How to Reset Maytag Bravos Washer (4 Fast & Easy Ways)

A Maytag Bravos washer will fail at some point, but not all issues need a washing machine expert. Some are fixable with a quick reset, and thus the importance of mastering how to reset Maytag Bravos washer.

One way to reset a Maytag Bravos washer is by plugging it out for 3 – 5 minutes (the hard reset). Another way is to press Power/Cancel while the washer is on, select a new cycle, and press Start/Pause (the Cycle Reset). 

Though these are two of the most straightforward reset techniques, there are still two more that are often more effective against most issues. I’m talking about the recalibration and lid lift methods, which I’ll discuss later.

But first, I’ll help you understand when a reset may be necessary, as it’s not a magical formula for fixing every issue the washing machine suffers. After that, we shall look at how to address some individual cases. 

Let’s jump in!

how to reset Maytag bravos washer

When Should You Reset Your Maytag Bravos Washer

You cannot turn to the reset each time your Maytag washing machine malfunctions. Here are the situations when a reset may be ideal for a Maytag Bravos washing machine. 

  • During a power interruption – A reset is advisable when your Maytag Bravos washer’s power supply is interrupted by a blackout or power surge. 
  • When the washer doesn’t start – The Maytag Bravos washer won’t begin for issues such as failed power supply and wrong setting. Either way, you can try to troubleshoot it by resetting it.
  • When the washer spins but won’t agitate – A typical working washer should spin and agitate. However, if your washer only spins but won’t agitate, consider resetting it. 
  • After an error code pops up – Though you cannot clear every error code on a Maytag Bravos, it’s worth trying. That’s more important if the error is stopping the washer from running. 
  • When the washer doesn’t stop (runs continuously) – It’s pretty abnormal for the washer to run nonstop, but it can happen. When it does, you can try to reset it. 
  • During a stuck cycle – Consider resetting your Maytag Bravos washer if it won’t move to another cycle. Sometimes it does so because of a settings freeze which is fixable. 
  • When the washer malfunctions after a component change – Sometimes, the washing machine malfunctions after replacing a component like the control board or control panel. In such a case, a reset is recommendable.
  • When the washer makes a strange noise – Consider resetting the washing machine if it’s making a strange loud noise when spinning and you are unsure what it is. 
  • After a load imbalance incident – If the laundry load is imbalanced and you happen to redistribute it, it may help first to reset the washer. 

How to Reset Maytag Bravos Washer Easily

Now that you know when a reset is most preferred, here are four ways you can carry it out:

1. Hard Reset

The hard reset, sometimes called the manual or basic reset, involves temporarily cutting off the washer’s power supply. Here’s how to hard reset Maytag Bravos washer:

  • Turn off the washing machine from the wall socket
  • Plug it out and wait for 3 – 5 minutes to plug it back in 
  • Turn on the wall switch after plugging in the washer 

The hard reset is best for clearing error codes and troubleshooting the washer when it won’t start, stop, or move to the next cycle. Additionally, you can use the reset technique when your washer suffers a power interruption. 

2. Cycle Reset 

As the name suggests, the cycle reset involves resetting the washing machine’s cycle. In that case, it’s effective when there’s an issue with the cycle, such as when the washer won’t move to another cycle (is stuck), when it won’t agitate but spins, and when it won’t stop.

Generally, here’s how to perform a cycle reset: 

  • Ensure your washer is powered on, and then press Power/Cancel 
  • Wait for a few seconds and select your preferred new wash cycle 
  • Press Start/Pause and wait for the washer to reset 
how to reset Maytag bravos xl washer to factory settings

3. Recalibration Reset 

Now, when it comes to more intricate issues that won’t reset using the hard reset and cycle reset, there’s no better reset technique to turn to than the recalibration reset.

Here’s how to do it: 

  • Empty the drum to ensure it does not contain any laundry or water
  • Firmly close the lid and leave the washing machine on standby mode (i.e., plugged into the socket, but no LED should be on)
  • Locate the main dial/knob and turn it one-click clockwise 
  • Turn the dial three clicks on the opposite side (anticlockwise)
  • Rotate the knob one click clockwise again and another click counterclockwise 
  • Wait to see if the Rinse Only LED will light up, and when it does, press start to finish the reset 

If the LED doesn’t light up, continue turning the knob until it does, but if it doesn’t at all, consider the next reset. 

4. Lid Lift Reset 

Here comes another washer reset technique that works on some of the most complicated issues. It’s quicker than the recalibration and takes less than a minute to execute. 

