Maytag Maxima XL Front Loader Erratic Cycle Times

[mrclean87]

We've had our Maytag Maxima XL front loader MHW6000A since new and it's worked well but the cycle times have become a bit erratic, particularly on the Normal cycle. Today I put in a small load of jeans and sweatshirts, set it for cold temp and heavy soil. The timer countdown started at 1 hour and 15 minutes, but the cycle was completed in less than 40 minutes. This occurred every once in awhile for the past few years, but has become more frequent recently

Is there a way to reset the washer circuit board, or is this machine nearing the end of its life? The Normal cycle seems to be impacted the most. Powerwash and Wrinkle Control generally run for the times one would expect.

Any input or suggestions appreciated.

 

[appnut]

Unplug the machine for about 10 minutes and plug it bavck in. That might do a reset on the controller.

 

[henene4]

Usually, I would expect the other way around. Balancing issues, wonky pump or pressure switch leading to erratic balancing and suds lock sensing.

But shorter cycle times in age seems strange indeed.

The interesting question there is where it drops the time. Depending on that the "source" of that behaviour would become more apparent.

My initial thought was going towards some sensing thing - temperature sensor, water level sensor, flow meter.
Some routine trying to adjust wash parameters based on conditions getting wrong readings and thus misadjusting.

Are you sure the laundry is processed correctly?
Some machines can end up aborting cycles where an error code should be displayed, but abort the cycle instead with no indication.

But then you usually find the laundry soaking wet, or soapy, or the like.
But cutting cycle time almost in half without "missing" entire steps seems extreme.

 

[henene4]

Service cycle & error code readout





The first video shows how to enter service mode on your particular machine if I'm not mistaken, the second one shows how to read out any stored error codes.

The lowest button appears to be the third button, refferenced in the second video.
If the washer itself was aware of anything, it would be stored there.
So do the routine in the first video, then press the third button to display any stored error codes, you can cycle through them with either the start button or the third button probably.

 

[mark_wpduet]

Didn't Frigilux have a Maytag Maxima and LOVED it...but noticed erratic spin speeds? Like sometimes it wouldn't reach close to max RMP or even reach the RPM it was supposed to during interim spins. And I swear I can remember someone else on posted the SAME thing happening with their Maytag FL months later on a completely separate post...I remember this pretty well because I was thinking about Maytag as my next FL until I read that... I know this isn't what's happening here but thought I would point it out.

 

[cam2s]

I have a Maxima XL 7000 series and I would consider that to be normal behavior for the machine. It updates and resets the timer count down several time throughout the cycle, sometimes it adjusts upwards and sometimes it adjust downwards. I guess I've never really ever timed it against what it says it will do, but if you observe it during the cycle you'll notice the points at which it adjusts the time. This is particularly noticeable with very large or very small loads. I do like this washer a lot, but it was a learning curve to manipulate it into doing what I want it do to.

Cameron