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Error code reference

Maytag Washer Error Code F50

Motor Stalled

Maytag codesMaytag washer codes

Motor Stalled – the motor rotor position sensor (RPS) senses no rotation.

First step from the service manual

Check if basket turns freely; make sure bottom shipping pack has been removed; determine cause of friction. If basket turns freely, see TEST #3.

The complete diagnostic procedure includes additional test steps, resistance specifications, wiring diagram references, and component test points.

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What F50 means on a Maytag washer

The F50 error code on a Maytag washer indicates a motor stall condition. The motor rotor position sensor (RPS) monitors the rotation of the drive motor during operation. When the control detects that the RPS is registering no rotation while the motor is commanded to run, it interprets this as a stall and triggers the F50 fault. This tells the control board that the motor is either physically unable to turn or is not receiving the correct signals to operate.

The most common mechanical cause is a restriction in the wash basket itself. If the basket cannot spin freely, the motor will stall under load. This includes situations where the bottom shipping pack, a foam or cardboard insert installed during transport, has not been removed from the machine. The shipping pack physically restricts drum movement and is a frequent cause of this fault on newly installed units. Foreign objects lodged between the basket and the tub, worn bearings, or a seized drum shaft can also create enough friction to stall the motor.

If the basket does spin freely by hand and no mechanical obstruction is present, the fault points to an electrical or sensor issue. The RPS itself may have failed, the wiring harness to the sensor or motor may have a break or short, or the motor control board may not be delivering adequate power to the drive motor. In these cases, further diagnosis following the TEST #3 procedure is required to isolate whether the fault is in the sensor circuit, the motor windings, or the control electronics.

Source: manufacturer service documentation.

Common causes of F50

  1. 01

    Shipping Pack Not Removed

    Wiring / connection

    New washers include a bottom shipping pack made of foam or cardboard that must be removed before use. If left in place, it physically prevents the basket from rotating and will immediately cause an F50 fault.

  2. 02

    Foreign Object Blocking the Basket

    Wiring / connection

    Items such as coins, small garments, or debris can become lodged between the wash basket and the outer tub, creating friction that stalls the motor. Rotating the basket by hand will often reveal resistance or a grinding sensation.

  3. 03

    Worn or Seized Drum Bearings

    Part replacement

    Failed tub bearings can make the basket extremely difficult to turn, placing enough load on the motor to cause a stall. Signs include loud rumbling during spin cycles before the fault appeared, or the basket feeling rough and stiff when turned by hand.

  4. 04

    Faulty Rotor Position Sensor (RPS)

    Part replacement

    If the basket spins freely but the F50 fault persists, the RPS may have failed and is not correctly reporting motor rotation to the control board. This requires testing the sensor circuit as outlined in TEST #3.

  5. 05

    Motor or Motor Control Board Failure

    Part replacement

    A defective drive motor or a motor control board that is not delivering proper voltage to the motor can result in a stall condition even when there is no mechanical obstruction. This is typically confirmed only after ruling out mechanical causes and sensor faults.

See the test procedure for each cause

Frequently asked questions about F50

What does F50 mean on a Maytag washer?
F50 means the washer detected a motor stall. The rotor position sensor (RPS) monitors whether the motor is actually rotating, and when it senses no rotation while the motor is commanded to run, the control board sets this fault. The cause can be mechanical, such as a blocked or restricted drum, or electrical, such as a failed sensor or motor component.
How do I fix the F50 error code on my Maytag washer?
Start by unplugging the washer and attempting to rotate the wash basket by hand. If it does not spin freely, look for obstructions, check that all shipping materials have been removed, and inspect the drum bearings. If the basket turns freely with no restriction, the problem is likely electrical and requires testing the RPS circuit, motor wiring, and motor control board following the TEST #3 diagnostic procedure.
Is it safe to use my Maytag washer when it shows F50?
No, you should not continue using the washer while this fault is active. A stalled motor can overheat and cause further damage to the motor windings or control board. Address the underlying cause before running another cycle.
Will resetting my Maytag washer clear the F50 error?
A reset may temporarily clear the fault code, but the error will return if the underlying cause is not corrected. If the basket is blocked, the motor will stall again as soon as the washer attempts to run. Resetting is not a repair and should only be done after identifying and fixing the root cause.
How much does it cost to repair a Maytag washer with an F50 error?
Repair cost depends heavily on the root cause. Removing a shipping pack or clearing an obstruction costs nothing. Replacing drum bearings typically runs between $150 and $350 in parts and labor. A new rotor position sensor is generally a lower-cost fix, often in the $50 to $150 range including labor, while a motor or motor control board replacement can range from $200 to $500 or more depending on parts pricing and local labor rates.

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