Maytag Washer Error Code E316

E316 means the washer's inverter drive system encountered a fault and attempted to recover automatically, but reached the maximum number of retries allowed without success. It is a secondary code that signals a persistent underlying problem in the motor drive system. The actual root cause is recorded as a separate inverter error code stored in the error history just before E316 appears.

A power reset may clear E316 temporarily and reset the retry counter, allowing the washer to attempt operation again. However, if the underlying fault that caused the retries in the first place is still present, the washer will fault again and eventually return to E316. A reset should only be used as part of diagnosis, not as a long-term solution.

Repair costs depend entirely on the root cause identified from the inverter error log. If the fix involves a wiring repair or connector cleaning, costs may be minimal. A replacement drive motor typically ranges from $150 to $350 in parts alone, while an inverter control board can range from $100 to $300 or more depending on the model. Adding professional labor, total repair costs commonly fall between $200 and $600.

Some causes of E316 are DIY-accessible, such as removing an excessive load, clearing a mechanical obstruction, or checking wiring connections at the motor and inverter board. However, properly diagnosing this code requires reading the error log to find the preceding inverter fault code first. If the root cause turns out to be a failed motor or inverter board, those repairs require component-level knowledge and comfort working with high-voltage circuits.

The washer has locked itself out specifically because its automatic recovery attempts failed repeatedly, which means it should not be operated until the underlying fault is identified and resolved. Continued use could risk damage to the motor, inverter board, or associated wiring. It is best to leave the washer unpowered until a proper diagnosis is completed.