Maytag Microwave Error Codes

Complete Maytag Microwave Guide

This guide explains all Maytag Microwave error codes (CH series) with simple troubleshooting steps to help you identify and fix common issues safely before calling a technician.

F1
Touchpad Shorted
  • Disconnect microwave power for 5–10 minutes.
  • Clean control panel from moisture, grease, or debris.
  • Inspect ribbon cable connection to control board.
  • Replace touchpad or keypad assembly if faulty.
SE
Keypad Communication Error
  • Check keypad ribbon cable connection.
  • Inspect for stuck or damaged buttons.
  • Reset microwave power supply.
  • Replace control panel if communication fails.
F2
Cavity Overheating Detected
  • Allow microwave to cool completely before reuse.
  • Check ventilation openings for blockage.
  • Inspect thermal sensor and thermostat.
  • Replace thermal cutoff or sensor if needed.
F3
Humidity Sensor Failure
  • Inspect humidity sensor wiring connection.
  • Clean microwave cavity of moisture or residue.
  • Check sensor connector pins for corrosion.
  • Replace humidity sensor if readings fail.
F4
Door Switch Fault
  • Ensure microwave door is fully closed.
  • Inspect door latch alignment and switch.
  • Check wiring to door interlock system.
  • Replace door switch if faulty.
F5
Magnetron Failure
  • Unplug microwave immediately for safety.
  • Inspect high-voltage components (technician only).
  • Check magnetron for visible damage or burning smell.
  • Replace magnetron or high-voltage system if needed.
F6
Relay Control Failure
  • Reset microwave by unplugging for 5–10 minutes.
  • Inspect relay on control board for burn marks.
  • Check wiring to magnetron and inverter circuit.
  • Replace control board if relay is defective.
F7
Inverter Overload Error
  • Turn off microwave immediately.
  • Check inverter board connections.
  • Inspect magnetron load condition.
  • Replace inverter if overload persists.
F8
Low Voltage Supply Issue
  • Check household power stability.
  • Avoid using extension cords.
  • Reset circuit breaker if needed.
  • Test microwave on a different outlet.
F9
High Voltage Transformer Fault
  • Disconnect power immediately.
  • Inspect high-voltage transformer (technician only).
  • Check capacitor and diode condition.
  • Replace transformer if defective.
E10
Exhaust Fan Error
  • Check fan for obstruction or dust buildup.
  • Inspect fan motor wiring.
  • Ensure ventilation is not blocked.
  • Replace fan motor if not operating.
E11
Main Control Board Failure
  • Power cycle microwave for 10 minutes.
  • Inspect PCB for moisture or burn damage.
  • Check wiring harness connections.
  • Replace control board if necessary.
E12
Thermal Cutoff Activated
  • Allow microwave to cool fully.
  • Check ventilation and airflow.
  • Inspect internal fan operation.
  • Replace thermal fuse if repeatedly triggered.
E13
Touch Panel Communication Error
  • Clean control panel surface.
  • Check ribbon cable connection.
  • Restart microwave system.
  • Replace touch panel if issue persists.
E14
Overheating Detected
  • Turn off microwave and allow cooling.
  • Check ventilation openings for blockage.
  • Clean internal fan and airflow path.
  • Inspect thermal sensor if repeated.
E15
Cooling Fan Malfunction
  • Inspect fan for obstruction or dust.
  • Check wiring and motor connection.
  • Clean internal components.
  • Replace cooling fan if not spinning.
SE
Sensor Error / Communication Fault
  • Check all sensor wiring connections.
  • Clean internal control board area.
  • Restart microwave system.
  • Replace faulty sensor if needed.
F21 / E21
Motor Failure / Mechanical Jam
  • Check rotating components for blockage.
  • Inspect motor assembly and wiring.
  • Remove any mechanical obstruction.
  • Replace motor if failure continues.

Frequently Asked Questions


What are common error codes in Maytag microwaves?
Maytag microwaves display error codes to indicate issues such as keypad failures, door switch problems, overheating, sensor malfunctions, inverter faults, or control board communication errors. Most issues can often be resolved by resetting the unit, checking door closure, ensuring proper ventilation, and inspecting wiring connections.
What does F1 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F1 indicates a touchpad or keypad shorted condition. Clean the control panel, remove moisture or grease buildup, inspect ribbon cable connections, and replace the keypad if the issue persists.
What does SE error mean on a Maytag microwave?
SE refers to a keypad communication error. Check ribbon cable connections, inspect for stuck buttons, reset power to the microwave, and replace the control panel if communication fails.
What does F2 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F2 indicates oven cavity overheating. Allow the microwave to cool completely, check ventilation openings, inspect thermal sensors, and replace the thermal cutoff if necessary.
What does F3 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F3 indicates a humidity or moisture sensor failure. Inspect wiring connections, clean the microwave cavity, check sensor pins, and replace the humidity sensor if faulty.
What does F4 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F4 refers to a door switch fault. Ensure the door is fully closed, inspect the latch and switch mechanism, check wiring, and replace the door switch if needed.
What does F5 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F5 indicates a magnetron failure. Unplug the microwave immediately, inspect high-voltage components (technician only), and replace the magnetron or related components if necessary.
What does F6 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F6 indicates a relay control failure. Reset power, inspect relay contacts on the control board, check wiring to the magnetron circuit, and replace the control board if required.
What does F7 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F7 indicates an inverter overload error. Turn off the microwave, inspect inverter connections, check magnetron load, and replace the inverter if the issue persists.
What does F8 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F8 indicates low voltage supply. Check household power stability, avoid extension cords, reset the circuit breaker, and test the microwave on a different outlet.
What does F9 error mean on a Maytag microwave?
F9 indicates a high-voltage transformer fault. Disconnect power immediately, inspect transformer, capacitor, and diode (technician only), and replace faulty components if needed.
Why is my Maytag microwave not heating?
This may be caused by a faulty magnetron, inverter failure, door switch issue, or high-voltage component failure. Check door closure first, then inspect internal components or call a technician.
Why does my Maytag microwave keep shutting off?
This can be caused by overheating, poor ventilation, faulty door switches, or power supply instability. Ensure proper airflow and check internal safety switches.
Can I reset a Maytag microwave error code?
Yes. Turn off the microwave, unplug it for 5–10 minutes, then restore power and restart. This can clear temporary electronic or sensor glitches.
Why do Maytag microwave error codes keep coming back?
Recurring error codes usually indicate deeper hardware issues such as failing sensors, damaged wiring, inverter faults, or control board failure requiring professional diagnosis.
Important: If Maytag microwave error codes continue after troubleshooting, disconnect power immediately and stop using the appliance. Persistent faults may indicate serious high-voltage, sensor, or control board issues. Continued use may lead to electrical hazards, overheating, or component damage. Contact an authorized Maytag technician for proper inspection and repair.