mypros+
Error code reference

Maytag Microwave Error Code Err5

Shorted Touch Panel

Maytag codesMaytag microwave codes

Shorted Touch Panel — appears if a touch panel pad is pressed for more than 30 seconds or if a touch panel is shorted.

First step from the service manual

Disconnect oven from power supply, disconnect side touch panel connector from display board (J5), reconnect oven to power supply. If Err5 reappears after 30 seconds replace top touch panel; if it does not reappear replace side touch panel.

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

MyPros+ Max

Get the full diagnostic procedure for Err5.

  • Step-by-step tests with expected resistance, voltage, and continuity values
  • Wiring diagram references and connector pinouts from the OEM service manual
  • Verified part numbers when replacement is required
Get the full procedure

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass

What Err5 means on a Maytag microwave

Err5 on a Maytag microwave indicates the control board has detected a short circuit in the touch panel assembly. The microwave uses two separate touch panel sections: a top touch panel and a side touch panel, each connected to the display board via dedicated connectors. When the board reads an abnormal signal consistent with a shorted panel, it throws Err5 and halts normal operation. The diagnostic process isolates which panel is responsible by disconnecting the side panel connector (J5) from the display board and monitoring whether the error persists.

For homeowners, this error means one of the button panels on your microwave has developed an internal electrical fault, likely a short caused by moisture intrusion, physical damage, or a failed membrane layer inside the panel. The microwave is protecting itself by stopping operation rather than running with faulty input hardware.

The error is not random. The control board actively monitors input signals from both panels, and a shorted panel sends a continuous or out-of-range signal that triggers the fault. Because the diagnostic procedure can isolate the exact failed panel without special tools, this is a repair that many homeowners can complete successfully with basic disassembly skills and the correct replacement part.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of Err5

  1. 01

    Failed side touch panel (shorted membrane)

    Part replacement

    The side touch panel develops an internal short in its membrane switch layer, sending a constant or invalid signal to the display board. This is the first suspect because the diagnostic procedure isolates it by disconnecting connector J5.

  2. 02

    Failed top touch panel (shorted membrane)

    Part replacement

    If disconnecting the side touch panel at J5 does not clear Err5 after 30 seconds, the top touch panel is shorted and must be replaced. Membrane shorts in the top panel can occur from age, heat cycling, or moisture.

  3. 03

    Damaged or pinched wiring harness to touch panel

    Part replacement

    The connector or wiring between a touch panel and the display board can develop a short if the harness is pinched, chafed, or corroded, mimicking a shorted panel and triggering Err5.

  4. 04

    Faulty display board

    Part replacement

    If both touch panels test acceptable and wiring is intact, the display board itself may be misreading the panel signals due to a damaged input circuit. This is the least common cause and should only be considered after panel replacement has been ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about Err5

What does Err5 mean on a Maytag microwave?
Err5 means the control board has detected a shorted touch panel. Your microwave has two touch panel sections, a top panel and a side panel, and the board monitors both for abnormal electrical signals. When it detects a short in either panel, it displays Err5 and stops normal operation to prevent further issues.
How do I fix Err5 on a Maytag microwave?
Start by unplugging the microwave. Locate the side touch panel connector labeled J5 on the display board and disconnect it. Restore power and wait 30 seconds. If Err5 disappears, the side touch panel is shorted and needs to be replaced. If Err5 reappears, the side panel is not the cause and the top touch panel should be replaced instead. Both parts are available as aftermarket or OEM replacements and can typically be swapped with basic hand tools.
Is it safe to use my Maytag microwave while Err5 is active?
No, you should not use the microwave while Err5 is active. The error indicates a shorted touch panel, which means the control input to the board is compromised. Operating the unit in this state risks unintended commands being sent to the microwave, and the appliance will likely not function normally anyway. Unplug the unit until the fault is diagnosed and the defective panel is replaced.
How much does it cost to fix Err5 on a Maytag microwave?
A replacement touch panel for a Maytag microwave typically costs between $30 and $80 for the part, depending on the model. If you perform the repair yourself, that is your total cost. A professional appliance repair technician will add a service call fee and labor, often bringing the total to $100 to $200. Given that the diagnostic process and replacement procedure are relatively accessible, this is a reasonable DIY repair for someone comfortable with basic appliance disassembly.
Will unplugging my Maytag microwave clear the Err5 code?
Unplugging the microwave will temporarily clear the display, but Err5 will return once power is restored if the underlying shorted touch panel has not been replaced. The error is triggered by the hardware condition itself, not stored as a persistent fault code, so the board will detect the short again within about 30 seconds of being powered on. The only way to permanently clear Err5 is to replace the defective touch panel.

Related Maytag microwave codes

All Maytag microwave codes
View all 62 Maytag microwave codes

78,000+ service manuals · 160,000+ error codes · 55+ brands

Get Started

$29/month · Cancel anytime · Or $9.95 3-day pass