The FF error on your Maytag Washer means the control board has detected a problem with the water fill system, usually linked to a stuck or miscommunicating water level sensor. Most cases can be fixed at home by checking the water supply and resetting the control board.

Error code FF
Meaning Fill fault — the washer is not filling correctly or the control board cannot confirm the water level
Severity Medium — the washer may pause mid-cycle or refuse to start until resolved
Time to fix 10–30 minutes
Tools needed None, though pliers may help with hose clamps

What the FF error means

FF stands for “fill fault” and appears when the washer’s control board does not receive the expected signal that water has reached the correct level inside the tub. This can happen because the water supply is restricted, a hose is kinked, or the pressure sensor (sometimes called a water level switch) is faulty or disconnected. In most cases the washer will pause and display FF rather than continuing with a partially filled tub, as a safety measure to protect the motor and drum components.

Common causes

  • Water supply valves partially closed or turned off
  • Kinked, twisted, or blocked fill hoses
  • Clogged inlet screens where the hoses connect to the washer
  • Faulty or disconnected water level pressure sensor
  • Low household water pressure affecting fill speed
  • Loose or damaged wiring harness connected to the control board

How to fix the FF error

  1. Check both water supply valves — Make sure the hot and cold valves behind the washer are fully open. Partially closed valves are one of the most common causes of fill faults.
  2. Inspect the fill hoses — Pull the washer out slightly and check the hoses for kinks, tight bends, or pinching. Straighten them out and make sure there’s no pressure on the connections.
  3. Clean the inlet screens — Disconnect the hoses at the back of the washer and check the small mesh screens inside the connection ports. Rinse away any sediment or mineral buildup, then reconnect firmly.
  4. Power cycle the washer — Unplug the washer for one minute, or turn off the breaker if it’s hardwired, then restore power. This resets the control board and often clears a false FF reading.
  5. Run a short test cycle — Start a rinse or short wash cycle and watch the fill stage closely. If water enters steadily and the error doesn’t return, the problem is resolved.
  6. Call for service if the error persists — A continued FF error after these steps usually points to a faulty water level sensor or wiring issue that needs a technician’s diagnosis.

If your washer is also showing other fault codes, it’s worth checking guides like Maytag Washer F1 Error Code: Causes and Fixes or Maytag Washer F2 Error Code: Causes and Fixes, since control board issues can sometimes trigger more than one code. Similarly, drainage-related problems are covered in the Maytag Washer F3 Error Code: Causes and Fixes guide, and motor-related faults are explained in the Maytag Washer F5 Error Code: Causes and Fixes article.

FAQ

Can I still use my washer if it shows an FF error?
It’s best not to force a cycle. The washer pauses fill for a reason, and running it anyway could lead to an underfilled or unbalanced wash.

Does an FF error mean the water level sensor is broken?
Not always. It’s often caused by low water pressure or a blocked hose, so check the simple causes first before assuming a part has failed.

How do I know if the problem is my house’s water supply?
Check if other taps in your home have normal pressure. If water flow is weak throughout the house, that could be affecting the washer’s fill speed.