Maytag Washer Error Code E500

The E500 code indicates a memory error on the main control board. It is part of a fault range from E500 to E525, all related to memory failures within the board's internal components. The error can occur at any point during operation and signals that the control board experienced a problem reading or storing data it needs to function correctly.

An occasional E500 error does not indicate an immediate safety hazard, but a washer with a failing control board can behave unpredictably, including stopping mid-cycle or not completing proper wash sequences. If the error is recurring frequently, continued use is not recommended until the board is inspected or replaced, as unreliable operation could result in incomplete cycles or water-related issues.

If the repair requires a control board replacement, parts alone typically range from roughly $150 to $350 depending on the specific model, with professional labor adding another $100 to $200 or more depending on your area. A diagnostic service call alone can run $75 to $150. If the error was caused by a one-time power event and clears after a reset, there may be no cost at all.

If the error has only appeared once or twice, you can try resetting the washer by unplugging it for a few minutes and restoring power to see if the fault clears. If the code returns repeatedly, more than a couple of times per year, the control board needs to be replaced. Control board replacement requires comfort with disassembling the washer cabinet and handling electronic components, so some homeowners prefer to have a technician handle this repair.

A reset, done by unplugging the washer for a few minutes, may clear a one-time memory fault caused by a transient power event. However, if the underlying control board hardware is degraded, the error will return. Resetting is a reasonable first step, but it is not a fix for a board with a genuine internal memory failure.