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Error code reference

Maytag Dryer Error Code Lo.U

Voltage detected below 90VAC for 8 seconds.

Maytag codesMaytag dryer codes

Voltage detected below 90VAC for 8 seconds.

First step from the service manual

Check incoming voltage supply.

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

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What Lo.U means on a Maytag dryer

The Lo.U error code on a Maytag dryer indicates that the control board has detected incoming AC voltage below 90 volts for a continuous period of 8 seconds. Electric dryers require a stable 240VAC supply (delivered as two 120VAC legs) to operate properly, while gas dryers require a steady 120VAC supply. When either supply drops below the 90VAC threshold and holds there for 8 seconds, the control monitors this undervoltage condition and triggers the Lo.U fault to protect internal components from operating under damaging low-voltage conditions.

The most likely source of this error is a problem with the home's electrical supply rather than a failed dryer component. A weak or dropped leg at the breaker panel, a loose connection at the outlet or terminal block, a failing circuit breaker that is no longer maintaining full voltage under load, or utility-side voltage sag can all produce this fault. The dryer itself is acting as a detection device in most cases, reporting a supply issue rather than an internal failure.

Diagnosis should begin with measuring the actual voltage at the dryer's wall outlet or terminal block using a multimeter, both under no-load and load conditions. If voltage is confirmed low at the outlet, the issue is upstream in the home's wiring or with the utility supply. A licensed electrician may be needed to assess the panel, breaker, and wiring. If voltage at the outlet is correct but the fault persists, the control board's voltage sensing circuit may be suspect.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Lo.U

  1. 01

    Weak or failing circuit breaker

    Part replacement

    A circuit breaker that is aging or partially tripped may pass enough current to appear functional but fail to maintain adequate voltage under load. Testing voltage at the outlet while the dryer runs can reveal a breaker that sags under demand.

  2. 02

    Loose wiring at the wall outlet or terminal block

    Wiring / connection

    A loose connection at the dryer's power outlet or at the terminal block inside the dryer can cause resistance that drops voltage below the acceptable threshold. Inspect all connections for signs of arcing, discoloration, or looseness.

  3. 03

    Utility supply voltage sag

    Wiring / connection

    During periods of high grid demand, utility-supplied voltage can drop below normal levels, triggering this fault even when the home's wiring is fully intact. Contacting the utility provider or logging voltage over time can confirm this cause.

  4. 04

    Damaged or undersized supply cord

    Part replacement

    A dryer power cord that is damaged, undersized for the load, or has a loose prong connection at the outlet can cause a voltage drop sufficient to trigger Lo.U. Inspect the cord and plug for damage or heat discoloration.

  5. 05

    Faulty control board voltage sensing circuit

    Part replacement

    If incoming voltage measures correctly at the outlet and terminal block but the fault persists, the control board's internal voltage monitoring circuit may be misreading the supply. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after supply voltage is confirmed good.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Lo.U

What does Lo.U mean on a Maytag dryer?
Lo.U means the dryer's control board detected incoming AC voltage below 90 volts for 8 consecutive seconds. The dryer stops operation to protect itself from damage caused by low voltage conditions. This fault points to the electrical supply rather than an internal dryer failure in most cases. Checking the voltage at the outlet and circuit breaker is the correct first step.
Can I fix the Lo.U error myself?
Some causes are DIY-friendly, such as tightening a loose power cord connection or checking whether the circuit breaker has partially tripped. However, if the issue involves wiring inside the breaker panel or the utility supply, a licensed electrician should handle the repair. Measuring voltage at the dryer outlet with a multimeter is a safe starting point for any homeowner comfortable with basic electrical checks.
Is it safe to keep using my dryer when Lo.U appears?
No, it is not recommended to continue operating the dryer while this fault is active. Low voltage conditions can cause motors and heating elements to draw excessive current, leading to overheating and potential component damage over time. The dryer's control system triggers this fault specifically to prevent that kind of harm, so the underlying power issue should be resolved first.
How much does it cost to fix a Lo.U error on a Maytag dryer?
If the problem is a failing circuit breaker, replacement typically costs between $150 and $300 including an electrician's labor. A loose or damaged power cord can be fixed for $20 to $75 in parts, often without professional help. If the control board is ultimately the cause, board replacement can range from $150 to $400 depending on the model and labor rates in your area.
Will resetting the dryer clear the Lo.U error code?
Resetting the dryer by unplugging it or cycling the breaker may temporarily clear the Lo.U code, but the fault will return if the underlying low-voltage condition has not been corrected. The control board monitors voltage continuously, so any sustained drop below 90VAC for 8 seconds will trigger the code again. A reset is useful for confirming whether the issue was momentary, such as a brief utility sag, but it is not a fix for a persistent supply problem.

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