Error code reference

Maytag Washer Error Code 18

Detected lid lock switch open during cycle when not expected (open lid lock switch with motor running).

Maytag codesMaytag washer codes

Detected lid lock switch open during cycle when not expected (open lid lock switch with motor running).

First step from the service manual

Check for loose wire connections. Clear the diagnostic code and recheck; if reoccurs, perform Diagnostic Motor/Motor Control Board test. Check for faulty motor relay on the machine control board.

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

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What 18 means on a Maytag washer

Error code 18 on a Maytag washer means the control board detected that the motor's thermal protector opened five or more times within a single wash cycle. The thermal protector is a safety device built into the drive motor that trips when the motor reaches an unsafe operating temperature. Repeated tripping indicates the motor is overheating persistently rather than as a one-time event, which points to a root cause preventing the motor from running within its normal thermal limits.

For homeowners, think of the thermal protector like a circuit breaker inside the motor itself. When the motor gets too hot, the protector cuts power to prevent damage. If this happens five or more times in one cycle, the washer stops and throws code 18 to tell you something is forcing the motor to work harder than it should. Common reasons include a mechanical load problem, such as a worn bearing or drum that creates drag, or an electrical issue causing the motor to draw excess current. The motor itself may also be failing internally. This code requires investigation before running additional cycles, as continued overheating can permanently damage the motor.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 18

  1. 01

    Seized or worn drum bearing

    Part replacement

    A failing drum bearing creates mechanical drag that forces the motor to work significantly harder to turn the drum. The added load generates excess heat, causing the thermal protector to trip repeatedly.

  2. 02

    Drive motor failing internally

    Part replacement

    The motor's internal windings or components can degrade over time, causing it to draw too much current and generate excessive heat during normal operation. This leads to repeated thermal protector trips even under normal load conditions.

  3. 03

    Worn or seized drive belt and pulley system

    Part replacement

    A binding pulley or a belt that is overly tight or misaligned increases resistance on the motor shaft, creating extra heat load that trips the thermal protector multiple times per cycle.

  4. 04

    Overloaded drum or restricted drum movement

    Wiring / connection

    An oversized load or a foreign object lodged between the drum and tub creates mechanical resistance the motor must overcome, generating enough heat to repeatedly trip the thermal protector. This cause requires no parts if the obstruction is removed.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 18

What does error code 18 mean on a Maytag washer?
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.
Is it safe to keep using my Maytag washer with error code 18 active?
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.
How do I fix error code 18 on a Maytag washer?
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.
How much does it cost to fix error code 18 on a Maytag washer?
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.
Will error code 18 clear on its own if I let the washer cool down?
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.

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