Maytag Washer Error Code E85

E85 means the washer's real time clock has no battery or the battery has dropped to a low power level. The washer detects this condition at the end of a wash cycle during its internal self-check. The real time clock is a component on the main control board that requires a small dedicated battery to retain time and cycle data. This fault code signals that the battery can no longer support that function reliably.

The E85 fault relates to the timekeeping circuit rather than a mechanical or electrical safety hazard, so the washer may still complete cycles. However, continuing to run the machine with this fault can lead to incorrect cycle timing or loss of settings after the washer loses power. It is advisable to address the issue promptly to avoid potential performance problems.

A simple power reset is unlikely to permanently clear the E85 code because the underlying cause is a physical hardware issue with the RTC battery on the control board. The fault may temporarily disappear after a reset but will return once the washer completes another cycle and runs its diagnostics. A lasting fix requires replacing the depleted battery cell or the control board itself.

Resolving E85 typically requires accessing and replacing components on the main control board, which is a task better suited for a technician with electronics experience. The RTC battery is a small cell soldered directly to the board and is not a simple plug-in replacement. If you are comfortable working with appliance electronics and can safely access the control board, a technician could replace just the battery cell, but most repairs involve replacing the full control board assembly.

Repair costs depend on whether just the RTC battery cell or the entire control board needs to be replaced. A full control board replacement, including parts and labor, typically runs in the range of $150 to $400 depending on the specific model and local labor rates. If a technician is able to replace only the battery cell, the cost may be lower, though this is less commonly offered.