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Error code reference

Maytag Washer Error Code 28

Faucet thermistor failure

Maytag codesMaytag washer codes

Faucet thermistor failure - high/low temperature or abnormal resistance at faucet thermistor.

First step from the service manual

Refer to 'Incorrect water temperature' troubleshooting, page 4.

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

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What 28 means on a Maytag washer

Error code 28 on a Maytag washer indicates that the control board detected a failure in Rotary Switch 3, the third position to the left of the encoder, during the startup sequence. The encoder assembly uses a series of rotary switches to communicate cycle selection and position data back to the main control board. When the board polls these switches at startup and receives no valid signal from Switch 3, it halts operation and throws this code rather than proceeding with a potentially misconfigured cycle.

For homeowners, this means the washer's control system ran a self-check when you powered it on and found that one of the small internal switches responsible for reading your cycle selector position is not responding correctly. The machine is not registering a fault mid-cycle but rather refusing to start at all because it cannot confirm the selector switch assembly is working. This is typically a hardware failure in the rotary switch mechanism itself, in the wiring connecting it to the control board, or in the encoder assembly that houses the switch. The washer will not proceed until the issue is resolved.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of 28

  1. 01

    Failed Rotary Switch 3 in encoder assembly

    Part replacement

    The physical rotary switch at position 3 left of the encoder has worn out, cracked, or failed internally, preventing it from sending a readable signal to the control board at startup. This is the most direct cause indicated by the code definition.

  2. 02

    Damaged or disconnected wiring harness to encoder

    Wiring / connection

    The wire harness connecting the encoder and its rotary switches to the main control board may have a broken wire, corroded terminal, or loose connector, causing Switch 3's signal to drop out during the startup self-test.

  3. 03

    Faulty encoder assembly

    Part replacement

    The encoder assembly as a whole may be defective, with Switch 3's contact points worn beyond reliable operation. On many Maytag models the rotary switches are integral to the encoder and the entire assembly must be replaced rather than the switch alone.

  4. 04

    Main control board failure

    Part replacement

    If the wiring and encoder assembly both test good, the main control board itself may have a failed input circuit for Switch 3, preventing it from reading a signal that is actually present. This is the least likely cause but should be considered after other components are ruled out.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about 28

What does error code 28 mean on a Maytag washer?
Error code 28 means the control board detected that Rotary Switch 3, located to the left of the encoder, failed its startup check. The washer runs a self-test when powered on and will not proceed if it cannot get a valid signal from this switch. The fault points to the rotary switch itself, the encoder assembly, or the wiring connecting them to the control board.
Can I still use my Maytag washer with error code 28 active?
No. Error code 28 triggers at startup and prevents the washer from initiating any cycle. The machine will not operate until the fault is cleared. Attempting repeated power cycles without addressing the underlying component failure will not resolve the issue and may not cause additional damage, but the washer will remain non-functional.
How do I fix error code 28 on a Maytag washer?
Start by unplugging the washer and inspecting the wiring harness that connects the encoder assembly to the control board, looking for loose connectors, broken wires, or corrosion. If the harness is intact, the encoder assembly or its Rotary Switch 3 is the likely failed component and will need to be replaced. On most Maytag models, the encoder assembly is replaced as a unit. If replacing the encoder does not clear the code, the main control board may need evaluation.
How much does it cost to fix error code 28 on a Maytag washer?
If the repair requires a new encoder assembly, parts typically range from $30 to $80 depending on the model. If you are doing the repair yourself, that is usually the total cost. A professional repair technician will add a service call fee and labor, bringing the total to roughly $100 to $200 in most markets. Main control board replacement, if needed, costs more, with parts alone often ranging from $100 to $250.
Is error code 28 on a Maytag washer a difficult repair to do yourself?
Inspecting and reseating the wiring harness is accessible to most DIYers with basic tools and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Replacing the encoder assembly requires disassembling the control panel area, which is moderately involved but manageable with the model's service manual or a repair guide. If the main control board turns out to be the failed component, replacement is also DIY-capable but involves more careful handling of electrical components. Professional help is advisable if you are not comfortable working around control board circuitry.

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