Is your Maytag washer displaying an unknown error code, “UL?” If yes, there is no need to worry. Sometimes, Maytag washers showcase error codes to assist the users in fixing the inner problems of the washer.
This facilitates diagnosing the issue causing the error more effectively. However, if you have encountered this type of error for the first time, it can be frustrating. But the good news is that you can easily resolve the issues causing this error by understanding its underlying causes.
This article will guide you about a UL code in Maytag washers, the reasons behind this code, and how to diagnose it. Ultimately, it will provide tips and tricks to avoid UL error codes on Maytag washers. Let’s delve into the topic to explore its causes to solve this problem:
What does the Maytag Washer UL Code indicate?
The Maytag washer UL code indicates that either the washer is not placed on an even surface or the clothes inside it are unbalanced. This can be due to several reasons. The appliance might be overloaded with laundry, and its wheels are not leveled, the surface beneath it is not even, etc. Let’s discuss these reasons in detail in the next information.
Reasons for a Maytag Washer Displaying the UL Code
Maytag washer displays a UL code after finishing a washing cycle with an unbalanced load inside the appliance. This implies that your laundry is not even inside the washer’s drum. So, this error code is more common in Maytag washers with front doors.
For instance, the Maytag Bravos washer shows this code frequently. However, this reason is only reported by users. The frequency of the UL error code does not depend on the door type in the washer.
Another interpretation of this error code is the uneven wheels of the washer. This causes the appliance to lean on one side of the washer. Both these causes lead to disruption in the rotating of the appliance. As a result, the washer is unable to clean the clothes thoroughly. More causes of this error are listed below:
Uneven load of laundry
The uneven load of the laundry illustrates a condition in which heavy laundry items are concentrated on one side of the washer while lighter items are on the other. Hence, when clothes are not distributed evenly, they cause unbalanced pressure inside the washer’s drum. This situation affects the spinning speed of the appliance.
Ultimately, it starts displaying the error code UL (unbalanced load). Sometimes, it either flashes an LED light or starts vibrating. Therefore, it is essential to keep a balanced load inside the washer before the washing cycle starts. Moreover, the number of clothes should be according to the size of the washer.
Imbalanced Laundry Load
Every washer has its minimum laundry range. When this range is not met, the washer will be unbalanced and display the UL code. This means you can not start washing a single cloth in the appliance. You have to put enough clothes inside the drum to operate the appliance. This is because an empty drum spins without cleaning any clothes, which can affect its spinning mechanism.
Excessive laundry in the washer
Just like the minimum laundry range, washers also have a maximum laundry range. Above this point, the laundry load is excessive. The reason is that excessive laundry puts extra pressure on the spinning system. This is also related to the washer’s size.
The laundry load should not be greater than 80% of the washer’s size. Above this limit, the Maytag washer starts displaying this UL error code. Hence, it is an indication to prevent this appliance from ultimate damage.
Uneven Washer Placement
Just like unbalanced laundry puts pressure on one side of the washer, uneven placement of the washer also does the same thing. If the washer is not at par on the floor, it will push all the laundry to one side of the washer. As a result, the other side becomes empty.
This unevenness inside the washer causes the appliance to display the UL code. To check if your washer is placed evenly, put a flat plank on its top. If you see that the plank is not staying upright, your washer is unlevel. However, if the plank sits straight, your washer is level.
Loose Drain Pump
When the drain pump is loose, it can be an indirect cause of the UL code. A loose drainage system either causes water leakage or prevents it from draining. As a result of inefficient drainage, the laundry load becomes unbalanced during the working cycle.
Consequently, the washer starts displaying the UL code. You can prevent this situation by checking the drain pump. Make sure that the pump is attached firmly in its place.
Suspension Rods in Disrepair
The suspension rods are responsible for supporting the drum of the washer during spinning. It functions especially during high-speed cycles. It does this by preventing friction while spinning the drum.
When suspension rods are malfunctioning, they are unable to absorb drum vibrations. Consequently, the drum doesn’t remain stabilized. This causes the washer to show UL error to indicate an imbalance inside the washer’s drum.
Malfunctioning Water Level Switch
The water level switch in the Maytag washer is responsible for the regulation of the water level inside the drum. If this switch is malfunctioning, it fails to detect the water level. It will start indicating that the washer is always full, even if it’s not.
This causes the washer to signal to the user that the appliance is overloaded. Consequently, it will show the UL error. To fix this issue, you can repair or replace the water level switch inside the washer.
Components in Need of Repair
Besides these components, some other faulty parts of the washer can also cause this code. For instance, a defective pulley or a deteriorated motor belt can disrupt the spinning of the washer. This can affect the pressure on the drum of the appliance. Thus, it ultimately displays UL errors.
Electronic Malfunction
When all the components of the washer are working smoothly, then only one thing can cause the UL error code. It is the electronic malfunctioning causing the glitch in the software. These glitches can sometimes lead to errors that are not due to any problem inside the washer. In this case, you can reset your washer to prevent this issue.
How can I address the UL Code issue on my Maytag Washer?
After you know what are the potential causes of the Maytag UL error code, you should also know how to fix these issues. For each different cause, there is a different solution. Let’s move forward to see how to address the above-mentioned issues in your washer.
Washer Reset Procedure
The washer reset is used to remove electronic glitches in its software. It can be performed in two ways:
Removing the plug:
To use this option for resetting, you have to switch the power to the washer. This can be done by unplugging its wire from the socket. Now, you have to wait for at least ten minutes. After that, you can secure the plug back into its place or turn on the power to it. Make sure to select a wash cycle and check if the glitches are removed.
