Maytag Washer Error Code E342

E342 means the motor's PTC thermistor has detected an over-temperature condition on the drive motor. The control board monitors the thermistor's resistance, and when it rises beyond the acceptable limit due to excess heat, the washer stops the cycle to protect the motor from damage. This code points to a real thermal event or a faulty sensor reporting false high temperatures.

No, you should not continue running the washer while E342 is active. The code indicates the motor is overheating, and operating it under those conditions can permanently damage the motor windings or other electrical components. Allow the washer to cool down completely and diagnose the cause before attempting another cycle.

Repair costs vary depending on the root cause. Replacing a motor cooling fan typically ranges from around $50 to $150 including parts and labor. A PTC thermistor replacement is generally less expensive, often in the $30 to $100 range. If the drive motor itself has failed due to prolonged overheating, costs can range from $150 to $400 or more depending on the motor and labor rates in your area.

Some causes are DIY-friendly, such as clearing debris from the cooling fan, tightening a loose wiring connector, or reducing load sizes. However, replacing the motor cooling fan, PTC thermistor, or drive motor itself involves disassembling the washer cabinet and working with electrical components, which is best handled by someone with appliance repair experience. If you are not comfortable working inside the machine, a qualified technician is the safer option.

A power reset may temporarily clear the code and allow the washer to start a cycle, but the error will return if the underlying cause is not resolved. If the motor cooling fan is failed or the thermistor is defective, the fault condition still exists and the code will reappear, often quickly. A reset is useful for confirming whether the fault is intermittent, but it is not a repair.