Maytag Washer Error Code 18

Error code 18 means the motor's thermal protector opened five or more times during a single cycle. The thermal protector is a built-in safety device that shuts the motor down when it overheats. Seeing this code five or more times in one cycle indicates an ongoing problem, such as a failing motor, a worn drum bearing, or a mechanical restriction, rather than a random one-time overheat event.

Start by ruling out simple causes: check that the drum is not overloaded and confirm no foreign objects are lodged between the drum and tub. Try rotating the drum by hand with the washer unplugged to feel for unusual resistance or grinding, which would suggest a worn bearing. If the drum spins freely and the load size is normal, the drive motor itself is likely failing and will need to be replaced. A technician can test motor current draw and winding resistance to confirm the diagnosis.

The code may clear after the motor cools and the thermal protector resets, but the underlying cause of the overheating will still be present. The code will return once the motor is running and reaches the same thermal threshold again. Clearing the error without fixing the root cause only delays the problem and increases the risk of permanent motor damage.

Running the washer repeatedly with code 18 active risks permanently damaging the drive motor. Each time the thermal protector trips and the motor cools down enough to reset, continuing to run the machine subjects the motor to the same overheating conditions. You should diagnose and fix the root cause before running additional cycles.

Repair cost depends on the root cause. If a foreign object or overloading caused the issue, fixing it costs nothing. A drum bearing replacement typically runs $100 to $250 in parts and labor. Drive motor replacement is the more expensive outcome, generally ranging from $200 to $400 or more depending on the specific model and labor rates in your area. If the washer is older and the motor has failed, comparing the repair cost to the appliance's age and replacement cost is worth doing before committing to the repair.