The E3 error on your Maytag Washer means the control board has detected a problem with the water temperature sensor or the motor control circuit, depending on your model. Most of the time this is fixable at home without calling a technician.

Error code E3
Meaning Water temperature sensor fault or motor/drive control communication error
Severity Medium — the washer usually stops mid-cycle to prevent damage
Time to fix 15–40 minutes
Tools needed Multimeter, screwdriver (Phillips and flathead)

What the E3 error means

On most Maytag washers, E3 points to an issue with the temperature sensor (thermistor) that tells the control board how hot or cold the incoming water is, or a breakdown in communication between the main control board and the motor control unit. When the board can’t get a reliable reading or response, it halts the cycle and displays E3 as a safety measure rather than risk running with bad data.

This is different from related codes like the Maytag Washer F1 Error Code: Causes and Fixes, which usually points to a main control board fault, so it helps to confirm you’re reading the display correctly before starting repairs.

Common causes

  • Faulty or disconnected water temperature sensor
  • Loose or corroded wiring connector at the sensor or motor control board
  • Failed motor control unit (MCU) or communication ribbon between boards
  • Water inlet valve stuck or supplying water at the wrong temperature
  • Software glitch from a power surge or interrupted cycle
  • Failing main control board (less common, but possible)

How to fix the E3 error

  1. Power cycle the washer — Unplug it for 60 seconds, or switch off the breaker, then restart. This clears many temporary sensor glitches.
  2. Check the water supply — Make sure both hot and cold supply valves are fully open and the water is reaching a normal temperature range. A stuck valve can trigger a false sensor error.
  3. Inspect the temperature sensor wiring — Unplug the washer, remove the top or rear panel, and check the sensor connector for looseness, corrosion, or damage. Reseat the plug firmly.
  4. Test the sensor with a multimeter — Compare its resistance reading against the manufacturer’s spec at room temperature. A reading far outside range means the sensor needs replacing.
  5. Check the motor control board connections — Look for the ribbon cable or wiring harness linking the main board to the motor control unit and reseat any loose plugs.
  6. Replace the faulty part — If the sensor or motor control board tests bad, replace it with an OEM part matching your model number, then run a test cycle to confirm the fix.

FAQ

Can I keep using the washer while it shows E3?
No. The washer usually pauses the cycle automatically, so you’ll need to fix the fault before it will run normally again.

Is E3 the same on every Maytag washer model?
Not exactly. Some models tie E3 to the temperature sensor, others to motor communication faults, so check your specific model’s tech sheet if the basic fixes don’t work.

Do I need a technician for this repair?
Not always. Checking connections and testing the sensor is doable for most homeowners with basic tools, but board replacement is best left to a professional if you’re not comfortable with wiring.