Toggling the Circuit Breaker:
If the plug of the washer is not accessible, you can still turn off its power. For this purpose, you just have to remove the circuit breaker which is providing power to the socket of this appliance. After leaving it for a few minutes, put it back and turn on the power. Don’t forget to check the washer by starting a cycle.
Addressing an Imbalanced Load
To prevent the UL code, the basic solution that you can perform is to balance the load inside it. For this purpose, simply open the washer and put the laundry equally manually. Make sure that the heavy laundry is evenly distributed. Also, try to balance the weight on both sides of the washer.
Resolving Incorrect Load Size
The incorrect load size results when you put too little in the washer’s drum. The washer has a minimum required range of laundry below which it starts displaying UL error code. In that case, you will need to open the washer and add new clothes inside it. Just make sure you don’t try to put a single cloth for washing.
Correcting Overloading Issues
When you try to put too many clothes in the washer to finish laundry in the first go, you are causing overloading. Just as the minimum range of laundry, the washer also has a maximum range. In this case, you have to lower the pressure on the washer’s drum. For this purpose, open the washer’s door and put some clothes out of it.
If you are using a front-door Maytag washer, taking out light clothes will help you in this condition. However, if you have a top-door Maytag washer, bringing out heavy clothes would be better. Don’t try to fill the washer. Always try to keep it to 80% of the washer’s size.
Leveling the Washer Properly
As stated above, an unlevel washer puts strain on only one side of the washer, which is not good. Therefore, you can use a flat plank to see its leveling on the surface. Simply put the plank on top of the washer and adjust the appliance by lifting it with someone’s help. Keep leveling the washer until it is straightened, just like the plank placed on it.
Securing a Loose Drain Pump
To secure a loose drain pump of the washer, you have to access it first. For this, put the appliance down on one of its sides. Make sure to put a cloth or any soft thing on the floor to prevent the washer from scratches. Now, locate the drain pump at the bottom of the washer. You can use a screwdriver to tighten the drain pump. Once you have attached the drain pump, put the washer back into its place.
Replacing Faulty Suspension Rods
The Suspension rods are an important component of the washer. Without them, its drum is unable to withstand vibrations during high-speed washing cycles. Therefore, the rods should be replaced if they are defective. Here’s how you can do that:
- Turn off the power to the washer by unplugging its wire from the socket.
- Take off the front panel of the appliance by unscrewing the nuts.
- Now, take off the top cover of the washer to reach its internal components.
- Once accessed, locate the suspension rods.
- Hold the drum and set the rods free from any strain.
- Remove the defective rods and replace them with ones.
- Put on the top covering and front panel of the washer.
- Turn on the power to the washer and check it.
No need to worry if you don’t want to replace suspension rods by yourself. You can hire a professional technician for this purpose. Besides this, these rods are a bit expensive, so make sure you replace them carefully.
Replacing or Cleaning a Malfunctioning Water Level Switch
A faulty water level switch is not something you can compromise for your washer. Therefore, you need to clean or replace it immediately. The following are the steps to do this:
- Pull out the plug of the washer from the outlet.
- Take out the upper panel of the washer by unscrewing the nuts.
- Find the location of the water level switch. If you are at the front side of the washer, you can see the switch at the top right side.
- Carefully discord all the wires connected to the switch.
- Now, if the switch is full of dirt, clean it thoroughly.
- However, if it is defective, replace it with a new one.
- Once done, connect all the wires again.
- Attach the top panel again.
- Turn on the washer and check it.
Replacement of Damaged Parts
If any other part of the washer is broken or faulty, you have to replace it, too. For example, a broken motor belt or a worn-out pulley. But it is advised not to replace these parts by yourself. Try getting help from a professional, as these parts are sensitive to the washer’s performance.
How can I avoid encountering the UL Code on my Maytag Washer?
Now you have enough knowledge about the causes of displaying UL error code in the Maytag washer and their solutions. Let’s move forward to techniques that you should follow to avoid encountering this code in the future. These techniques are two main preventive methods that are easy to adopt:
Ensuring Load Balance
The first technique is to ensure a balanced load of clothes in the appliance. Therefore, whenever you are putting laundry inside the washer, make sure to keep in mind the following points:
- Putting too many heavy clothes in the washer will simply overload and put too much pressure on the appliance. Therefore, try to maintain the weight of your clothes.
- Balancing the laundry load inside the washer is the key to preventing UL code. Try to put on a balanced load of heavy and light clothes. Also, make sure the load won’t exceed 80% of your washer’s size.
- A single item of cloth or a small number of clothes will only cause the washer to malfunction. Try to divide the laundry into balanced loads.
- Last but not least, always check the position of your washer. Make sure it is not leaning to one side. You can prevent this situation by putting the washer on a flat surface.
Routine Maintenance
Like all other electric appliances, the Maytag washer also needs routine maintenance. This is essential for the optimal functioning of the washer. It will help you to prevent error codes like the UL code. For instance, if you do routine maintenance, you will encounter a faulty water level switch or defective suspension rods in the washer.
Consequently, you will repair them beforehand. This will lead to no display of any error code while the washer is on. You can do maintenance by yourself, or you can get professional assistance.
Final Thought
In short, the UL error code in the Maytag washer often shows disruptions in load distribution and stability of the washer. The common reasons are faulty suspension rods, defective water level switches, loose drain pumps, etc. On the other hand, the unusual causes are electronic malfunctioning or defective components of the motor.
The good news is that you can solve all these issues with the guidance provided in the above content. Just remember that proper and regular maintenance is the best way to prevent all the errors in the Maytag washer, including UL errors.
