The SE error on your Maytag microwave means the control board has detected a shorted or stuck key on the keypad. The microwave will not run until this is cleared, and in most cases you’ll need to check or replace the keypad/control panel assembly.

Error code SE
Meaning Shorted keypad error — the touchpad has a key that is stuck closed or shorted internally
Severity Medium — the microwave is unusable until the fault is cleared
Time to fix 15–45 minutes
Tools needed Phillips screwdriver, multimeter (optional, for testing)

What the SE error means

Maytag microwaves use a membrane keypad wired directly into the control board. When the board detects that a button is pressed continuously or that two contacts are shorted together, it locks the unit and displays the SE code as a safety measure. This stops the microwave from running unintended cycles.

The issue is almost always electrical rather than mechanical — moisture, food debris, or a worn membrane pad can all cause a short. In some cases the control board itself is faulty, but this is less common.

Common causes

  • Moisture or spilled liquid trapped behind the keypad membrane
  • Food debris or grease buildup under the touchpad buttons
  • A physically stuck or damaged button on the control panel
  • A worn-out membrane keypad with internal wiring breakdown
  • Loose or corroded ribbon cable connection between the keypad and control board
  • A faulty main control board

How to fix the SE error

  1. Power cycle the microwave — Unplug it or switch off the breaker for 60 seconds, then restore power. This clears many temporary control glitches.
  2. Inspect the keypad surface — Wipe down the touchpad with a dry cloth to remove any moisture, grease, or food residue that could be causing a short.
  3. Check for a stuck button — Press each button gently and look for any that feel stuck or don’t spring back normally; a stuck button is a common trigger for this code.
  4. Open the control panel — Remove the outer panel screws and check the ribbon cable connecting the keypad to the control board for corrosion or a loose fit. Reseat the connector firmly.
  5. Test the keypad membrane — With power disconnected, use a multimeter to check for continuity issues across the keypad contacts; a short across any pair indicates the membrane needs replacing.
  6. Replace the keypad or control board — If the membrane or ribbon cable is damaged, replace the keypad assembly. If the error persists after replacement, the main control board is likely faulty and should be replaced.

FAQ

Can I keep using the microwave with an SE error showing?
No. The control locks the unit as a safety precaution, so it won’t run until the fault is cleared.

Will unplugging the microwave fix the SE error permanently?
Sometimes it clears a temporary glitch, but if the error returns quickly, the keypad or its wiring likely needs replacing.

Is this the same type of issue as an F-code on a Maytag washer?
It’s a similar concept — both indicate the control board has detected a fault with an input component. If you’re troubleshooting a Maytag washer, codes like the Maytag Washer F1 Error Code or Maytag Washer F2 Error Code follow the same logic of the control board flagging a specific component fault.