Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Wash Cycle (8 Issues Fixed!)

Imagine having a Maytag centennial washer stuck on wash cycle! That means you cannot do your laundry, or even worse, it could point to a serious issue with your washing machine that you should attend to urgently.

Your Maytag Centennial washer is stuck on the wash cycle because of a power supply fault, an error code, load imbalance, inadequate water, excess suds, poor drainage, obstructed drum, or component failure.

And while speaking of component failure, we pay extra attention to the lid switch, timer, washer belt, shift actuator, motor, and control board. If one fails, the washer may stay on the wash cycle for some time.

This guide shall address all eight issues to enable you to troubleshoot your Maytag Centennial washing machine DIY. We’ll highlight not just the problems but also the most applicable fixes.

Additionally, we’ll look at other issues, such as when the Centennial washer won’t go past sensing mode or spin mode. Let’s dive in!

In a hurry? Consider the quick troubleshooting guide below when your Maytag Centennial washer stays on the wash cycle:

Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Wash Cycle – Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Likely Cause Fix
1.Power Supply FaultFirmly plug the washer into a 240V socket and ensure both the socket and plug are working
2.Error CodeCheck out the meaning of the error code and correct it. Also, try to reset the washer
3.Load ImbalanceEvenly redistribute the laundry and reset the washer if the UE/UB error code reappears
4.Inadequate WaterUnblock a blocked water supply tube, clean a dirty filter, and replace a defective water-level valve or pressure switch
5.Excess SudsReduce detergent overuse and opt for HE detergents over non-HEs
6.Poor DrainageUnclog a clogged drain line and replace a faulty drain pump
7.Obstructed DrumRemove foreign objects from the drum
8.Component FailureReplace a defective lid switch, timer, washer belt, shift actuator, motor, or control board

8 Reasons Your Maytag Centennial Washer is Stuck on Wash Cycle

Below are eight issues to consider when your Maytag Centennial washing machine stays on the wash cycle:

1. Power Supply Fault

If your Centennial washer doesn’t get enough power, it may fail to go past the wash cycle due to a loose power cord. But other than a loose plug, it could be that the plug itself or the socket is faulty.

Overall, the washing machine needs a power supply of at least 240V. Anything less than 240v won’t be enough to get the washer past the wash cycle.

Fix

Ensure the washer is firmly plugged into a working socket. While at it, ensure the power cord is rated at least 240V.

Remember, you can use a multimeter to check whether the power cord and socket work. If any of them lacks continuity, it shows it’s defective and needs a replacement.

2. Error Code

Sometimes a Centennial washer won’t go past the wash cycle due to an error code. That includes the following:

  • UB (unbalanced load)
  • PC, 3C, or PC1 (motor fault)
  • 4C (water supply fault)
  • 5C (clogged drain)

If any of the above error codes pop up, you’ll need to troubleshoot it first if your washer won’t go past the wash cycle.

Fix

Check out the meaning of the error code and try to fix it. It may also help to reset the washer, and here’s how to go about it:

Option 1 – Unplug the washer for at least 3 minutes (what we call a hard reset) and plug it back in

Option 3 – Press the Power/Cancel switch and pick an appropriate cycle before pressing Start/Pause

3. Load Imbalance

If the clothes are out of balance, the washer may stay on the wash cycle or fail to spin. In most cases, the error code UE or UB pops up to indicate that you should check the load and try to balance it.

Fix

Distribute the load evenly in the washer and avoid overloading it. If the error code UE or UP persists, recalibrate or reset the washer.

Why is my Maytag washer getting stuck on wash cycle

4. Inadequate Water

Your Centennial washer needs to receive adequate water. If it doesn’t, the load will fail to sense it, forcing the washer to stay on the wash cycle.

The washer usually won’t fill up correctly due to a kinked or clogged supply line. Other times, it’s a case of a clogged filter.

But still, it could be that the water-level valve or pressure switch is faulty. In both cases, the washer won’t fill up as it should, resulting in a low water level.

Fix

Check the water supply tube for kinks and straighten it out. If it’s clogged, clean it. Also, clean a clogged filter. And when it comes to the water-level valve and pressure switch, test them using a multimeter. If they’ve no continuity, replace them.  

5. Excess Suds

Excess suds don’t go well with the Centennial washer. They could result in spinning and drainage issues, and in this case, the extra foam could force the washer to stay on the wash cycle.

Interestingly, the washer continues filling up to try to balance off the excess suds, which compels it to stay on the wash cycle. It could be that you are just putting too much detergent, or perhaps you are using the wrong type (non-HE).

