Maytag Washer Error Code FAE1

The FAE1 code means the washer has detected that its shipping bolts and spacers are still installed. These bolts secure the drum during transport and must be removed before the machine can run. The washer will not operate normally until all shipping hardware has been taken out from the rear of the unit.

No, it is not safe to run the washer while the FAE1 code is active. Operating the machine with shipping bolts installed prevents the drum from moving on its suspension system, which can cause severe vibration, loud banging noises, and physical damage to internal components including the suspension springs, drum bearings, and motor.

In most cases, fixing the FAE1 error costs nothing because it only requires removing the shipping bolts, which is a tool-minimal task the owner can perform. If you hire a technician to perform this step, expect a service call fee in the range of $75 to $150. If the machine was run with the bolts in place and internal components were damaged, repair costs could be higher depending on what was affected.

To fix the FAE1 error, locate the shipping bolts on the rear panel of the washer and remove all of them along with any plastic spacers. Most Maytag washers have 3 to 4 shipping bolts. Once all hardware is removed, plug in the washer and the code should clear automatically, allowing normal operation to resume.

Resetting the washer will not permanently clear the FAE1 code if the shipping bolts are still in place. The code will return because the underlying condition, restricted drum movement, still exists. The only way to resolve the FAE1 error is to physically remove the shipping bolts and spacers from the rear of the machine.