There’s no denying it. Dishwashers have brought next-level convenience to our lives. Washing and drying dishes has never been easier. With an increase in their popularity, many appliance brands have launched dishwashers as part of their ranges.
One such brand is Maytag which launched the Maytag Quiet Series 200 boasting a quieter operation. However, for us to enjoy all our dishwashers have to offer, they need to work properly. That said, many Maytag users have reported that their dishwashers won’t start.
Fortunately, the cause of this is simpler than you might think. And we are here with a few easy solutions!
Easy Solutions To The Maytag Quiet Series 200 “Won’t Start” Problem
For many people, their dishwasher is a crucial part of their daily lives. Not only does it allow you to catch up on other chores while the machine is washing the dishes, but it’s also an excellent way to save water. So, when your Maytag dishwasher won’t start, it can be frustrating.
The good news is that you don’t have to assume the absolute worst. The problem could be easier to fix than you think. Let’s look at what could be causing the problem.
- Check The Control Lock
Essentially, the control lock in your Maytag dishwasher is designed to avoid unnecessary usage. It’s also supposed to ensure that the settings don’t change during the cycle. That means the first thing you should check is that the control lock is in the correct setting.
If not, adjust it and retest your machine. For the exact procedure, consult your user manual as it may differ between models. Alternatively, you can contact customer care if you’re not sure where your settings are.
- Deactivate Sleep Mode
Many Maytag models have a sleep mode. If this is the case, your unit’s sleep mode might be activated, causing the machine to not start. To reset your dishwasher’s sleep mode, simply press the cancel button.
Alternatively, simply opening and closing the dishwasher will automatically deactivate sleep mode. You could also try switching the machine off, unplugging it from the power source and plugging it back in.
- Switch Off The Delay Wash Feature
Maytag Dishwashers boast a delay wash feature that’s responsible for operating the dishwasher during off-peak periods. Since this feature’s main goal is to conserve energy, the dishwasher won’t start working unless you switch this feature off.
This setting might also have inadvertently been selected as you were setting the machine. To switch it off, simply press the drain or cancel button.
This will stop the wash cycle, and you simply have to press the start button to restart the wash cycle. To use this feature to your benefit, consider washing your dishes in the early morning or late evening.
- Check The Door
It’s common for children who are helping you with the dishes to not close the dishwasher’s door properly. Dishwashers are programmed to not start washing if the door isn’t closed properly. Can you imagine the mess if the dishwasher were on with an open door?
Always check that your door is closed properly. If your Maytag model has a latch, ensure that the door is latched correctly before switching the machine on.
Additionally, if the door doesn’t close properly, double-check the lower dish rack. When the lower dish rack isn’t pushed in properly, it can hinder the door’s closure.
- Check The Water Supply
Dishwashers are designed to work with the prescribed amount of water. That means if the water supply isn’t switched on or isn’t flowing properly, the machine won’t switch on.
If you’re not sure how to switch the machine’s water supply on, consult your user manual. It’s also important to ensure that the water has enough pressure.
The minimum you’ll require for a Maytag dishwasher to function correctly is 20PSI. If you’re not sure that your water pressure is correct when you first install your dishwasher, you might need to consult with your local plumber.
- Confirm That The Power Supply is On
For some people, checking the power supply might sound obvious. However, if you’re a new dishwasher user, you might not think to check the power supply. A working power supply is crucial to operating the dishwasher.
To check your unit’s power supply, simply check the power cord and follow it to the plug. If the cord is undamaged and the plug is securely plugged into the wall socket, the problem might be at the wall.
Plug the dishwasher into another outlet to test. Before calling an electrician, ensure that the dishwasher’s power button is in the “on” position.
- Try The Reset Option
Many Maytag (and any other) dishwasher issues can simply be resolved by simply resetting the machine. Before attempting the troubleshooting methods highlighted in the manual, start with a simple reset.
To reset your Maytag dishwasher simply remove the unit from the power source. Leave the unit unplugged for at least a minute. When you plug the unit back into the power supply, the “won’t start” problem will most likely be resolved.
- Faulty Thermal Fuse
While not a common problem, your Maytag dishwasher could be experiencing a blown thermal fuse. If you’re going to replace the fuse yourself, simply check the manufacturer’s guidelines in your product manual. Alternatively, consult a professional to assist with this.
- Schedule a Service Call
When you have tried all these tips as well as any additional troubleshooting methods that may be mentioned in your user manual, it may be time to book a service call.
Don’t attempt to open your machine if you’re not comfortable with tinkering around with your machine. The Maytag customer service can be contacted at 1-800-344-1274.
A Few Other Troubleshooting Tips
While the “won’t switch on” problem is the most common Maytag issue people report having, there are a few others that pop up from time to time. We’ve included them here as we don’t want you to be stuck with a pile of dishes that you need to wash by hand!
- Leaking Dishwasher
No one wants to deal with a leaking dishwasher. Quite often, fixing a leaking dishwasher is as simple as switching detergent, replacing the door seal or even changing the way you load your dishwasher.
Ensure that you’re always using the right detergent for your Maytag Quiet 200 Series model. It’s also important to deal with the leak urgently so that it doesn’t cause damage to the machine’s internal components or the floor.
- Not Draining Correctly Or Not At All
Drainage problems can easily be attributed to there being a clog in one of the pipes. There should never be more than an inch of water accumulated in your dishwasher. To rectify this problem, it’s recommended that you change the filter.
Refer to your user manual for the basic steps to do this. To avoid this problem altogether, always scrape leftover food from the dishes, pots or utensils before loading them into the dishwasher. Regularly cleaning the inside of your dishwasher is also recommended.
- Dishes Not Being Cleaned Properly
To prevent dishes from coming out less than clean, it could be a result of adding too much detergent. You could also be loading your dishwasher incorrectly. No matter how dirty the dishes are, always only use the recommended amount of detergent.
Opt for Rinse Aid to help get the dishes thoroughly cleaned. If that doesn’t work, change the way you load your machine. Don’t try and squeeze all your dishes into the machine to avoid having to do two loads. Rather load the machine correctly to ensure that the dishes are cleaned properly.
- Unpleasant Odours
When your dishwasher has a funny or foul odour it’s usually a result of food particles getting stuck in pipes or in the machine itself. To avoid this, run a vinegar solution through your machine after every few washes.
Vinegar is not only a great natural anti-bacterial agent, but it’s excellent for removing odours from your dishwasher. A vinegar solution can be made as follows:
- Mix two cups of white vinegar in a dishwasher-safe container
- Don’t add any detergent at this point
- Place the vinegar solution on the bottom rack of your Maytag dishwasher
- Run a normal cycle
- Select an air-dry option rather than a heated dry feature
- Wipe down the interior of your dishwasher to remove any signs of food debris
- Run another cycle with detergent to clean out the machine
- Leave the door slightly open to allow the machine to air out
In a Nutshell
In most cases, the “won’t start” problem can be easily resolved with a couple of easy troubleshooting tips. Checking factors such as the correct settings, door closure and power supply are essential to keep your Maytag Quiet Series 200 dishwasher working correctly.
If all your troubleshooting tricks don’t resolve the problem, it’s important to consult a professional.