Fix

Consider using HE (high efficiency) detergent over non-HE (non-high-efficiency) options; while at it, don’t put too much of it. One tablespoon (15ml) in every 4lbs or 1.8kg of clothes is advisable.

6. Poor Drainage

The Centennial washer may stay on the wash cycle if the water doesn’t drain properly. That may happen due to a clogged drain line or a defective drain pump.

Whatever the reason, you need the washer to drain correctly for it to wash appropriately, remember, not only can the washer stay on the wash cycle. However, you may also have difficulty spinning the clothes.

Fix

Check the drain line for clogging and clean it. You can do that using a faucet, soft brush, or running baking soda. After that, you should rinse the drain line clean.

7. Obstructed Drum

The washer may stay on the wash cycle if the drum is obstructed. It just won’t spin. That could happen due to trapped objects like pins, pep caps, coins, and jewelry. Remember, these obstructive elements may also cause your washer to make a loud or weird sound.

Fix

Stop the washing machine, inspect the drum for foreign objects, and remove them. Then, reset the washer.

why is my Maytag washer stuck on wash

8. Component Failure

Lastly, your Centennial washing machine might stay on the wash cycle due to a malfunctioning component. The component could be any of the following:

  • Lid switch – If the washer’s lid switch is defective, the lid won’t latch correctly, and if it doesn’t, the washer may smell a malfunction and refuse to move cycles. In this case, it can refuse to go past the sensing mode or wash cycle.
  • Timer – Since the timer controls the wash, rinse, spin, and other cycles, you wouldn’t want it to malfunction. If it does, the washer may stay in one cycle, which is the wash cycle.
  • Washer belt – If the washer belt is broken, your washer cannot move cycles. In our case, it’s unable to go past the wash cycle.
  • Shift actuator – The shift actuator won’t change its position and will not allow the washer to run if defective. As a result, it may stay on the wash cycle.
  • Motor – Your Centennial washer will also have spinning issues if the motor is defective. You can tell that from the error codes such as PC, 3C, or PC1.
  • Control board – It’s a no-brainer; a defective control board stops the washer from running correctly, and if so, then it’s the likely reason the washer stays on the wash cycle.

Fix

You’ll need to replace any of the above washer components if they are faulty. Start by checking the lid switch, timer, and motor using a multimeter, and replace any of the above components if they don’t show continuity.

Replace a broken dryer belt or shift actuator and consider replacing the control board as the last option.

Maytag Centennial Washer Gets Stuck On Spin Cycle

Your Maytag Centennial washer needs to go past the spin cycle. If it doesn’t, then it won’t clean the clothes, and that could be a result of these issues:  

  • Load imbalance
  • Wrong detergent (non-HE)
  • Faulty lid switch or lock
  • Defective timer

Maytag Centennial Washing Machine Stuck On Sensing

Ideally, the washing machine should stay on sensing fill for not more than 5 minutes to try and sense the load. Sometimes, however, your Maytag Centennial won’t go past sensing mode, and that could happen due to these reasons:

  • Unbalanced laundry load
  • Load overload
  • Error code
  • Open lid – perhaps due to a defective lid switch
  • Malfunctioning motor or faulty inlet valve
why is my Maytag centennial washer stuck on sensing

People Also Ask

1. Why Is My Maytag Washer Getting Stuck On Wash Cycle?

Your Maytag washer is getting stuck on wash cycle because of inadequate power or water supply, an error code, a blocked supply tube, a drain tube or filter, or an out-of-balance load. If that’s not it, perhaps an error code stops the washer from moving beyond the wash cycle, or there are too many suds.

2. Why is My Washer Stuck on a Cycle?

Your washer is stuck on a cycle because of an error code, which you should reset, a power issue, an unbalanced load, or insufficient water. In that case, reset the washer to clear the error code, redistribute the load evenly, and improve water flow into the washer.  

3. How Should I Reset the Maytag Centennial Washer?

You can reset a Maytag Centennial washer by unplugging it for 3 minutes. If that doesn’t work, consider pressing Power/Cancel for a few seconds and choose a new cycle before pressing Start.

Concluding Thought on the Maytag Centennial Washer Stuck On Wash:

Above are the eight most probable explanations for your Maytag Centennial washer failing to go past the wash cycle. Fortunately, you can fix those issues DIY, and the above troubleshooting guide will help you do that.

So, instead of calling an expert, why don’t you roll those sleeves up, unleash your toolbox, and start fixing the washer?