Maytag washers are well known for their efficiency and performance, for example, the Maytag Bravos washer; however, they can face some errors from time to time due to regular usage or user error. When your Maytag washer has an error, it displays a code to make it easier for you to know the cause.
The errors sometimes can be ambiguous as they only consist of two letters, like the error code UL. If you have never faced the error before, it might be exhausting to understand what it means. However, you don’t have to worry because, in this article, I explain what the UL code means.
In addition, I will discuss the possible causes of the Maytag washer UL code and explain how to solve each cause and prevent it in the future.
Causes of Maytag Washer UL Code
The Maytag washer UL code stand for unbalanced load, which means that the load of laundry inside your washer’s tub is not even. The UL code appears after the washer finishes a wash cycle with an unbalanced load; the UL error code is more frequent in Maytag front load washers, for example, the Maytag Bravos washer.
Another meaning of the UL error code is that the washer is unbalanced, which means it can be leaning to one of the sides. If the load is unbalanced in your washer drum, it can affect the rotating speed of your washer. There are more causes of the Maytag washer UL code; I will discuss them in detail in the following troubleshooting points.
1- Unbalanced Laundry
When you place your clothes inside the washer drum and the wash cycle starts, the laundry gets wet and balances unevenly. The uneven balancing of the laundry creates pressure on the drum of the washer, which can affect the spin cycle speed.
Therefore, the washer starts blinking or flashing the UL error code to alert you of the uneven load. The load size also can be the reason; the laundry load has to be suitable for the size of the washer; I will cover it in the next point.
2- Wrong Load Size
Operating your washer to wash a single clothย can cause the UL code to appear. Washers have a specific laundry range; if not met, the washer will be unbalanced.
When you use your washer, you have to ensure that the load in the washer meets the laundry range of the washer; this also includes not overloading the washer, which is our next point.
3- Overloaded Washer
Going over the range of your washer can also be the reason for the UL error code; the load inside the washer shouldn’t exceed 80 percent of the washer size.
Exceeding the limits of the washer puts too much pressure on it, which can affect the rotation speed and, over time, can cause damage to the washer.
4- Unleveled Washer
The washer has to be level when functioning because if the washer is leaning to a side, it will push the laundry to that side. Consequently, creating more pressure on that side, which causes the UL error code to appear.
If you want to check if your washer is balanced, you will need a flat plank, then place the plank on top of the washer. If the plank doesn’t sit straight, your washer is not balanced.
5- Loose Drain Pump
If the drain pump is loose, it can cause the UL error code; the drain pump is located at the bottom of your washer. If you want to check the drain pump, you will need to put the washer on one of its sides and then check if the pump is secured in its place.
6- Defective Suspension Rods
The suspension rods are responsible for decreasing friction when the washer is at a spin cycle, especially at high speeds. If the suspension rods are defective, it can cause the UL error code; unfortunately, if the rods are defective, you will need to replace them, which can be costly.
7- Faulty Water Level Switch
The water level switch is responsible for detecting the water level inside the washer; if the water level is faulty, it can cause the UL error code. A faulty water level switch will always detect that the washer is complete, which will make the washer think there is an overload, and as a result, it will display the UL error code.
8- Damaged Components
Some components in the washer can be damaged and cause the UL error code; for example, if the pulley or the belt are damaged, they will affect the spinning of the drum. As a result, they put too much pressure on the washer and caused the Maytag washer UL error.
9- Electronic Glitch
The last thing to suspect, if nothing seems to be the reason for the UL error, is that there is an electronic glitch. Electronic glitches can cause some errors to appear with any real cause; the solution here is to reset your washer, and the issue should be solved.
How to Fix Maytag Washer UL Code?
After discussing the possible causes of the Maytag washer UL code, like unbalanced laundry, wrong load size, overloaded washer, and all the other causes, I will explain how to solve each cause in detail.
1- Reset the Washer
First, reset your washer to ensure it’s not an electronic glitch before moving through the following fixes and wasting your time. There are two options to reset your Maytag washer; the first option is to power off your washing machine and unplug it from the electrical socket. Let the washer unplug for ten minutes, then plug the washer, turn it on, and select a wash cycle to see if the issue is solved.
The next option is to power off your washing machine and toggle off the circuit breaker for ten minutes if the washer plug is not accessible easily. Then, toggle the circuit breaker on, power on the washer, and select a washing cycle to determine if the error disappeared.
