Maytag Washer Error Code F41

The F41 error code on a Maytag washer indicates that the motor rotor position sensor (RPS) thermistor has been detected as either open or shorted. The RPS is a sensor assembly mounted near the drive motor that serves two functions: tracking the rotor's position to allow precise motor control, and monitoring temperature through an integrated thermistor. When the control board reads the thermistor's resistance and finds it outside the expected range, either due to an open circuit (infinite resistance) or a short circuit (near-zero resistance), it logs this fault code. Importantly, F41 is only displayed when reviewing saved fault codes, meaning the washer may have completed its cycle or stopped at a prior point before you see it on the display.

The thermistor within the RPS assembly changes resistance predictably with temperature. An open condition typically means the thermistor element or its wiring circuit has completely failed, producing no readable signal. A short condition means the circuit has collapsed to near-zero resistance, which the control board also flags as out-of-range. Both states prevent the control from accurately monitoring motor temperature, which is a protective function designed to prevent overheating damage to the motor and surrounding components.

Common causes include a failed RPS thermistor component, damaged wiring or connectors in the harness between the RPS and the motor control board, or a faulty motor control board itself. Diagnosis begins with TEST #3 as referenced in the technical documentation, which walks through resistance checks and wiring verification for the RPS circuit. Physical inspection of the connector pins and harness routing around the motor is a critical early step, as vibration during spin cycles can cause connector corrosion or wire chafing over time.