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Error code reference

Maytag Microwave Error Code E11

Gas sensor open error.

Gas sensor open error.

First step from the service manual

Check if sensor is unplugged; inspect wiring and PCB assembly.

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

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What E11 means on a Maytag microwave

E11 on a Maytag microwave indicates the control board has detected an open circuit in the gas sensor circuit. Specifically, the PCB assembly is reading no signal from the gas sensor, meaning the circuit is broken somewhere between the sensor itself and the control board. This can result from a disconnected connector, damaged wiring harness, a failed gas sensor, or a fault on the PCB assembly itself. The error triggers when the board expects a continuous signal from the sensor and receives none.

For homeowners, the gas sensor in your Maytag microwave monitors gas levels in the cooking cavity and is used in sensor cooking modes to detect what food is releasing. When the control board loses contact with this sensor entirely, it throws E11 to alert you that sensor-based cooking features cannot function reliably. This is not the same as a gas leak warning. The error means the sensor's electrical circuit is open, not that gas is present.

Before assuming the sensor itself has failed, check whether the sensor connector has come loose from the PCB or from the sensor body. A disconnected plug is a no-cost fix. If the connector is secure, inspect the wiring harness for breaks, burns, or pinched wires. If wiring is intact, the gas sensor or PCB assembly likely needs replacement.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of E11

  1. 01

    Disconnected gas sensor connector

    Wiring / connection

    The wiring connector linking the gas sensor to the PCB assembly can work loose over time due to vibration. This breaks the circuit entirely and immediately triggers E11.

  2. 02

    Damaged wiring harness to gas sensor

    Part replacement

    The wires running from the gas sensor to the control board can become pinched, burned, or broken, creating an open circuit that the PCB reads as a missing sensor signal.

  3. 03

    Failed gas sensor

    Part replacement

    The gas sensor itself can fail internally, producing an open circuit even when the wiring and connector are intact. A failed sensor will require replacement to clear E11.

  4. 04

    Faulty PCB assembly

    Part replacement

    If the sensor and wiring both test correctly, the PCB assembly may have a damaged input circuit that cannot read the sensor signal, causing a false E11 error.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about E11

What does E11 mean on a Maytag microwave?
E11 means the control board has detected an open circuit in the gas sensor. The board is receiving no signal from the sensor, which points to a disconnected plug, broken wiring, a failed gas sensor, or a faulty PCB assembly. Start by checking whether the sensor connector is seated fully before replacing any parts.
How do I fix E11 on a Maytag microwave?
Begin by unplugging the microwave, then access the gas sensor and check that its wiring connector is fully plugged in at both the sensor end and the PCB end. If the connector is secure, inspect the harness for visible damage. If wiring looks intact, test the gas sensor for continuity with a multimeter. A reading of no continuity confirms the sensor needs replacement. If the sensor tests fine, the PCB assembly may need to be replaced.
Is it safe to use my Maytag microwave while E11 is displayed?
Basic microwave functions like timed cooking may still operate, but sensor-based cooking modes will not work correctly with E11 active because the control board cannot read the gas sensor. Using the microwave in timed mode carries limited risk, but running it with a known open sensor circuit is not recommended long-term. Resolve the error before relying on any sensor cooking features.
How much does it cost to fix E11 on a Maytag microwave?
If the issue is just a loose connector, the repair costs nothing beyond your time. A replacement gas sensor typically costs between $20 and $60 depending on the model. A new PCB assembly is the most expensive fix, often ranging from $80 to $200 or more for parts alone. Professional labor adds $75 to $150 in most markets, making PCB replacement on an older unit potentially not worth the cost compared to replacement.
Can I reset E11 on my Maytag microwave by unplugging it?
Unplugging the microwave will clear the error display temporarily, but E11 will return as soon as the control board checks the gas sensor circuit again and still finds an open circuit. A power reset is not a fix. The underlying wiring, connector, sensor, or PCB issue must be corrected for the error to stay cleared.

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