2- How to Fix an Unbalance Load?
If you have put a suitable load of laundry inside your washing machine, then the problem might be that you need to level it. Pause the washing cycle, open the washer door, and balance the wet laundry. After finishing, continue your washing cycle, and the issue should be solved.
2- How to Fix the Wrong Load Size?
Washing only one cloth or a load lower than the predetermined range of your washer is not advised. You will need to stop the washing cycle and take out the items, or you will need to add more items to the washer until the washer range is met.
3- How to Fix an Overloaded Washer?
Putting too much laundry inside your washer to finish the laundry faster will overload the laundry and affect the spin cycle speed. Therefore, you must stop the washing cycle, open the washer door, and take some items out to lower the pressure on your Maytag washer.
If you have a front-load Maytag washer, you will need to take out the light clothes; meanwhile, if you have a top-load Maytag washer, you will need to take out the heavy items. Always aim for lower than 80 percent of your washer size when washing your laundry.
4- How to Fix an Unleveled Washer?
You will need to check if your washer is unleveled by putting a flat plank on top of the washer; if the plank is not straight, the washer must be leveled. Keep the plank on top of the washer, and then lift the appliance and adjust its stand. Keep adjusting the stand until the plank is straight, which means your washer is also straight.
5- How to Fix a Loose Drain Pump?
If the drain pump is loose, it can cause the UL error; the drain pump can be accessed by putting the washing machine on one of its sides; it’s recommended that you lay a towel under the washer to protect it from scratches.
The drain pump will now be accessible at the bottom of the appliance; use a screwdriver to tighten the loose drain pump. Then, put your washer back into its upright position.
6- How to Replace Defective Suspension Rods?
The suspension rods are essential for the washer because it protects the drum during the spin cycle at high speeds from friction. Therefore, if the rods are defective, you will need to replace them; please follow these replacement steps:
- Turn off the washer and unplug from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the front panel of the washer.
- Remove the top covering of the washer to access the main components.
- Locate the suspension rods.
- Lift the inner tub and empty the rods from any pressure.
- Take out the lousy suspension rods and install the new ones.
- Install the covering and front panel.
- Power on your washer.
If you are not comfortable doing the replacement process yourself, you should hire a professional technician. The suspension rods are costly, and you don’t want them to get damaged while you install them.
7- How to Fix a Replace Water Level Switch?
If the water level is faulty, it can always detect the washer is complete, making the washer think it’s overloaded and causing the UL error to appear. Therefore, you will need to replace or clean the water level switch; please follow the following steps:
- Turn off the washer and unplug from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the top panel of the washer.
- Locate the water level switch; it’s at the top right side if you’re standing in front of the washer.
- Disconnect the tubes and wires from the switch.
- Clean the switch if it’s dirty.
- Replace the switch if it’s faulty.
- Connect the tubes and wires to the switch.
- Install the top panel of the washer.
- Power on your washer.
8- Replace Damaged Components
If there is a damaged part, like a broken belt or pulley, you will need to replace them to ensure they don’t affect the washer’s performance. If you are uncomfortable replacing the part yourself, it’s advised that you hire an experienced technician to replace it and check for any other issues.
Preventing Maytag Washer UL Code
After walking through the troubleshooting points and discussing the possible causes of the Maytag washer UL code and the solution to each cause, I will tell you how to prevent and avoid the UL error in the future.
1- Balance the Load
When putting your laundry inside the washing machine, ensure that you don’t put too many heavy items that overload the machine and put too much pressure on it. Try to balance the load by putting a mix of heavy and light items so you stay under 80 percent of your washing machine size.
In addition, avoid washing a single item or a small load of laundry because it will lead to unbalancing your washer. You should try doing your laundry together and divide it among balanced cycles.
The last thing is to ensure your washing machine is not leaning to a side because this will push the laundry to one side and put too much pressure on that side. Therefore, place your appliance on a flat surface to avoid this issue.
2- Regular Maintenance
All electrical and electronic appliances need to be maintained regularly to decrease the chances of errors; therefore, you will need to check regularly your Maytag washer for any faults that cause errors.
For example, ensure that there are no defective or faulty components, like faulty water level switches or suspension rods. You can either do the maintenance yourself or hire a technician to check your washer for any issues.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
