor, so it stopped and displayed this error instead of attempting to run.

Diagnostic procedure

The full 4 procedure

Step 1 is visible so you can confirm you are on the right page. The remaining steps, the ones that tell you whether to actually replace a part, unlock with any pass.

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1
First diagnostic step
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.
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Most common causes of 4

Ranked by how often they cause this code
  1. 1Loose or corroded motor circuit wiring connection
  2. 2Failed motor relay on the machine control board
  3. 3Shorted motor transistor on the machine control board
  4. 4Open motor transistor on the machine control board

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Questions people ask 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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