Here’s how to perform the lid lift reset:

  • Turn off the washer and plug it out for 60 seconds 
  • Plug it back in and quickly lift and lower the lid six times 
  • Complete the lid lifting and dropping within 30 seconds 
  • Restart the washer to see if the issue is fixed 

My Maytag Bravos Washer Won’t Reset – But Why?

Sometimes the washer may fail to reset after trying any of the above techniques, and so you may ask why. Well, it could be that you didn’t do the reset the right way.

For example, the lid lift method requires you to quickly lift and lower the lid within 30 seconds of restoring the washer’s power supply. If you take longer or do not lift the top to a proper height, the washer might not reset. 

Also, note that the above four reset techniques have their effectiveness. For example, whatever works with a hard reset might not work with a cycle reset and vice versa.

Other Issues 

How to Reset Lid Lock On Maytag Bravos Washer?

You can reset the lid lock on a Maytag Bravos using two of the methods I’ve shared above. 

  1. Option 1 (Cycle Reset) – Press Power/Cancel to choose a new cycle and then press Start/Pause
  2. Option 2 (Lid Lift Reset) – Plug the washer out and in and quickly lift and lower the lid six times within 30 seconds. 

How to Reset Maytag Bravos XL Washer to Factory Settings? 

You can reset a Maytag Bravos XL washer using the hard reset to its factory setting. That means plugging it out for about 5 minutes. If it doesn’t reset after 5 minutes, consider plugging it out for 30 minutes to revert to its default setting. 

how to reset lid lock on Maytag bravos washer

How to Reset Maytag Bravos MCT Washer?

You can reset a Maytag Bravos MCT washer using any of these two techniques:

  1. Hard Reset – This reset procedure requires you to plug the washing machine out of the power for 3 – 5 seconds and then plug it right back and power it on.
  2. Cycle Reset – This reset technique first involves pressing ‘Power/Cancel’ on the control panel (while the washer is plugged in), selecting a new cycle, and pressing Start/Pause. 

How to Clear Codes On Maytag Bravos Washer?

The quickest way to clear error codes on Maytag Bravos washers is through a reset. Just reset the washer, which you can do by unplugging it for 5 seconds. If the washer won’t reset, check out the meaning of the error code and address the issue before trying the reset again. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How Do I Manually Reset My Washing Machine?

You can manually reset your washing machine by plugging it out for about 5 minutes and then plugging it in. Alternatively, lift and lower its lid six times, all within 30 seconds. 

2. How Do You Do a Hard Reset On a Maytag Washer?

You can hard reset a Maytag washer by disconnecting it from the wall socket for at least 3 – 5 minutes. If that doesn’t work, consider extending the unplugging to 30 minutes at least.

3. Is There a Reset Button On a Maytag Bravos Washing Machine?

Sadly, no! Like most Maytag washers, Maytag Bravos don’t feature a designated reset button. You have to use alternative means to reset the washer, and that sometimes means disconnecting the washer for about 5 minutes or following any other reset procedure in your manual. 

4. Why Does My Maytag Bravos Washer Keep Stopping? 

Your Maytag Bravos washer keeps stopping for different reasons. It could be because the door is not firmly latched, perhaps due to a defective lid switch, or it could be that the timer is malfunctioning.

Another issue is that the washer might have a water supply issue, such as a clogged inlet valve, partially closed main water valve, or low water pressure. 

5. Why Is My Maytag Bravos Washer Stuck On Sensing?

There are different explanations for a Maytag Bravos washer stuck on sensing. They include the following: 

  • An error code – If so, you must clear the error code to unstick the washer
  • Jammed keypad – In most cases, the washer bypasses the sensing phase when you free the stuck keypad or replace the control panel
  • Faulty lid switch – You can tell if that’s the case if the door is open and that requires you to replace the lid switch
  • Non-working water inlet valve – You can tell if this is the case if the washer has issues filling up with water.
  • Damaged shift actuator or drive motor – You must replace either component to fix the issue.
  • Failed control board – Consider a defective control board as your last option and replace it.

6. Why Does Maytag Bravos Spin But Won’t Agitate?

Your Maytag Bravos washer spins but fails to agitate due to a power failure, an unlatched or improperly secured door, or a faulty agitator. But still, it could be that the drive motor, drive belt, motor coupling, or control board is defective. 

Closing Thought 

Above is a guide on how to reset Maytag Bravos washer. You can attempt any of the four reset techniques to try and reset your washing machine. Remember also to check the issues shared in this guide, as they are the ones you can fix with a reset. Do that as your first troubleshooting step before considering any other detailed fix.