Maytag Washer Error Code E13

E13 on a Maytag washer means the appliance detected a heating failure. The control board monitors water temperature during heated wash cycles and triggers this code when the temperature does not rise by at least 3 degrees Celsius within 10 minutes. The fault points to a problem in the heating system, which can include the heating element, heating contactor, temperature sensor, or related wiring.

Running the washer with an active E13 error means the heating system is not functioning correctly, so heated wash cycles will not perform as intended. While this is not typically a fire or flood hazard in the short term, continuing to run cycles may put additional stress on the control board or other components. It is best to diagnose and repair the fault before regular use.

A reset may temporarily clear the E13 code from the display, but the error will return as soon as the washer attempts a heated cycle again if the underlying fault has not been repaired. Resetting is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a fix. The heating system components should be diagnosed and any failed parts replaced to permanently resolve the code.

Start by checking whether the heating contactor is being activated during the wash cycle, as this is the recommended first diagnostic step. If the contactor is not activating, the issue may be with the control board or the signal wiring. If it does activate but no heat is produced, test the heating element for continuity and check the NTC thermistor resistance values. Replacing the faulty component, whether the element, contactor, thermistor, or addressing a wiring fault, should resolve the error.

Repair costs vary depending on which component has failed. A replacement heating element typically costs in the range of $20 to $60 for the part, while a heating contactor or relay may run $15 to $50. NTC thermistors are generally inexpensive, often $10 to $30. If a control board replacement is needed, costs can rise significantly, often $100 to $300 or more for the part alone, plus any labor charges if a technician is involved.