The F3 E1 error on your Maytag Washer means the control board isn’t reading a valid signal from the water temperature sensor (thermistor). Check the sensor wiring and connections first, as this fixes most cases without needing a replacement part.

Error code F3 E1
Meaning Water temperature sensor fault or open/shorted circuit
Severity Medium — washer will typically stop mid-cycle and won’t complete a wash
Time to fix 15–40 minutes
Tools needed Multimeter, screwdriver

What the F3 E1 error means

Maytag washers use a temperature sensor to monitor the water entering the tub so the control board can select the right heating or fill behaviour for the chosen cycle. When the board receives no signal, an out-of-range signal, or a signal that doesn’t change during the fill, it flags this as F3 E1 and pauses the cycle to prevent damage to the motor or fabrics.

This is different from the related Maytag Washer F1 Error Code, which points to a main control board fault rather than a sensor issue. It’s worth ruling out F1 first if the display is behaving erratically, since the two are sometimes confused.

Common causes

  • Loose or corroded wiring connector at the temperature sensor
  • Faulty or failed temperature sensor (thermistor)
  • Damaged wiring harness between the sensor and control board
  • Water temperature sensor coated in mineral deposits or debris
  • Control board failing to interpret a valid sensor signal
  • Incoming water supply issue causing an inconsistent temperature reading

How to fix the F3 E1 error

  1. Power down and unplug the washer: Disconnect power for at least one minute before opening any panels to work safely.
  2. Locate the temperature sensor: On most models it’s mounted on or near the tub, sometimes behind the front or rear access panel depending on the model.
  3. Inspect the wiring connector: Unplug and reseat the connector, checking for corrosion, bent pins, or a loose fit. Clean any corrosion with an electrical contact cleaner.
  4. Test the sensor with a multimeter: Check resistance against the manufacturer’s spec for your model at room temperature; a reading far outside range indicates a failed sensor.
  5. Check the wiring harness: Trace the harness from the sensor to the control board, looking for pinched, chafed, or broken wires.
  6. Replace the sensor if faulty: If testing confirms failure, swap in a manufacturer-approved replacement part and reconnect all wiring securely before restoring power.

If these steps don’t clear the fault, it’s worth comparing your symptoms against the Maytag Washer F2 Error Code and Maytag Washer F3 Error Code guides, since overlapping sensor and heating faults can sometimes trigger similar codes.

FAQ

Can I run the washer while it’s showing F3 E1?
No. The control board pauses the cycle to protect the motor and heating system, so the wash won’t complete until the fault is cleared.

Is the temperature sensor expensive to replace?
The part itself is usually inexpensive, and if you’re comfortable with basic tools it’s a straightforward DIY job for most front-load and top-load models.

Does F3 E1 always mean the sensor is broken?
Not always — a loose connector or damaged wire causes the same code and is worth checking before buying a replacement sensor. If problems persist, also check for related faults like the Maytag Washer F5 Error Code.